In this week’s Urban Style Challenge, two very different cities compete: Almere (Netherlands) and Melbourne (Australia). Many thanks to our contributors Sandra and Rebecca for your great input!
What’s your city’s style?
| Almere | Melbourne | |
| Makeup | A lot of eyeliner and a lot of foundation. | Light, natural makeup is worn during the day, and eyes and lips are highlighted at night. |
Hair |
Long hair (blond if they are Dutch/ black if they are of different origin). Older ladies have very short hair (army style). | Hair styles vary with long, short, coloured, braided, messy buns, top knots, pony tails, clipped and pinned… |
| Fashion trends | Leggings; Uggs boots (also in the summer); high heels and miniskirts for going out. | The changeable weather and clichéd “four seasons in one day” applies to Melbourne, so fashion trends are based on layering light clothes for comfort. This allows for a quick outfit change if the westerly winds blow through or the sun beats down on the city.
A pair of black leggings or tights are a core piece of most wardrobes and are layered with dresses and boots, cardigans, jackets and scarves. Summer 2010-2011 Festivals – Knit singlets over bikini tops, paired with denim shorts and thongs (flip flops) Day-to-night – Maxi dresses/skirts, sandals |
| Nails | Fake nails. French manicure. Dark colours | Mani-pedi places are popping up everywhere. And bolder often clashing colours are brightening up fingers and toes. |
| Colours | Dark colours, especially in the winter | Classic shades matched with brighter colours/ floral or animal prints. |
| Footwear | Thongs (flip flops) are worn in summer. Havaianas are popular and most Aussies own a few pairs.
UGGs and boots are worn in winter, and ballet flats throughout autumn and spring. Flat shoes are favoured over heels and allow for a sprint undercover when it starts raining. Sensible Melburnian’s don’t leave home without an umbrella. |
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| Jewellery | Rings, earrings, piercings | Novelty, retro or oversized – you need your sunnies (sunglasses) year-round in Melbourne.
Chunky bangles, long chains and statement rings are worn and Pandora and other charm bracelets are popular too. |
Read more:
Urban Style Challenge: Bishkek vs Vancouver
Fashion freedom in Japan
Ever tried making your own Mongolian boots?
UGG boots also in the summer! OMG! I think in Melbourne, they love casual clothes (surf influence?) and it’s true what they say there “If you don’t like the weather, wait a minute!”