Billowing trench coats on a Parisian boulevard, the punk-pop silhouettes of a London local in edgy layers, or a perfectly dishevelled Milanese man who looks like he just stepped out of an Armani ad are the runway moments of real life. And, for the seasoned traveller, proof that the true magic of a city often lies not just in its monuments and museums, but in its sidewalks.
Street style has long transcended the front rows and stepped firmly into global culture. Credit the early aughts visionaries like The Sartorialist, who turned candid urban snaps into mood boards for the fashion world. Instagram followed suit, serving up stylish strangers from Stockholm to Seoul with a double tap. Now, suitcase in hand, we too are chasing that high – where the destination is style and the compass is curiosity.
Paris: The City of Love (and designer labels)
Come for the pastries. Stay for the Parisian street style. Because the locals in the city of love, really do know how to nail their boulevard looks in a tres bien way. Like effortlessly slouched in wide-leg jeans, striped tees, vintage Celine cross-body bags, and a red lip smudged just-so. Head to the Marais or linger around Palais-Royal, and watch the city’s style-set mix bourgeois classics with thrift-shop rebellion to create ensembles that are c’est magnifique.
Copenhagen Cool
Copenhagen is all history, hygge, and some of the best-dressed people you’ll ever see moving at high speed. Expect oversized suiting, pops of Scandi pastel, and practical footwear that still manages to look editorial. The Danes have mastered minimalism with a twist. Park yourself near Nyhavn or meander through Vesterbro, and you’ll see what all the fuss is about. Or, follow Princess Mary’s transformation and DIY your own take on Aussie-Girl-Turned-Royal.
Made in Milan
Milan’s architectural grandeur – the sharp lines of the Duomo di Milano, luxe colours of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and sheer majesty of Santa Maria delle Grazie- is rivalled only by the precision of its tailoring. Little wonder when one reflects on the iconic exports that the Capital of Fashion has birthed. Here, Prada’s minimalist cool has long walked side by side with Dolce & Gabbana’s baroque glamour, proving that contrast is the city’s true signature. You’ll spot women in sharply cut Armani power suits, radiating effortless authority as they stride through the Quadrilatero della Moda, before Versace’s Medusa prints pop up around the next corner. Whether sipping espresso or stepping into a gallery, Milan’s fashionistas proudly wear the city’s legacy of craftsmanship, coolness and creative couture on their well-tailored sleeves.
New York, Concrete Jungle Where Style Dreams are Made
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From Harlem to SoHo, Brooklyn to the Bronx, New York style is a vibrant mosaic that thrives on individuality, where personal expression reigns supreme over traditional fashion rules. It’s a city where uptown polish effortlessly merges with downtown grit, creating a unique blend of elegance and street-savvy cool. You’ll find vintage Levi’s paired with Balenciaga sneakers, and thrifted trench coats layered over statement tees, demonstrating the city’s fearless approach to mixing high fashion with streetwear. The beauty of New York’s style lies in its unpredictability. Whether it’s the bold colour clashes seen in the gritty East Village or the monochromatic sophistication worn across the Upper East Side, there’s always a surprising element of creativity in play. And, while the annual Met Ball offers one night of A-list glamour, the energy of Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue truly provides a year-round showcase of superstar style that never sleeps.
Tokyo: Land of the Rising Looks
When Gwen Stefani paid homage to Japanese street style, spelling out that the many of the looks in the Land of the Rising Sun were “Bananas (B.A.N.A.N.A.S)” – she was right. Specifically in Tokyo, where fashion isn’t worn – it’s performed. One walk through Harajuku or Shimokitazawa and you’ll see what the Former-Ms-No-Doubt means. Experimental layering, sculptural silhouettes, and hair colours that put cherry blossoms to shame, this is a city where style is both self-expression and subversion. In the birthplace of Comme des Garcons and Issey Miyake, the street has becomes a space for wearable art.
“Tokyo is a city where style is both self-expression and subversion”
Marrakech, Magic in the Medina
Between the terracotta labyrinth of the Medina and the palm-lined boulevards of Gueliz, the Red City offers a style spectacle as rich and layered as its spice markets. Think flowing kaftans in saturated saffron and emerald, embroidered babouches (slippers) clicking against mosaic-tiled courtyards, and wide-brimmed straw hats worn not as sun protection, but as a statement. The souks may be centuries old, but the style here is timeless – an intoxicating mix of Berber heritage, Parisian bohemia, and a dash of Yves Saint Laurent’s romantic Morocco. Naturally, a visit to the Jardin Majorelle is mandatory. Just bring your best linen set and gold jewellery for that midday golden hour glow.
Sand, surf and street style in Sydney
In Sydney, the dress code is deceptively relaxed. But, look closer, and there’s a quiet, confident fashion scene thriving between the surfboards and latte-sipping sets. Whether it’s Bondi locals in oversized linen shirts and Hermes slides, or inner-city creatives in sculptural resort wear with just the right amount of irony, Sydneysiders serve looks with a “don’t try too hard” charm. You’ll spot them spilling out of art galleries in Chippendale, people-watching at Paramount House, or ordering oat flat whites in head-to-toe neutrals that would make a Scandinavian swoon. The sun-kissed gloss of it all can fool you, but make no mistake: Sydney style is considered, international, and increasingly influential. The streets may be lined with jacarandas, but the fashions pounding the pavements are pure, modern minimalism. All too often with a playful, coastal twist.
