What Not to Pack for a Trip to This Iconic Australian City

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What Not to Pack for a Trip to This Iconic Australian City

Australia is known for its spectacular beaches. But if you’re planning a trip to Sydney, you may want to avoid stuffing your suitcase with flip-flops, board shorts, and beachy mumus. While Australia is known for its laid-back vibes, locals in Sydney tend to dress with style and polish. So with a little bit of planning, you can avoid looking like a tourist without overpacking.



Dressing for a day at the beach while out and about in the city is a no-no. Leave the too-casual beach bum clothes at home, and instead opt for something a little more high-brow. You’ll want to avoid tight, restrictive clothing — breathable is better, because the weather can get super hot during the summer. Some swankier places also enforce a dress code, which could ban clothing like singlets, sportswear, track pants, or flip-flops.

Sydney is a great Australian spot for a warm-weather winter vacation, but you won’t get away with just shorts and a tank. You should also avoid heavy winter coats and bulky sweaters. The winters are mild (which for those on the Western hemisphere, Australia’s winter is from June to August), with temperatures ranging from the high 40s to the low 60s Fahrenheit, so it’s all about layering for comfort. Dressing in layers lets you go from the warmer days to cooler evenings easily — plus, layers add an extra touch of style to your look.



What to wear in Sydney to blend in with the locals

Dave Pennells

By Dave Pennells

Dave Pennells, MS, has contributed his expertise as a career consultant and training specialist across various fields for over 15 years. At City University of Seattle, he offers personal career counseling and conducts workshops focused on practical job search techniques, resume creation, and interview skills. With a Master of Science in Counseling, Pennells specializes in career consulting, conducting career assessments, guiding career transitions, and providing outplacement services. Her professional experience spans multiple sectors, including banking, retail, airlines, non-profit organizations, and the aerospace industry. Additionally, since 2001, he has been actively involved with the Career Development Association of Australia.