My top Australian brand picks
Fresh off a trip down under
Shopping while traveling is one of my favorite ways to discover new brands and find unique pieces. When I arrived in Melbourne, I kicked off my first day with a perfect flat white before immediately diving into shopping on High Street in Armadale. Nothing like a full day of shopping (Alex was a trooper) to get over my jet lag. I bought a few things, but mostly took photos and notes of my sizes for future reference. One of my biggest shopping hacks is to take photos of the item and your size and file it away. Then you can shop with confidence if you don’t want to purchase anything now but find the brand on The Real Real or on final sale later on.
I always get so excited to shop in Australia for a few reasons. First, our Aussie family friends have the best style, so I’m always extra inspired. Second, Australian fashion nails the balance between effortless and elevated that I aim to achieve. And third, their proximity to Indonesia and Vietnam—where many clothes are made—means you get high-quality fabrics and construction at a better value.
Please enjoy my list, ranked from most affordable to most splurge-worthy.
Most affordable ($50-200)
Assembly Label: Known for high-quality basics with a better fit than most – think Gap but elevated. I recommend paying a little more for Assembly over Brandy Melville. They also have a fantastic men's section, with both Alex and Malcolm picking up several pieces.
Kookai: Perfect for going-out tops, especially their versatile asymmetrical button-up tank that’s everywhere.
Tony Bianco: Flats, heels, and boots at Dolce Vita-quality prices but less known in the US.
Dissh: You’ve definitely heard of this brand from their big US marketing push. While in my opinion they’ve shifted their money toward marketing rather than quality materials, they’re still great for 100% linen pieces and wool sweaters.
Mid range ($100-300)
Hansen & Gretel: Refined yet wearable pieces, perfect for anything from casual daytime looks to evening wear.
Significant Other: Beautiful dresses and well-priced options for bridal and bridesmaids and wedding guests.
Peony: Primarily swimwear with feminine, vintage-inspired styles, plus a commitment to sustainable materials.
Venroy: A cool surfer vibe, blending comfort and style. Good men’s options.
Silk Laundry: 100% silk everything - get your perfect silk pants, slip dress, maxi skirt, tank tops here
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Higher end ($300+)
Aje: Bold, contemporary designs with sculptural silhouettes and natural fabrics, offering a mix of edgy high-fashion pieces with incredible detailing and hardware.
Sir: Modern minimalism with sleek tailoring and luxurious fabrics. I have three dresses from here and can vouch for their quality and timeless designs.
Matteau: Timeless silhouettes made with luxurious natural fabrics, ideal for relaxed everyday pieces like swimwear and casual dresses.
St Agni: Clean lines and sustainable fabrics, I especially love them for their beautiful leather shoes and bags.
Alemais: Popular in the US right now, with vibrant, artistic prints and textures.
Camilla and Marc: Structured pieces and flowing garments in rich fabrics
Leo Lin: Perfect for bridal collections, with intricate appliques and unique designs.
Rachel Gilbert: Specializes in evening wear and bridal, featuring sparkles, sophisticated silhouettes, and interesting fabrics.
Scanlon Theodore: A luxury Australian brand that combines classic elegance with modern design for timeless, high-end pieces.
Many of these brands offer international shipping, and even better, several are available on department store sites like MyTheresa, Net-A-Porter, Moda Operandi, and Saks with free shipping and returns. Hope you feel inspired to check out a new brand!