Want to Get Snapped by Street Style Photographers? Make Sure You Do These Three Things
28 February 2025 | Words by Charlotte Wilkes
Three of Australia’s leading creatives give their inside tips on how to stand out at PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival.
Have you ever scrolled through fashion festival street-style photos and wondered how the same people keep getting photographed? Or spotted a standout outfit and thought, Could I pull that off?
The good news: You don’t need to be an influencer or a fashion insider to catch a photographer’s eye at PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival. But, according to some of Australia’s top street-style photographers and interviewers, it does take a mix of bold choices, smart styling, and the right attitude.
Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2022. Taken by Karen Woo
2023 London Fashion Week. Taken by Liana Hardy
ONE: Be Bold and Creative
”People are more creative than ever.” – Karen Woo, Photographer
Karen Woo, who has been a street style photographer since 2014, says creativity is at an all-time high.
“Fashion Festival street style is about standing out and being noticed by photographers, but everyday street style is authentic and spontaneous. That’s what makes it so exciting.”
Liana Hardy, another top street-style photographer, agrees that bold, unconventional looks make an impact, especially ones influenced by global fashion trends.
According to Hardy, Japanese and K-drama-inspired fashion has taken over the city.
"[Australians] love traveling there, so a lot of Japanese designers have really embraced it and appreciated the fact that we wear their labels," she says.
Of course, Melbourne’s famously unpredictable weather also plays a huge role in shaping its fashion culture. Locals have mastered the art of layering, making multi-seasonal pieces a staple.
“People here dress for all seasons. Melbourne fashion blends practicality with creativity,” Hardy says.
For fashion interviewer Olga Pokrovskaya, it’s all about balance.
“It’s about being relaxed but adding a personal touch that makes the outfit unique and different.”
TWO: Do Your Research
As PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival approaches, certain key trends are set to dominate the street-style scene. These are just a few of the standout styles to watch.
Caption: 2023 Paris Fashion Week. Taken by Liana Hardy.
Oversized tailoring is making a statement, with masculine suiting emerging as a festival favorite, especially when paired with bold accessories for a modern edge.
“The bolder, the better. It’s a moment to celebrate unconventional shapes,” says Hardy.
Designers like Junya Watanabe and Comme des Garçons are major influences on this trend, pushing the boundaries of structured fashion.
2023 London Fashion Week. Taken by Liana Hardy
Street style in Melbourne. Taken by Olga Pokrovskaya
Transparent Looks
Sheer, daring outfits are having a moment, exuding confidence and artistic expression.
“You can be really bold. And I love that they can pull it off, it’s inspiring,” says Woo.
Monochrome Looks
Sleek, single-tone outfits are taking center stage.
“It could be all black, but different textures make it look so cool. Like, let’s say cotton, then leather, then some fur,” says Pokrovskaya.
Fur Accents
Faux fur is a bold statement, appearing in unexpected details like pants, skirts, and accessories.
“I love fur, not real fur, obviously. But when it’s used in unpredictable ways, like pants made of fur or skirts with fur trim, it’s really cool,” Pokrovskaya adds.
Street style in Melbourne. Taken by Olga Pokrovskaya
2023 Paris Fashion Week. Taken by Liana Hardy
Melbourne Fashion Week 2024. Taken by Karen Woo
Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2022. Taken by Karen Woo
THREE: The Attitude That Gets You Noticed
Beyond the clothes, it’s the attitude that truly stands out in photos. Some of the most memorable street-style icons embrace fashion fearlessly, like Charlene Davies.
“I love her attitude. She's so energetic and so thoughtful in her outfits. You’re like, wow, that’s something I wouldn’t wear. It’s really crazy, but it’s her. Her thought process comes through in her outfits, she doesn’t care what people think. She makes a statement and tells a story,” Woo says.
At Australian Fashion Week in Sydney, Davies took street style to another level with one unforgettable look.
“She wore a table with croissants! So bizarre, but I loved it,” Woo recalls.
But most of all, “just have fun with it. Fashion Week is your playground”, says Hardy.