SYDNEY, PUT ON SOME CLOTHES!
We Sydney-siders are in denial.
We’re proud of our outdoor way of life – all warm and sub-tropical. We like to think we live at the beach, in the pool, on the verandah, around the barbecue.
If a city wore clothes, Sydney would be in shorts and a T-shirt. Or a summer dress with sandals.
Melbourne? She’s all layers: overcoats, scarves, gloves and beanies.
But guess what? Mid-winter in the Harbour City is absolutely freezing. The minimum temperature is a single figure; the westerly winds are fresh and biting and I can’t help but wonder about my fellow Sydney-siders.
Why are so many of them under-dressed?
Coming out of the supermarket the other day, bracing myself against the wind, a large shapeless figure in black walked towards me. It was an older woman in a knee-length coat with a knitted woollen scarf wrapped several times around her neck. Ours was a brief encounter – she was leaving, I was arriving – yet she saw in me a fellow traveller. Another sensible woman. An enlightened one.
I was also wearing a buttoned-up coat, long enough to cover my bottom, and a scarf wound several times around my neck. (A friend told me recently he attributes his immunity to winter colds and flu to his constant wearing of scarves.)
The woman addressed me briefly as we passed each other. “Australians!” she said in an Italian accent, “They no wear warm clothes. Is cold today. They no wear proper things.”
“I know!” I said, in complete agreement. “Exactly!” I loved her immediately.
It’s something I’ve been on about for a while. At the radio station recently, young women came to work in summery tops and ballet flats. Ballet flats! No socks, no distance between the sole of a bare foot and the icy cold, sometimes wet, concrete pavement. What are they thinking?
Have they not yet learned to appreciate the simple joy of warm feet and sensible shoes?
I love the carefree confidence a pair of comfortable, rubber-soled, water-resistant shoes can give. It’s sad but true that one of my greatest pleasures is walking in the rain while staying warm and dry.
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35 Responses to this article
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Keziah Hill July 9, 2012
Every time I stay in Sydney in winter instead of being at home in the Blue Mountains I freeze. Sydney-siders don’t know how to heat their houses. Skimpy two bar radiators and drafty windows.
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RES July 9, 2012
Sydneysiders are in denial that they have a winter. Unfortunately we do have a winter, although comparatively mild, it still calls for coats with perhaps hat and scarf. My hubby still walks around in shorts and sandals moaning about how much he hates winter – I just tell him to dress for winter then it wouldn’t be so bad!
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Tracey July 9, 2012
I think it comes from growing up wearing a school tunic, whose only variation between summer and winter was a thin, v-necked cardigan. I’ve only just fully embraced the concept of scarfs, coats and tuck-in spencers to keep my kidneys warm.
And yet, I was watching a PYT standing in a wind channel last Saturday night – wearing only a singlet, jeans and boots and a very huggable boy/man to keep her warm. I seem to remember that would have worked for me in my late teens/early 20′s.
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Alicia July 9, 2012
Oh Angela, I hear you. You can also add to this ludicrous list of the wrongly dressed people still hitting the streets with Havianas on the end of their feet (usually with a jumper on top, go figure), the woman who turned up to a cocktail function on Friday night wearing what amounted to a backless sequinned condom when it was about 6 degrees, and my personal favourite, the brides and bridesmaids doing their thing on an 8 degree afternoon swathed in a wisp of chiffon, usually strapless, backless and almost frontless all at the same time. And their guests? Yep, mini skirted in a little slip of silk or something to showcase great legs, goosebumps and a really bad fake tan. Signed, the woman who owns at least 20 overcoats and winter jackets.
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Sydney-sider July 9, 2012
That was me on the weekend, walking the mean streets of Syd in jeans, jumper and havianas! I wasn’t cold though
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Red 60 July 9, 2012
It’s the same in Brisbane, for the first time in many years, we have had a cool Winter, but that does not mean people wear warm clothes. Especially younger ones, still very very short shorts, t-shirts, and maybe a cardi, and me, well I’m quite happy to wear jeans, closed in shoes, (yes i said that) layers, and even a scarf, and feel comfortable. Who’s the dummy???
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Bianca July 9, 2012
Here here! I couldn’t agree more. Even worse are the people who have some sort of climate confusion and wear scarves with thongs and even skirts, bare legs and a coat. If you’re cold, layer up people. I can’t leave the house without my boots on.
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Jen hart July 9, 2012
Ok we at everyday cashmere are a bit bias. Love the article, just been for a swim at narrawallee, south coast and sitting in my cashmere Hoodie with the kids and the dog. Beautiful day. Waiting for a whale to pop it’s tail up. Cheers stay snug. Jen
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Aeron Winters July 9, 2012
It happens up here in the hunter too it seems. I live across from a shopping centre, and at any time of day I can look out my front window, even when it is a single digit day, and see people in shorts, singlets, ballet flats or thongs. Actually, some of the shorts the girls wear are more akin to denim underwear than shorts. I hate the cold, and I layer up. I wear camis under my jumpers to add an extra layer of warmth, a coat that covers my bottom and a scarf. If it’s particularly cold, I add a beanie and a warm pair of gloves. I’ve only had one cold in the last five years so I must be doing something right.
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Elaine July 9, 2012
Arriving in Sydney, in 1980, from the UK, I almost wept with cold during my first Winter here. Hadn’t Sydney heard of central heating? Yes, everyone huddled around tiny bar heaters and bathrooms that made me want to remain unwashed til summer. Even cockroaches had the sense to migrate somewhere warmer. As for the Blue Montains, Keziah, my experiences are of one room sweltering like a Swedish sauna, lit by a log stove, while the rest of the abode is decorated with icicles. I had a WElsh girlfriend come to live in the Blue Mountains a few years back. I advised her to make sure her new home had central heating. “No, I won’t need that, I’m Welsh.” A week after she moved in, she called me in tears and with chattering teeth said “I have to wait a month for heating to be installed.”
Every house or flat I have rented has gas coooking. So why did some twit of an owner, remove all the gas outlets that would have existed next to the so called fireplaces?? My only option has been freestanding heaters to cosy up my home, whilst racking up large electriciy bills. Which of course is now a hot topic!
As for draughts….am I the only person who knows of those cheap, magical little snakey things that do wonders around doors or even windows to keep the chill out. Why aren’t Sydney homes protected against the cold and the heat with double glazing?
Mind you, visiting the UK these days, they have the heating up so hot they are all romping around in t-shirts and I am constantly opening windows!
Must put my adored Winter coat on now, my fab boots and go for coffee.
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sami July 9, 2012
It’s the same in Perth. And I am often one of the under-dressed.
This is partly why- it is warm in my house in the morning. I walk out of the warm house to my warm car. I drive in my warm car to my warm workplace and I spend a total of about 5 minutes outside. I wear ballet flats to work every day and I am not fussing around carrying and changing into different shoes for each tiny journey. I wear a scarf if it’s really cold, but often it’s not that necessary.Another reason is that I LOVE winter. I revel in the cold because I hate the heat. Summer sucks. Give me winter all year round and I’ll be happy. It’s much easier to warm up than it is to cool down.
Also, winter clothes are SO EXPENSIVE! $100+ for a jacket that won’t get worn that much? Not keen. And boots are expensive too, not that they fit over my calves anyway…
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quietvintagesewing July 9, 2012
I have been saying this for years. As a New Zealander I know how to rug up and have listended to Sydneysiders complain how “freezing” it is for 20 years!
Trouble is – you only need a good warm coat for about a month or so – so most don’t seem to bother. I recommend buying the best quality fabric you can afford – look for pure wool (not acrylic or viscose).
And light layers underneath – I love Glassons Merino wool knits – you can layer them up and they are affordable and machine washable – toasty!
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Royce July 9, 2012
It’s strange…. if you get stuck into an outdoor activity and wear minimal gear, on some days you seem to adapt nicely.
If you sit indoors rugged up then venture out without much enthusiasm… crikey it’s cold.If you are a teenager in the mating game your metabolic rate is through the roof… very warming.
I sit here in an icy south east Vic location…. double beanied
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Reannon July 9, 2012
Living in Perth we have loooooooong hot, dry Summers. When the cool weather finally arrives, usually a month or so late, I am over joyed. I pull out all my layers, wrap scarves around my neck & pull out my boots. My children on the other hand are mental. They refuse to wear long pants to school & rarely wear a jumper. To bed they come out of the shower wearing boxer shorts. It’s a constant battle! Today they have long pants & shirts on while sitting under doonas, a sure sign that today must be SERIOUSLY cold.
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Jenny M July 9, 2012
Love the artical Angela, a kindred spirit! I have often wondered the exact same thing. What about about those individuals who enter or leave cafes/restaurants and don’t close the door belind them!!!
Only last night, I saw a gorgeous young girl with her highrise heels, vinyl low rider pants and shaggy bolero jacket shivering whilst her entire midrift was exposed to the elements it was 8pm!! -
Catherine July 9, 2012
I have always loved winter so much more than summer as it suits my very fair skin and very thick hair so much better than summer does! I have a disproportionately large collection of winter coats, boots and gloves that I love madly. But I can never find anything cool enough to wear in summer because I need to cover my inconveniently white limbs to stop them from burning. As much as many people complain that Sydney does not really accommodate it’s winter – I have to say it certainly does not accommodate those of us who really suffer from the heat – more awning, umbrellas and shady spots please!!!
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Lady Jewels Diva July 9, 2012
Gen Y does that, not put any clothes on. I have no idea how they can walk around in skimpy little tops and bomber cardis with their pants down around their crotch and it’s like, get some clothes on, it’s winter!
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Karen Trickett July 9, 2012
So true, so true. And it gets worse the further north you go. No-, one has a decent heater, windows that don’t shut, watching tv wrapped up in blankets and shivering…give me Melbourne any time!
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Cathie G July 9, 2012
I love reading your articles Ange – you make me laugh. I too think that Sydney is cold and that we are in denial by not dressing properly or insulating and heating our “open plan” homes. This year I bought a long “puffy” jacket for my Mother’s Day present and whilst expensive, it has already paid for itself many times over. Whilst I look like a Michelin woman, it sure keeps me warm and blocks those bitter south westerly winds when I’m standing on soccer pitch side lines every weekend morning. I have sort recent respite and am currently warming my winter bones in the sunshine at Coolangatta. Lots of skimpy clad Gen Yers up here too wearing “the uniform” of Havannas, denim shorts and hoodie !
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The Huntress July 9, 2012
I LOVE Winter dressing! I love dresses and tights, with long over the knee boots, with a fabulous coat, gorgeous gloves, a scarf and a hat. Accessories ROCK during Winter and I can never wait for the weather to cool down so I can pull them all out!
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Bettina July 9, 2012
At the childcare centre I work at in the upper Blue Mountains, we have a notice that says, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.”
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ellenni July 9, 2012
sami where are you shopping. though i dont have to watch my budget i still visit target, big w and kmart. the clothes there are very reasonable and the quality is good. thermal undies which double as tshirts from those shops are a good buy too. a good classic cut jacket can last years as do jeans and boots of good quality. go take a look. there are also very good recycled shops and you would be surprised at who you see there.
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Van Essa July 9, 2012
I have just come back from Darwin and I had to laugh when I saw the headline that said something like, toughen up, it’s only winter. It was having a go at all the people walking around Darwin with jumpers on.
We live in the Northern part of NSW and people laugh at us for having a wood fire but it gets mighty cold here at night. The days are magic but the clear nights…not so much. Give me the warm fire, my dressing gown and slippers and a glass of red and I’m a happy girl.
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angela catterns July 9, 2012
Bettina, that sign is perfect. Exactly what I’m talking about. And Cathie G … I hear you and see you in your ‘puffy’. Now there’s a stylish garment! Bet you’re warm as toast.
Just spent the weekend in the Blue Mountains, The Op Shops up there have some seriously good overcoats and hats.
And 2nd hand fur jackets and coats. Not sure where I stand on old fur garments. What about you? -
RobynMarie July 9, 2012
Oh Ange, you are so right! I went to the Carrie Underwood concert last Tuesday night, complete with my super dooper woollen thermals that saw me through a fortnight in New York in December and a scarf and a coat with a faux fur collar. I hasten to add I am an Australian, not some thin blooded scrap of a thing. Of course the Opera House is warm and all that but I was taking no chances with the walk to and from the parking station. The amount of young women I saw with BARE LEGS ! MINI SKIRTS! ARMS EXPOSED! IN WINTER! What is wrong with these girls? Have I become an old woman? But nay, the Hoopla warms my heart yet again. Thank you Angela. May you always be warm in winter.
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Sam W July 9, 2012
Can’t go past a pair of funky coloured Doc Martens – waterproof, warm & goes with skirts & jeans. Dr. M, you are my winter saviour!
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Sharon July 9, 2012
Sorry to say it but Sydney is amazingly warm and yes it’s winter….
YES I WILL COME CLEAN I am one of those ladies who is still in flip flops and t shirts as I walk the pram and the dog. I really really really want to get my boots out and my scarves on…… I simply boil.
at night of course it’s doona city and a head warmer (attractive as it sounds it saves the brain freeze and pain in the sinus hahahaha.
SO BY DAY STILL SUMMER ATTIRE….BY NIGHT BRING ON THE DOONA. LOL.Seriously though it’s so warm in the sun on these beautiful sunny winter days I love Sydney in the winter
silly Aussies lol -
VRog July 9, 2012
My favourite look is the midriff top with a mini skirt or shorts and ugg boots. I saw that ensemble on two pretty young things in one day last week. What are they thinking???
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Caitlin July 10, 2012
It is really not that cold in Sydney in winter. I have nice coats and hats etc from when I lived in Europe but there is really no need for any of it in Sydney.
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Pauline July 10, 2012
I walked my feet off in my home town Camden and even tried Narellan big shopping centre for a coat that had some warmth. NOTHING, most coats have a max of 30% of any real fibre the rest are polywhatsaname and they are about as warm as wearing cardboard! I have a drawer of scarves and coats of black, blue, white, bottle green and now a camel coat. Two of them are knee length, I look rather overdressed compared to others in town, wearing even singlets. Do they sleep until midday or what, sometimes it is almost 19 deg then. I don’t get colds and flu – because I always wear a scarf! A scarf is elegance for men as well.
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Tina July 10, 2012
Insightful comments Angela!! Add to your list brides in bare shoulders and deep, plunging necklines shivering in the middle of winter! The word that comes to mind is WHY? Maybe I’m just becoming too sensible and too old????
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Melissa July 12, 2012
Even in Melbourne you get them too. Short skirts, midriff tops, etc. with Ugg boots! Ugg boots – since when have they become an acceptable piece of outside clothing, they’re not waterproof … but that’s another story. Then there’s the other end, jeans, jumpers, overcoats worn with thongs on the feet! OMG, if the top half is screaming it’s cold enough to wear a jumper, surely the footwear can follow suit!
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brittany April 10, 2013
I had the pleasure of spying a (quite large and probably russian) man in London in mid-november last year wearing short shorts, a t-shirt, and a fur hat. perhaps the most appropriate winter attire I have ever witnessed.
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Anne-Maree April 10, 2013
Shopping centres have the heat so high that it is impossible to dress for winter, most don’t want to be carrying their coats and cardigans around. I love bundling up to the cold a long coat or cardigan that covers the bum, a scarf, boots everything that keeps you warm. Sometimes you just can’t enjoy it all!!!
