Melbourne is home to every kind of shop a fashionista dreams. However, you don’t need to have a keen eye for fashion to locate and purchase the formal dress you need. Give it a bit of time and go to the key locations – shortly you’ll find what to wear for the upcoming event. Below we will have a look at the city’s top shopping areas for both upscale and more casual fashion. The good news is that there’s no rule as far as the prices are concerned: there’s something for every budget. Even in its central neighborhoods, Melbourne has affordable outlets and cheap vintage stores where you can always find what you are looking for.
Bridge Road for bargains
This is a shopper-friendly street where you can always find bargains. There’s no definite guide to Bridge Road however, as the shops and brands are constantly changing. There’s always a surprise or two. Allow yourself enough time to investigate every location; you never know what you’ll come across. Bridge Road hosts many factory outlets, so the prices will be the best you can get. Also, you will find some European designer boutiques lined along.
Chapel Street for Australian designers and top fashion
Sometimes, all you need to see is the Chapel street dress shops. Melbourne’s best known shopping street is a true shopper’s adventure and is perpetually updated. Chapel Street is iconic to Melbourne. It starts at Windsor end and goes up to the posh South Yarra. Besides world famous brands, you can also view creations by local designers, as well as shop vintage clothing. Although the street hosts loads of casual clothing brands too, you don’t need to browse these stores; focus solely on the formal ones. In addition, you can also shop for accessories to go with your formal attire.
Sydney Road
Stretching between Albert Street and Brunswick Road, this one is an insanely long shopping avenue so make sure you have plenty of energy and other resources for it. Its fashion boutiques are very tempting and the prices are reasonable. Moreover, your visual sense will also be delighted with jewelry and art. Sydney road is recommended when you have the patience and the will to go through everything before you have your pick.
Alternative and unusual fashion
If high street fashion does not represent you, yet you still need to buy something that stands out, you may want to go for alternative styles. Stores, like Deviate, Antons and Downtown Revolution, may have what you need. Gothic, vintage pin-up or edgy dresses are always on display. The best stores are around the Melbourne Central Station, Bourke Street or close to the City Town Hall. Gertrude Street, situated within a larger shopping area, is also well known for its quirky shops with a range of timeless and unusual garments and accessories.
Many claim that Melbourne’s streets are excellent for “retail therapy”. We advise shopping wisely. Always keep your goal in mind and do not spend on items you were not planning to get – you may eventually come across the perfect formal dress and be unable to afford it. Stick to your mission at all times, as the distractions are plentiful.
Paul Petersen 
Clare Louise