Two years ago, my husband Richard and I packed up our then 3-month-old baby and our 2-and-a-half-year-old toddler and moved from Australia to The States (Dallas, Texas) for him to pursue some rather exciting expansion opportunities with his company. Looking back now, I swear that I must have been running off of adrenaline because I can barely remember the move at all. That says a lot about a move of this size (and a lot about motherhood, as well).
I get asked rather frequently if America is like Australia, and what differences have stuck out to me the most since moving here. There are many.
But, I also get asked about how different the fashion is in America to that in Australia. There are also many.
Firstly, I don’t think anywhere can be like the United States.
This place is a mecca of all things both big and small. I have only encountered people in Texas, New York, Florida, and Nashville and the one thing I can say is that everyone I have come across has the most contagious ‘can do’ attitude. The “world is your oyster” in the U.S., and I think that is awesome.
Us Australians – whilst friendly and hardworking – are known to adhere to something called “Tall Poppy Syndrome.” Simply put, this is a situation where if someone looks like they are getting too full of themselves, we like to bring them back down to our comfort level.
As far as fashion goes, I believe that with today’s social media, the gap between fashion (some countries ahead and some behind) has become vastly smaller, if not completely non-existent.
The one thing I have noticed since moving to Dallas, which I didn’t expect was the number of women with Romantic Style Personalities.
Here are the characteristics of a Romantic –
You love everything about dressing up and planning your wardrobe. Your clothes are pretty and you adore all sorts of details: bows, ruffles, flounces, embroidery, and fringes.
You love to experiment with new skincare and body care products and never go out without your perfume. You will spend longer than anybody else looking after yourself and your grooming (which is not necessarily a bad thing).
There are some important style characteristics to note: Flowers feature heavily in your wardrobe, whether in patterned fabrics or as accessories and decorative details, such as corsages, rings, and other jewelry.
You are all about the details, even your underwear is matching and pretty!
I don’t think I have ever really visited a city that has quite an obvious majority Style Personality, not that seeing women walking around in soft floaty fabric, floral prints, beautiful feminine jewelry, and accessories isn’t beautiful to see!
I believe that a woman who dresses for her true Style Personality is showing the world a snippet of who she really is. It shows confidence in that no matter the ‘trends’ for the season, I’ll take it or leave it because this is who I am, what I am drawn to and what makes me stand tall. You would be hard-pressed to find a woman who loves her outfit and doesn’t feel confident.
Moving to Dallas from Australia was a shock to the system in many ways, but observing these women who know what they love and how to dress to express that, on top of collectively being ‘Romantics’ was something I was pleasantly surprised with!
I love a good Romantic. The elegance and grace that these women exude are palpable, almost as if they are walking straight out of a classic novel. The streets of Dallas are filled with this soft, dreamlike quality that is both enchanting and inspiring. It’s as if the city itself has a heartbeat that thrums with romance, from the charming boutiques to the picturesque parks where these stylish women stroll with an effortless air of sophistication.
Furthermore, the Romantic style isn’t just about the clothes; it’s a whole lifestyle. These women embody a certain timelessness, a dedication to the art of living beautifully. From their meticulously curated wardrobes to their passion for skincare and self-care, they remind us all of the power of aesthetics and the joy that comes from embracing one’s true self.
So, whether you’re a native Texan or a newcomer like me, take a moment to appreciate the Romantics of Dallas. They are more than just fashion icons; they are the keepers of a tradition that values beauty, elegance, and authenticity. In a world that often feels rushed and utilitarian, their presence is a breath of fresh air, a reminder that there is always room for grace and charm in our everyday lives.
Dallas has proven to be a city that celebrates individuality and style in a way that I hadn’t quite anticipated. And for that, I am grateful. Here’s to the Romantics, may they continue to inspire and delight us all.