What To Wear To Vivid

Vivid has become a hallmark of the Sydney calendar. It’s something to look forward to when the darker winter nights roll around, with the city and harbour lit up with eye-catching installations. Vivid Sydney will run from 24 May to 15 June 2024 with Sydney-siders and visitors all taking in the sights. 

With the weather getting colder and the threat of rain too, trying to find the right outfit to explore the streets in comfort and style can be a challenge. You’ll spend the majority of your time on your feet so something practical is a must, but thankfully there’s no reason why fashion and function can’t go hand in hand. We love the chance to bundle up into our outerwear and have put together some outfit inspiration to keep you looking your best for the obligatory photos you’ll be sending to friends and family.

Men’s Styling


From left to right 
  1. This utilitarian look is a favourite season after season, particularly in the trans-seasonal months as we move from Autumn to Winter. The heavy-duty cotton of the Tulsa overshirt provides an in-between layer which is ideal for layering. Pair it with straight-leg or slim-fit jeans, a light-coloured t-shirt and, for the really cold nights, a crewneck jumper.
  2. Cord pants are a staple for your winter wardrobe. Warmer than your typical cotton chinos but less structured than denim, they’re a super comfy way to stay stylish. We’ve paired cord pants with a cotton tee, a warm woollen jumper and a classic puffer jacket. This combination is for the coldest of nights, letting you sit outside on the waterfront or on a terrace and take in Vivid without the chill factor.
  3. If you’re heading to the opera house or dinner on your way to/from the lights, this combination will cover you for all bases. The fleece-lined jacket dresses up and down easily, working well with a pair of fitted chinos and brogues. To dress the look up, we recommend a collared shirt and merino crew neck jumper. This combination will not be out of place when wandering through the lights or at a nice restaurant. 

Women’s Styling

From left to right 
  1. Trench coats are a classic and the ideal throw-on for effortless style. Vivid is no exception. The extra length, compared to a normal coat, provides welcome warmth and a chic silhouette. Pair with mid-rise jeans and a merino jumper for a relaxed vibe or a knitted dress for a touch more sophistication.
  2. A good outer layer is undoubtedly a feature point of winter wear, and quilts are one of this season's must-haves. We’ve matched this subtle quilted jacket with light-denim pants and our versatile Malibu crew. The wadding of the jacket provides just the right amount of insulation to explore without getting too warm. This outfit strikes the ideal balance between style and comfort, ensuring you stay snug but on-trend. The quilted jacket is so soft you won’t want to take it off!
  3. This outfit makes the most of your wardrobe essentials and capitalises on the texture of the cord overshirt - one of the most popular Academy pieces. It’s ideal for exploring with friends and family when you want something stylish but uncomplicated. The black pants and high-neck vest offer an understated everyday look. As mentioned in the men's styling, cord is a popular winter fabric, and for good reason. Layering with a cosy crew neck sweatshirt adds warmth if needed, making it perfect for those in-between days.

Explore In Style

Vivid is a highlight of the Sydney winter and the perfect excuse to breathe some new life into your winter wardrobe. We love classic, timeless styles that you can come back to year after year and that pair with all your favourite layers.

For more inspiration, head over to our Instagram or discover the latest men’s & women’s collections.