This article was sponsored by Chadstone. 

When you think of shopping hotspots with people quite literally flying in to spend their hard-earned dollars on world-class brands, you might be inclined to think of Dubai, Beverly Hills, or Fifth Avenue. If Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs weren’t the first thing to come to mind, we could forgive you… but we’d be quick to educate you on the error of your ways. 

Already dubbed ‘The Fashion Capital’, we argue that Chadstone is even greater than its tagline suggests; with a hotel, dining options and entertainment venues, you’d be well within your rights booking an entire vacation around this veritable mecca of all things high-end. 

As the dreaded summer wardrobe refresh looms, forget dragging your feet from high street to high street; Chadstone boasts the best range of menswear retailers under one roof anywhere in Australia and will have you covered for any event that silly season might throw your way. 

Don’t believe us? Let us give you some examples, working from the more laidback end of your summer plans spectrum all the way up to your smartest and suavest occasions. 

Casual BBQ

Picture this: it’s a Saturday afternoon, and your best mate has just handed you an ice-cold beverage as he fires up the first BBQ of the season… but what are you going to wear? This is one for the boys, so there’s no need to dress up, you can keep things casual with your favourite streetwear brands. 

One of Culture Kings’ iconic graphic tees — this writer has a soft spot for the Y2K Venom Long Sleeve T-Shirt — and a pair of South St. Kansas Cargo Shorts and you’re well on the way to the perfect fit. Round it out with a pair of Adidas Original Sambas and you’re good to go. Or if you’ve got the coin, the Moncler Monogrammed Short-Sleeved Shirt and co-ord shorts worn by Isaac Quaynor in our feature image; it’s a no-brainer. 

Evening Drinks

But let’s say the plan changes: just as your boy’s BBQ feels like it’s hitting a plateau, your partner’s bottomless brunch has reached unprecedented levels of excitement and they want to link up for evening drinks; it’s time for a quick change. 

This is where Chadstone’s unbeaten line-up of high street menswear staples comes into play: Calibre’s Multi Stitch Knit Shirt is a smart-casual centrepiece, ADER Error’s Pleated Trousers from Incu are a godsend, and a Coach Jacket from Uniqlo will round out any cocktail hour outfit.  

Eventwear

Now let’s up the ante even further: the evening out goes so well that it ends with one of your pals proposing to the love of his life. Before you know it, they’ve booked an impromptu wedding and all of a sudden you’re in desperate need of something a little fancier. 

Fear not, Chadstone’s suiting specialists — M.J. Bale and Politix are our personal faves in this category — will have you decked out for the ceremony. M.J. Bale’s Kinch Jacket is a beauty, as are Politix’s Wool Blend Tailored Pants. Meanwhile, high-end hotspots — Dior, Valentino, Balenciaga, Moncler, the list goes on — will make you the envy of any reception. 

Accessorising

But what is any good outfit without accessories? And what is the ultimate in men’s accessorising? A killer watch, of course. The Kennedy store is world-class; you’ll never have a better or easier time getting hold of your dream Rolex or Patek. If you’re more of an IWC man, you’re in luck there too; pop in and speak to Steven who’ll help you pick out the Portugieser you’ve always lusted after. 

Combine your new wrist candy and new wardrobe with Chadstone’s valet parking and, suffice to say, you’ll roll out of there feeling a million bucks… and then some. Don’t just take the pain out of your pre-season shopping spree, make it a once-in-lifetime experience.