Sister Cities, Sister Style: Why does Boston fashion feel strangely familiar?
Sisters don’t steal; they borrow. Well, at least that is what my younger sister so strongly believes, and it seems as though this rings true in Boston.
Boston and Melbourne established an official sister relationship in 1985, built around their shared commitment to education and the arts. And despite being over 10,000 miles apart, four decades later the two cities still seem to act like sisters.
Image by Charlotte Howard
Coming from Melbourne, the fashion in Boston has felt remarkably similar. With the shift to fall (or autumn for those reading back home), I have noticed a strong emphasis on practical, weather-driven layering. I’m not sure this is so much a choice but rather a result of the variable weather we are both subject to.
There is a common reliance on transeasonal pieces: plenty of denim, knit sweaters, trench coats, and boots. This style of dressing allows people to move effortlessly through their day, adding and removing layers as need be. Essential for two cities where busy schedules demand versatility.
Image by Charlotte Howard
Melbourne wardrobes are famously monochromatic, often dominated by black, whereas Bostonians tend to incorporate more typically New England hues into their wardrobes, such as nautical blue or sailor red. So, while the colour palettes may differ, both cities employ an understated yet practical approach to fall fashion.
A common phenomenon that I and other travellers often experience is adjusting our outfits to the city we are exploring. When visiting Copenhagen last summer, I found myself quickly adopting the effortless yet distinctive style of the locals. In LA this August, I found myself doing the opposite, reaching for brighter and more expressive pieces. Yet when I arrived in Boston, I found myself doing very little adjusting at all. Instead, the familiar layering, neutral tones, and understated approach felt as though they had followed me from home.
So maybe my sister was onto something after all. Sisters really do borrow — and perhaps cities do too.
Image by Charlotte Howard
