Country Road

You’re not going to find anything even remotely avant-​garde at Country Road. This store isn’t about pushing boundaries. Rather, Country Road stocks classic trans-​seasonal pieces that will be bound to last you a good few years. Sure it has a real ladies who lunch vibe going on, but what can you do, it’s still the best place in Melbourne to stock up on quality cardigans.
The La Trobe Street store is an obvious favourite, largely due to the sheer size of the place. There’s a men’s level upstairs as well as a designated accessories and shoes foyer. Country Road is one of those stores where nothing really jumps out at you from the racks. It’s best to go with something you need in my mind and stock up on the store’s proliferation of basics.

I knew Country Road was home to some great modern workwear and some indispensably classic separates, but unintentionally hilarious staff? It didn’t even cross my mind.
That was until I found myself in the truly massive Melbourne Central branch of Country Road and overheard a hilarious exchange between two staff members who were debating both a recent raft of returns and the possible merits of attaching tags to the shop’s shoes reading «Do not wear out of the house» and tags to the store’s beach bags reading «It’s probably best not to ACTUALLY take me to the beach.»
Unintentional hilarity aside, in my opinion this is hands down the best Country Road store in Melbourne. Why? Because it stocks not only an incredible array of the label’s mens, womens, childrenswear and homeware but also a selection of Country Road’s sister label, Trenery’s best gear.
Particularly noteworthy are Trenery’s chic blazers, gorgeous sandals, and truly beautiful big leather bags while Country Road’s much celebrated — but actually quite hard to find — homeware is like IKEA with a tasteful cash injection; all hand woven baskets and classic monotone picture frames which would add a classy touch to even the most studenty Melbourne flat.