Looking the Part at SXSW

By Chris Frey
March 31, 2010

Every March for 24 years and counting, the SXSW (South By SouthWest) Festival has consumed the city of Austin, TX. The town that calls itself The Live Music Capital of the World plays host to over 100,000 visitors from 59 countries over the course of 10 days in a celebration of what's new in music, technology and film.

The early dates of the festival are devoted to Interactive and Film, with new media presentations, film screenings, and a slew of panels featuring industry experts, not to mention loads of parties. This year, the Interactive portion drew 14,000 registered badge holders, an increase in attendance of 33 percent over last year and an indication of the continually growing influence of new media on our cultural landscape.

The Music portion of the Festival begins about halfway through the 10-day period and is the largest, with almost 2,000 bands playing on over 90 stages in and around Austin’s downtown. Each year, it’s practically sport for local residents to watch the influx of musicians that flood the city’s streets donning their best stage looks, sometimes uncertain as to what to do in Austin’s heat when back home, there’s still snow on the ground. Of course, celeb spotting is always a favorite sport during the Festival, with text messages flying back and forth as everyone clamors to be in the same bar, restaurant or house party where Bill Murray and his cohort are hanging out.

I’ve been coming to SXSW for years, but this was my first time as a local. (I recently relocated to Austin from New York.) This year, I was more familiar than ever with the off-the-beaten path art spaces like Okay Mountain and art/pop culture bookshop Domy Books, where you can find acts that have officially played the festival doing smaller, more intimate gigs—and usually for free and open to the public. I loved seeing all of my favorite local spots—from boutiques to coffee shops—get in on the fun, with free music, free film screenings, free drinks, free tacos... something for everyone.

Although fashion isn't officially part of the SXSW line-up, it nevertheless plays a starring role. Comfortable shoes (for hours on your feet) and layered looks (for days when the temperature can vary 30 degrees within a single 24 hour period) are a part of the style uniform, as are predictable rock-n-roll staples like denim and leather. This year also brought forth tons of '80s day glow' metallics and wild patterns (including tons of tribal print accents); lots of scarves; colored sunglasses; cool, flat boots and shoes; and bold jewelry.

Check out my breakdown of SXSW style:

DEMURE PUNK

It seems fitting that Kristen stewart and Dakota Fanning were running around town to promote their film about pop punk band The Runaways because we continually saw girls sporting similar looks to those I'm the film. My favorite is this more demure punk style that leaves out chains and studs in favor of Chuck Taylors and a classic motorcycle jacket. She's even a bit French with her loose, side swept ponytail.

1. New Converse Chuck Taylor (buy it now price, $57.99) Updated in crisp white leather, these hi-tops should last a lifetime, scuffing optional.

2. Purple Jeans (buy it now price, $0.99) Colored jeans aren't trendy anymore; they're just fun, especially in the mix with classic pieces.

3. New Faux Leather Motorcycle Jacket (buy it now price, $9.99) No need for attitude; the black leather jacket has become a wardrobe staple. Keep it fitted and cropped at the waist to avoid "biker" bulk.

GLAM

Bold accessories can take any outfit from drab to fab in about one second. I love the grungy military boots played aginst her graphic aztec-inspired scarf and oversize gold earrings, all perfectly framed with a modern haircut. Although she's mastered the art of evening wear for day as well as the military and tribal trends, you would never call her trendy because she just looks great.

1. Vintage Silver + Gold Dangle Earrings (buy it now price, $67.50) Slinky and cool—a perfect way to glam up a t-shirt and jeans.

2. New Animal Print Scarf (buy it now price, $16.99) Black and white is always crisp and graphic. This is the only statement piece you need.

3. New Leather Combat Boots (buy it now price, $10.12) Grungy but still polished; a perfect way to incorporate a little edge into your look.

ECLECTIC MIX-MASTER

Who doesn't envy a woman who can effortlessly pull off not one but three powerful statement pieces at the same time? It requires a little courage to scour one's closet in search of an eclectic style mix like this woman's, but if achieved, its an instant mood lifter. She is so playful and fun, it's hard to believe she didn't bring the floral wall from home, too.

1. New Vivienne Westwood Handkerchief Scarf (buy it now price, $23.99) A colorful, fun replacement for your usual statement necklace.

2. New Straw Safari Hat (buy it now price, $6.97) A stylish hat that will actually keep you protected in the sun.

3. New Blue Mirror Wayfarer (buy it now price, $6.99) Take a break from your classic tortoise frames and walk on the wild side with bright color.

ROCKER

Some consider a t-shirt and jeans to be the quintessential rock-n-roll uniform. This woman keeps it fresh and feminine with short engineer boots in a pale color, chain jewelry and an edgy asymmetrical haircut.

1. New Hollister Destroyed Jeans (buy it now price, $39.95) A little distressed denim goes a long way and will up your rock-n-roll ante instantly.

2. New Frye Suede Boots (buy it now price, $225.00) The classic engineer boots look fresh in tan suede.

3. Gold-layered Mesh Chains (buy it now price, $14.00) Layered chains are a great bridge between tough and pretty.

MONOCHROMATIC CHIC

In a sea of black and brights, this woman stood apart from the crowd. With a punch of color in her rose-colored shades and floral-print jacket, she exuded an elegant but tomboyish spring vibe that we love.

1. New Lacoste Red Aviators (buy it now price, $49.95) We all know you can't go wrong with classics, but these break away subtly with bright rims and an unexpected lens tint.

2. Clark’s Desert Boot (buy it now price, $34.50) Wallabees and desert boots aren't just for the boys anymore. These original Clarks feel fresh in white.

3. New Floral Golf Jacket (buy it now price, $18.00) Floral jakets don't have to be a Golden Girls moment. This cute bomber style is sporty and feminine.

'80s ANDROGYNY

If SXSW was any indication, short hair is making a comeback for girls. Androgynous accessories like classic Keds and a boat tote are fashionable and utilitarian, especially when paired with the graphic '80s patterns of her T-shirt and jacket.

1. New Tolani Zig Zag Scarf (buy it now price, $40.00) The scarf has become the unisex all-season staple. It the perfect piece to experiment with pattern.

2. New Ked’s Black Velvet Sneakers (buy it now price, $14.99) Same classic Keds shape, but in black velvet, these feel like chic slippers for the streets.

3. LL Bean Custom-Made Boat Tote (buy it now price, $35.00) Not your preppy old school boat tote, this carryall has sophisticated colors that make it a fashion must.

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