Looking the Part at the New Orleans Jazz Festival

By Amy Gabriel
April 30, 2010

New Orleans, LA—the world’s only intersection of Southern decadence and French influence. With countless festivals on weekends throughout the year and plenty of weekday off-the-beaten-path entertainment to keep things interesting in-between, there is always plenty to taste, experience, and celebrate here.

Among my favorite annual New Orleans moments: The annual Jazz and Heritage Festival. Located at the The Fair Grounds Race Course, the festivities feature authentic Louisiana cuisine, funky wares from artists and designers, and multiple stages hosting a jam-packed line-up of local and international music from artists including Simon & Garfunkel, Lionel Richie, The Black Crowes, the Allman Brothers, and Pearl Jam. It’s no wonder that locals, out-of-towners and celebs alike arrive in droves to the Big Easy to partake in the abundance of top-shelf temptations. (Maggie Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard were rumored to be rocking out in the VIP section this past weekend.)

Now in its 41st year, the Festival’s cup runneth over with so much action that it spills over into two back-to-back weekends. The Festival started this past Friday, April 23 and ran through Sunday. Attendees caught their breath (and I took a few moments to write this article) before things picked up again yesterday and will run through Sunday.

While we're only halfway in, one things that's clear is that the "Da Fest," as Nawlins natives call it, has a crowd style all it's own. My biggest trend takeaways so including cclectic ikat and tribal prints, beachy-keen tunics and straw fedoras, hippie nation tie-dye, feminine floral prints, comfy rompers and classic preppy ensembles.

IKAT and TRIBAL

In a city where cars yield to parades and costumes are more everyday than holiday, bright colors and off-the-wall prints are always in style, which makes the global-chic ikat trend fit in seamlessly here. With its repeating patterns and eclectic vibe, this look is not only Fest-festive, but is also guaranteed a spot as a top summer style contender in the Big Easy and beyond. Keep with the organized chaos and mix in accessories like patterned oversized satchels and sweetly embroidered belts with an earthy tribal vibe. Wayfarer sunglasses in unexpected colors are also a popular pick.

Rock the look: 1. Tory Burch Ikat Bandeau Dress (buy it now price, $121.59) 2. Tribal Ethnic Canvas Bag (buy it now price, $14.99, 3. Ethnic Macedonian Folk Costume Embroidered Belt (buy it now price, $89.99), 4. Ray Ban Wayfarers (buy it now price, $107.72)

BEACH CHIC

Given the muggy and humid Nola climate, the style rule “less is more” applies for the majority of the year. Many Fest-goers are looking effortlessly chic in light cotton tunics and breezy beach cover-ups. Strappy gladiator sandals and structured straw fedoras are part of the entourage of accessories, which help take the look from sand and surf to center stage.

Rock the look: 1. Vitamin A Beach Tunic (buy it now price, $78) 2. Chloe Gladiator Flats (buy it now price, $695) 3. Beach Brim Cowboy Hat (buy it now price, $129.99)

TIE DYE

Which came first, tie dye or music festivals? It’s hard to say, but whatever the order of origin, tie-dye remains a cross-gender favorite for festival garb. The guys are sporting soft tie-dye tees with skinny jeans and comfy kicks, while the girls are opting for summer dresses with multi-colored swirls and no-nonsense boots for tromping through the mud.

Rock the look: 1. Wallis Dress (buy it now price, $69.99) 2. Justin Roper Boots (buy it now price, $70) 3. Custo Barcelona Tie-Dye Sweater Shirt (buy it now price, $99.99) 4. Ipath Cats Low-Tops (buy it now price, $67.90)

FLOWER CHILD

Pretty floral prints are coming up like daisies all over the festival grounds. The perfect mix of beauty and the beats, the gals are donning muted flowery frocks paired with simple flops. Another statement-maker for daytime star-gazing is a wayfarer/cat-eye hybrid of sunglasses.

Rock the look: 1. Reyes Dress (buy it now price, $449.50) 2. 1975 New Dress (buy it now price, $94.99) 3. Havaiana Flip Flops (buy it now price, $12) 4. Vintage Gucci Glasses (buy it now price, $89.99)

ROMP-N-ROLL

Romper, jumper, playsuit, onesie…you’ve gotta love a trend that has so many aliases. From solid colors to figure flattering prints, the one-piece is topping the charts at this year’s Jazz Festival. This little number is ideal for Fest folly; unlike a skirt, you needn’t worry about a swift breeze blowing your cover while you're crowd surfing or dancing with reckless abandon.

Rock the look: 1. VPL Silk Romper (buy it now price, $795) 2. Black Halo Jumper (buy it now price, $169.99) 3. Vintage ‘80s Striped Romper (buy it now price, $98)

PREPSTER

Despite the perception that field festivals are reserved for hippies and hipsters, there are plenty of preppies at this party. Nautical stripes teamed with oversized shades and sunhats are a favorite of the female set, while the guys keep it clean and classic with white-on-white polo shirt/short combos and wide-brimmed sunhats for flair.

Rock the look: 1. Jean Paul Gaultier Stripe Top (buy it now price, $29.99) 2. Panama Straw Hat (buy it now price, $139.99) 3. Yves Chantal 80's Vintage Sunglasses (buy it now price, $119.99) 4. Vintage White Fedora (buy it now price, $49.99)