Looking the Part: Sundance Style

By Chris Frey
January 28, 2011

Celebrities—trading in spray tans and diamonds-on-loan for parkas and flapper hats—spent this week frolicking in snow-capped Park City, UT at the annual Sundance Film Festival. Pioneered by actor Robert Redford to showcase independent film, Sundance Film Festival is known for its small town, laid-back vibe, where chandeliered ballrooms are replaced with barns and bonfires. (Left: Photo by Todd Oren/Getty Images)

In between press conferences and film screenings you might spot newly-married Elsa Pataky and Chris Hemsworth in line for the snowboard lift, "Entourage’s" Adrian Grenier singing with his band, The Honey Brothers, or Susan Sarandon ruling the ping pong table at the Bing Lounge.

Every year at the end of January, Sundance Film Festival's narrow streets are flooded with celebrities, journalists, fans and, of course, the paparazzi, who give us an up-close and personal look at what red carpet critics would classify as low on the glamour scale, but we simply call low-key winter fashion trends—at least as far as Hollywood goes. (We're sure many a celebrity stylist was consulted regarding those shearling jackets and slouchy hats.)

At this year's Sundance Film Festival, which runs through Sunday, we're seeing the expected winter style staples: woolly scarves, flannel shirts, ski boots, fur everything and a magnitude of black puffer coats in every imaginable shape and volume. But rather than bore you with parkas and pea coats, we bring you two Sundance fashion trends that are classic enough to wear until the spring thaw and then again for years to come: traditional plaid accessories and stylish winter boots.

We'll also outline two winter fashion trends that we discovered hiding underneath the layers of winter gear: preppy but demure button up shirts (worn buttoned all the way up) and the new hemlines—high necks and floor length dresses. We loved them on the fashion runways for Spring 2011, but we were surprised to see the ultra feminine silhouettes having a moment already…and in 20-degree weather.

Stylish Winter Boots

It’s possible to keep toes toasty while still looking chic. Lake Bell looks prep school cool with her classic duck boot style. Andie McDowell went with a flat, uber cozy shearling mukluk. Demi Moore’s lug-soled lace-up booties say utility in the front, but the stiletto in back screams Hollywood.

Roll over items for details

New Sorel “Joan of Arc” Boots

(buy it now price $95.75)

New Studded Lace Up Ankle Boot

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New Oscar Sport Après Ski Boots

(buy it now price, $170)

Above: Lake Bell (Photo by Ray Tamarra/Contributor); Andie MacDowell (Photo by Ray Tamarra/FilmMagic); Demi Moore (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Staff)

Classic Plaid Accessories

Traditional plaids styles will always look great, especially paired with black. The buffalo check earmuffs on Kate Bosworth are playful addition to her slim tuxedo coat. Emily Mortimer’s tartan bag could work for business or play. And Pollyanna McIntosh’s windowpane plaid scarf is subtle, but breaks up her all-black uniform perfectly.

New Plaid Shearling Earmuffs

Plaid & Leather Travel Bag

New Plaid Cashmere Scarf

Above: Kate Bosworth (Photo by Ray Tamarra/Contributor); Emily Mortimer (Photo by Mark Von Holden/WireImage); Pollyanna McIntosh (Photo by Toby Canham/FilmMagic)

Buttoned Up

We love the collared, button-up shirt trend. Worn buttoned all the way up, it reminds us a little of Mattie Ross in the new Coen brothers film, "True Grit"—innocent but still all business. Lake Bell, Felicity Jones and Elizabeth Olsen all styled their shirts tucked into slim cut jeans with a skinny belt.

New Abercrombie Plaid Button Up

(buy it now price, $49.99)

J Crew Lace Button Up Shirt

(buy it now price, $14.99)

Chico’s Linen and Silk Button-Front Blouse

(buy it now price, $9.99)

Above: Felicity Jones (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Levi's); Lake Bell (Photo by Fred Hayes/Getty Images); Elizabeth Olsen (Photo by George Pimentel/Getty Images)

The New Hemlines

A few Sundance Film Festival risk takers decided it wasn’t too soon to test the plaid fashion trend. Eva Green was sexy and elegant in a Goth, lace front and tea length style. Kate Bosworth went bohemian in a high-collared, floral and lace maxi and The Chapin Sisters, who performed at the film festival, channeled vintage romance in peachy floor length gowns.

New Diane Von Furstenberg Maxi Dress

(buy it now price, $399.99)

New Kate Moss Topshop Maxi Dress

(buy it now price, $230.33)

New Knit Lace Dress

Above: Kate Bosworth (Photo by Chelsea Lauren/Getty Images); Eva Green (Photo by George Pimentel/Getty Images); Lily Chapin and Abigail Chapin of the Chapin Sisters (Photo by Fred Hayes/Getty Images)

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