The SXSW website officially categorizes it as a series of conferences and festivals that focus on interactive, film, and music industries. But more recent years have seen an influx of style and fashion breakout sessions. This year included talks from ModCloth CEO Matt Kaness and the New York Editor for the Business of Fashion, Lauren Sherman. Of course, the Convention Center was also filled with booths of designers and artists offering their wears.
Like Coachella, Lollapalooza, and all other music festivals, though, SXSW-goers have their own specific style. We stopped some stand-out street stars to document their fashion.
As Austin is pretty humid around this time of year, comfort was key. I myself lived in my ripped jeans with fishnet tights underneath and my trusty Timberland boots. I noticed cool graphic band tees, ripped denim, loose dresses, and lots of sneakers. To elevate the style of this basic look, accessories were piled on: layered beaded necklaces below chokers, earrings and ear cuffs galore, and innumerable rings. Bandanas and scarves were worn around the neck, serving double duty as embellishments as well as part of the “southern cowboy” look I noticed. Suede fringe jackets, leather boots, button-downs, and cowboy hats also consisted many an outfit.
When thinking about SXSW style as a whole, the word diversity comes to mind. It’s difficult to pin down fashion trends, as each attendee seemed to be embracing their own style. The trend, then, was no trend–but rather a celebration of statement pieces that truly put one’s personality on display. It was refreshing to see so many people rocking their own looks and supporting others’. That being said, though, we at HIGHLARK have to give it up for the guys, whom we noticed had especially impeccable style.
