Headed to SXSW to check out up and coming bands this weekend? Our music expert Brad and styling team want to get you ready with the coolest outfits and the shows you can’t miss.

What to Wear

Over the past 27 years, the multimedia mega conference South by Southwest has become one of the most highly-coveted tickets on the market and an unofficial kickoff to festival season. Whether you’re in Austin or not, it’s definitely time to start gearing up for summer shows & putting your festival-friendly look together. We’re here to help.

Our SXSW Women’s Packing Guide

The new AE Festival Shortie is an absolute must-have this season. The laid-back, frayed style works just as well with flowy chiffon tops and wedges as it does with a burnout tank top and sandals.  We love how the shorter side hem elongates the leg and that the style also comes in high-rise.

There’s nothing easier than a tank dress when the weather’s warm.  The AE Striped Fitted Dress is the perfect mix of a clean, feminine silhouette and a ready to rock electric print. We can definitely see this look going backstage.

Embroidery and beading are classic Boho details that’ll set off your festival look and add the perfect finishing touches to casual tanks and tops with flowy hi-lo hemlines.

With such bold prints and details everywhere else, it’s always a great idea to ground your look with your favorite pair of denim shorties in a light summery wash.  We also love a classic straw fedora on top of neons and bright prints.

Shop This Look:
AE Striped Fitted Dress
AEO Metallic Fedora
AE Beaded Embroidery Tank
AEO Gold Aviator Sunglasses
AE Frayed Denim Festival Shortie
AEO Printed Tassel Scarf

Our Men’s SXSW packing guide.

For guys, festival season is all about clean lines and bold prints.  Classic cut denim shorts work just as well with a casual graphic tank, or a vintage-inspired short sleeve button down.  You can dress the AE Destroyed Denim Short up or down to fit your individual style.

We’re loving subtle accents of texture and detail in guys accessories this season.  The AE Braided Belt adds a pop of bright, light color, while a classic leather watch can take any look to the next level. A dark denim jacket and leather flip flops are essential for pulling the festival look together from head to toe.

Shop This Look:
AE Destroyed Denim Short
AE Artistic Graphic Tank
AE Printed Short Sleeve Button-Down
AE Braided Belt
AE Leather Flip-Flop
AE Dark Denim Jacket

What to Hear

“This year at SXSW I am excited to enjoy some time in one of my favorite cities, eat great Mexican and BBQ, and of course – see live music. Topping my list this year is Alt-J who are coming off the release of their debut album, An Awesome Wave. They are definitely a great new band to check out who doesn’t sound like anyone else out there. Guards is another great one coming off a debut release, In Guards We Trust. They kind of have a Cults sound but a little heavier and less of the 50s’ vibe. Icona Pop are a great female duo making great dance music. This is the kind of electronic I like best – it just has good beats, melody, vocals, but doesn’t get too crazy. The Flaming Lips will be in Austin this year which is pretty huge as they are an established band with a loyal following. Rounding out my top five is Poolside and their name says it all. The first thing I heard from Poolside was a remix of Neil Young’s Harvest Moon and the rest of the catalog follows suit with the chill, summery electronic. Another few I recommend checking out are Haim, Surfer Blood (new album due this month), Atlas Genius, Rockie Fresh and Blondfire.” -Brad, AEO Music Expert

Check out our Social Media Community Manager (and former Austin resident) Addie’s Austin Travel Guide.