Written by Tiffany Lauren Jamero
I was in Austin for the first time this past weekend and I made some observations about the fashion. To preface, my observation of Austin as a city was a big city smacked in a rural, country land. Big buildings and high-end shopping contrasted by big sprawling gas stations (a la Buc-ees) and farmland.
The fashion of Austin was similar to the city’s culture: a juxtaposition of big city and country vibes. I saw women wearing trends I saw in NYC (bubble hem skirts, the pinstripe boxer shorts, and LOTS of Adidas Sambas sneakers). But I also saw people wearing American Southern style, think ruffles, daisy duke denim shorts, straight leg jeans, and unironic cowboy boots. Fun fact: small clothing boutiques with feminine style are very popular in Southern states. I got to visit one while in Austin and it was every bit of that classic style I had known about. It offered custom cowboy hats and clothing included big ruffle dresses and tops.
In the limits of the high-end South Congress neighborhood, I saw a distinctive cosmopolitan look. The buildings were all modern and the shopping included stores like Reformation, Madewell, Everlane, Rag and Bone, and Sezane. I was shocked when I saw these stores line the city streets (especially since I’ve never seen a Sezane storefront before). The women who were shopping at these stores were definitely in a higher tax bracket than me. Alo sets for a casual look or a polished and pressed Chanel set, both accessorized with some sort of designer bag (Louis Vuttion was the most prominent branded bag I saw).
Side note: I got to do some thrifting in South Congress and I saw some great items in their Buffalo Exchange location. I saw many second hand items from the high end stores but at very reasonable prices. Most items averaged at $20 a piece, even for high quality items. I got a pair of unused, genuine leather J Crew flats for $18.
The style and culture in Austin was definitely different than the West Coast. But, as goes without saying, the globalization and unification of culture and fashion may make regional style less common in the future. Have you ever been to Austin? What did you think of the style in Texas state capital?
Let us know in the comments!
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