Refinery29 Shares What You Should Bring

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The kick off of South By Southwest's music festival doesn't only herald the beginning of spring, but also the long summer stretch of summer festivals. It's a solid week of trekking all over Austin to to catch the year's buzziest bands. Whether you're looking to mellow out down south or rock hard to your favorite groups, these simple rules will keep you Sixth Street-ready all week long. Here's what to wear to SXSW!

Max it Out—Austin in March certainly doesn't feel like New York, but the temperature can quickly leave you miserable if you've left your extra cardi in the hotel. Play with this season's fun prints, and discreetly air out your legs without blinding concertgoers.

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Above, from left: Rebecca Taylor Strapless Pom Pom Dress, $394, available at Bloomingdale's; Issa Printed Silk Maxi Dress, $600, available at Net-A-Porter; Religion Hem Printed Maxi Dress, $107.58, available at ASOS.

Protect Thyself—We don't have to remind you about smart sun practices, right? Besides exercising SPF savvily, be cool in these obsession-inducing sunnies and floppy hats.

Above, from left:
Pixie Market Yellow Cat Eye Sunglasses, $12, available at Pixie Market; Brixton Alana Straw Hat, $68, available at 80s Purple; Tekkai Defense Pre-Style Thermal/UV Protectant, $25, available at Ulta; Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer, $42, at LauraMercier.com; Fred Flare Jungle Realness Sunglasses, $12, at Fred Flare; ASOS Straw Fedora Hat, $35.86, available at ASOS.

Walk Tall—Low-key booties or substantial sandals will be good for a day on your feet. Make sure to find a thick sole—and don't wait until you get to the festival to break 'em in.

Above, from left: Jeffery Campbell Climber, $199.95, available at Solestruck; DV By Dolce Vita Cognac, $72, available at Lori's Shoe; Rachel Comey Hitch, $400, available at TenOverSix; Swedish Hasbeens Perforated Bow Clog, $249, available at Urban Outfitters.

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Prints of Pop—This is a rock festival, so let your freak flag fly with wild colors, of course. Mix, match, clash, and combine any (and all) of your patterns.

Above, from left: Madewell Paper and Pen Trousers, $125, available at Madewell; Rachel Comey Sleeveless Button Front Caper Dress, $475, available at Bloomingdale's; Matt & Nat Hendrix, $165, available at Piperlime; Forever 21 Aztec Triangle Bracelet, $5.80, available at Forever21; Sephora by OPI Chic Prints, $15, available at Sephora.

Go Native—It is South By Southwest after all, and conference attendees should embrace their inner desperado by donning Ikat and Navajo prints. Extra credit: get some authentic woven wraps while on site.

Above, from left:
Theodora and Callum Navajo Pattern Scarf, $175, at Saks Fifth Avenue; Ecote Printed Silky Skirt, $59, available at Urban Outfitters; Lucky Brand Set Stone Plaque Navajo Bracelet, $25, available at Zappos; Urban Renewal Vintage Enamel Navajod Necklace, $18, available at Urban Outfitters; AllSaints Audrina Top, $185, available at AllSaints.

Beige is the New Black—Leave your winter darks behind and embrace pale nudes as the new rock-and-roll color. By taking a typically ladylike tone and punching it out, you'll look edgy but still spring-fresh.

Above, from left: Muubaa Chopped Leather Moto Jacket, $300, available at Nasty Gal; Proenza Schouler Suede Shorts, $1035, available at MyTheresa; Topshop Knitted Nude Bodycon Crop Vest, $65, available at Topshop; Splendid Striped Jersey T-Shirt, $74, available from Net-A-Porter; MAC Sheen Supreme Lipstick In Nude, $14.50, available from MACCosmetics.com.