Consider This Your Fashionable Guide to Exploring Austin
Everything we wore in Austin, Texas.
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Many people moved to Austin during the pandemic in search of a thriving cultural city, cheaper housing, and a warmer climate. When I traveled there for the first time in 2017, the locals always spoke of it as the liberal oasis in the conservative, pro-gun and pro-abortion desert of Texas. There is a culture of nonconformity that permeates every facet—from the urban landscape to the food and music. “Keep Asutin weird” signs could be seen everywhere, letting us tourists know we had traveled somewhere uniquely charming.
Although the city has become home to a growing number of tech corporations (most recently Tesla) over the years, it is also where you’ll find top-tier BBQ and Mexican food joints (as confirmed by the late Anthony Bourdain), promising comedy (according to Joe Rogan, who currently lives there), and a booming vintage market. Like every other American city, Austin is wrestling with gentrification and rapidly rising costs of living, but if the spike in new residents tells you anything, it’s a happening place.
Enter my 2023 birthday trip to Asutin. A weekend in the “proudly weird” city reacquainted me with the charms of South Congress; the sprawling outdoor spaces; the quirky food trucks and developing fashion sense. When it comes to style, athleisure is the dominant theme in Austin. For daytime or nighttime activities, people mostly wore denim or leather jackets, wide-leg jeans, sporty separates, and sneakers. Walking on South Congress Avenue—one of the most popular strips in the city, you immediately noticed the outsize influence of stores like Outdoor Voices, Madewell and Alo Yoga, which practically eclipse style-forward newcomers like Reformation, Ganni and By George (a boutique that carries Bottega Veneta, Loewe, JW Anderson and Thom Browne).
Ironically, when I booked the tickets, the weather promised a slew of sunny and 75-degree days. Then an ice storm happens, and temperatures dropped by at least 15 degrees. Wool coats and cashmere scarves became part of the packing list, but as it was still considerably warmer than New York, our summer clothes also had their moments. As we walked around town, people constantly stopped us to compliment how fancy we looked (even when we thought we were dressed down). Were we the drama?
Ahead, shop what we wore and check out what we did in Austin.
For Brunch: Cult Gaia Torielle Skirt and DISSH Nico Bandeau
Paired together, this embellished Cult Gaia skirt and shimmery Dissh top deliver a chic brunch look. I wasn’t sure they’d work together, but based on the compliments I received at Gabriela’s Downtown, I believe I pulled it off. And so will you. It’s not the most practical combination, but it sure makes an edgy and fashion-forward statement.
DISSH Nico Stone Metallic Bandeau
$80
Cult Gaia Torielle Embellished Stretch-Crepe Midi Skirt
$398
For Dinner: Isa Boulder Spiralweave Lace-up Metallic Woven Bustier Top
The artisanal construction of this top is a huge part of the appeal. It features many strings that make it tricky to put on, but it’s nothing you and someone else won’t be able to figure out. Chris paired it with neutral pants to keep the focus on the color, and finished with her go-to shoes: the Gucci slingback pumps.
Gucci Crystal Slingback Pumps
$1,110
Isa Boulder Spiralweave Lace-up Metallic Woven Bustier Top
$620
For a Fancy Night Out: Oséree Lumière Cutout Metallic Stretch-Knit Maxi Dress
Bring out this sexy Oséree number on the first night to set the tone for the rest of the trip. With its revealing bikini-style top and shimmery bodice, it has all the hallmarks of a standout look.
Oséree Lumière Cutout Metallic Stretch-Knit Maxi Dress
$415
For a Day in the Town: Khaite Maddy Rib-Knit Sweater
Chris is completely in love with Khaite’s high-quality knitwear, including this fitted top. Although it’s quite the splurge, it is an endlessly versatile piece you can wear all year long. From the flattering sweetheart neckline to the bodice, it’s a clear winner.
Khaite Maddy Rib-Knit Sweater
$1,160
Manu Atelier Carmen Shoulder Bag
$297, originally $399
For a Distillery Tour: DISSH Eva Butter Sweetheart Midi Dress
This knit dress couldn’t have been a better look for the distillery tour we went on. The neutral palette blended well with the desert backdrop (at Desert Door), but it was the ease of wear that won me over. Walking around a Sotol plant and tasting different spirits requires comfort, but with this dress, you also get a dash of effortless style.
DISSH Eva Butter Sweetheart Midi Dress
$150
For Everyday Wear: DISSH Sorrento Lime Crochet Dress
A simple way to elevate your everyday look, this crochet dress is a match for 70-degree temperatures. It’s stylish and breathable, plus visually compelling with the diamond crochet detailing. The sleeveless design and overall loose silhouette makes it easy to wear.
DISSH Sorrento Lime Crochet Dress
$200
For Cocktails: Christopher Esber Dress
An intricate dress for a complex woman, this Christopher Esber number will leave people wondering who this woman is.
Christopher Orbit Stretch-Jersey Midi Esber Dress
$859
ALOHAS Louise Leather Pumps
$154, originally $220
For a Themed Night: Black Dissh Dress
An elevated black dress is a must in everyone’s closet, because it will always come in handy. Could this knit dress be any more flattering? I think not.
DISSH Sienna Black Bandeau Midi Dress
$130
Where to Stay in Austin
Austin Proper Hotel
SoHo House
For a more intimate experience, look no further than the Soho House in Austin. With a secluded entrance, the hotel has a lowkey vibe that lends itself well to a vacation with your partner. But if you also like being close to the action, don’t worry—it’s in a building located right on South Congress Avenue, which is always buzzing with activity. The Soho House staff was extremely attentive, and the room decor feels really transporting with its Moroccan accents. We’d recommend only getting drinks there as you can find more unique dishes all over Austin. The nightly rate is a bit more affordable at $300-400 a night with discounts available to members. My husband and I would stay there again.