AUSTIN CITY LOOKS
Fashion tips for being seen or for just being comfortable at ACL Fest
Going to a festival like Austin City Limits is a test of endurance; your wardrobe and beauty regimen should be a survival kit focused on making the experience easier. We reached out to three fashion experts — singer Corinne Bailey Rae, actress Brooklyn Decker and makeup artist Erin Lee Smith, all of whom have endured their share of music festivals — and asked them to spill their best advice to this year’s festival-goers.
CORINNE BAILEY RAE
Soulful crooner Rae — on tour with Alabama Shakes following the release of her new album, “The Heart Speaks in Whispers” — took a break in her tour bus to share her best festival fashion advice and what she might wear while checkin g out other ACL Fest performers she loves (Major Lazer, Flight Facilities, Raury, Radiohead and— if she can stick around in Austin on Saturday — Kendrick Lamar). The Grammy winner is scheduled to perform at 6 p.m. Friday and Oct. 7 on the Tito’s Vodka Stage.
Embrace Austin’s weird spirit
“I’ve been to Austin a few times. I really love the spirit of the place, how independent it is. … When you’re at a festival, you have this very strong urge to stand out. I think that’s just because you’re in a space with thousands of other people, and it’s quite rare that humans are walking down the road where there are thousands of other people within eyesight. Being at a festival is a really good place to be a weirdo, to wear stuff that you
think is strange and interesting, and that you might be too shy to wear in real life.”
Bathroom breaks require a flexible outfit
“I’ve done a few festivals recently where I’ve worn jumpsuits and then realized that the whole thing has to get peeled off in the chemical toilet. Not such a good look. You don’t necessarily want all of your clothes on the floor of that place. Two pieces definitely make more sense.”
Go against the herd
“A lot of girls seem to wear those super short shorts to festivals and think that’s a good look, but then maybe it’s fun to go the opposite way — if everyone is wearing something short, wear something really long that trails on the ground. I like going against the herd when I’m in a big group of people. I think it makes me feel more myself in a weird way.”
Yes — vintage is still in style
“I like seeing people in vintage T-shirts. You can always pick up the strangest T-shirts, like camps for kids that no longer exist or a band that no one has heard of, or old things out of your wardrobe that you used to wear, or your kid sister’s clothes.
“A backpack or a useful bag that you like is good to put all your water and things you need. Also, arrange to meet people instead of relying on phone service, because a lot of times you can’t get any kind of service.”
Leave your expensive sunnies at home
“I’ve lost so many pairs of sunglasses at festivals. The best festival sunglasses are $7 sunglasses that you can either swap with someone or you can lose them, and it’s not that big of a deal. Don’t wear your best stuff. Don’t wear things you’re really sad about getting trashed. Don’t wear a vintage shawl from the ’20s that’s just going to get destroyed.”
Experiment with something new
“Last time I went to Glastonbury I went past this sari shop, and they were selling pieces of material. So I got that and made a cape and pinned it to things I was wearing. It was such a big festival find. I had such a good time dressed like that; I felt like I dressed like myself, and I felt different.”
BROOKLYN DECKER
When Austinites scour the fest crowd for style leaders, we inevitably look for familiar faces like Brooklyn Decker. The new mom and actress (Netflix’s “Grace and Frankie”) has a penchant for dressing like her funny, carefree self — two years ago, she posted an Instagram sporting one of those trendy metallic Flash Tattoos during ACL, albeit like a moustache. (Note of advice from this writer: don’t put a Flash Tattoo on your face unless you want to wear it to the office on Monday; they don’t rub off as easily as other temporary tattoos.)
Check the weather forecast
“I’ll let the weather dictate what I wear. The key is comfort.”
A good pair of boots can go a long way
“If you’re going to do anything, invest in a good pair of boots! The grounds turned into a huge mud pit a few years ago, and let’s just say it didn’t smell so hot. My Frye boots that I have been breaking in for years are my old faithfuls for ACL.”
Focus on the music, not the fashion show
“It’s not about looking cool; it’s about being comfortable so you can see as much music as possible. That’s what I love about ACL: It’s less about the spectacle and more about the music.”
ERIN LEE SMITH
Splitting her time between Austin and LA, celebrity makeup artist Erin Lee Smith says she has been to more festivals than she can count — “If I had to guess, I would say 50 or so.” When we talked to Smith for her best fest beauty tips, she was actually at a festival: the Trans-Pecos Festival of Music and Love at Marfa’s El Cosmico (her wife, hotelier Liz Lambert, purchased the property in 2006 and has hosted the festival there every year since). In addition to helping talent like St. Vincent’s Annie Clark at Coachella, Smith shared her beauty know-how to aid the rest of us as we attempt to survive the scorching temperatures in Zilker Park.
Show off your skin
“Our skin and what kind of shape it’s in is the first thing people notice. A fresh face without a ton of makeup is so beautiful and really boosts your confidence. My favorite product that keeps skin radiant is Biologique Recherche Lotion P50; this product gently exfoliates your skin and is safe to use daily. I use it after washing my face day and night and apply it with a cotton pad. I wait until it’s dry and then add a light moisturizer.”
Primer, sunscreen, and tinted moisturizer
“The primer helps the product adhere to the skin giving it its lasting power. And a tinted moisturizer is a great way to give your complexion an even wash of color without looking or feeling heavy. And of course the sunscreen is the most important part, especially at outdoor festivals; you want your skin protected from the sun. I love Kiehl’s Skin Tone Correcting and Beautifying BB Cream, with SPF 50.”
Stay away from powders
“Powder eye shadows, blush, bronzes and even setting powders — powders mixed with sweat is not a good look. Plus it’s a mess when you try to clean it up. Instead use creams and liquids. I recommend Austin’s very own W3LL People Universalist Multi-Stick. You can use it on cheeks, eyelids and even on your lips. They have great shades; my favorite color is Bronzed Rose. It’s a great multifunctional product to throw in your bag.”
Waterproof eyeliner and mascara
“This is the best way to keep you looking put together for the entire day into night. My top recommendations are Chanel’s Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long Lasting Eyeliner — it comes in a variety of beautiful colors, and even some bright ones. It’s always fun at festivals to doctor up your normal makeup look. I suggest lining your upper lash-line with a bright eyeliner, or even a glittery one like Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner. As for mascara, I love L’Oreal Voluminous Waterproof Mascara in Carbon Black.
Be water-wise: Hydrate inside and out
“It’s important to stay hydrated when out watching music all day and probably drinking in the sun as well. I suggest drinking a ton of water and carrying around a little rose water to spritz your face with. I like Botanics Organic Rosewater Toning Spritz.”