ACL Festival Fashion: The Year of Bandanas & the Pink Cowboy Hat

We all know that Austin City Limits Music Festival is not just a celebration of music; it’s also a vibrant showcase of fashion that reflects the eclectic spirit of Austin. With a lineup that attracts diverse crowds, it’s usually a melting pot of styles, from bohemian chic to urban streetwear to western wear. The people-watching is always a highlight.

ACL Festival-goers often embrace a laid-back aesthetic, and this year was no different. With temperatures in the mid to high 90s, the style might have been even more casual than in recent years. Flowy sundresses and denim shorts aplenty allowed for comfort while navigating the festival grounds. We all know that footwear is crucial at ACL, and we loved seeing all of the chic cowboy boots out there this year. 

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As always, accessorizing is key for festival fashion. Wide-brimmed hats and statement sunglasses offered both style and sun protection. With this year’s intense dust, the bandana, worn as a mask, became the essential accessory of the moment.

We’re not here to throw shade, but in our humble opinion, the festival fashion was a little lackluster this year. Given the extremely hot temperatures, it’s understandable that festival-goers adjusted their outfits accordingly — after a few days, we considered paring down to just swimsuits ourselves.

ACL Festival 2024 Fashion Standouts

The themes we noticed? This was the year of flowy prairie skirts, mesh shirts and dresses, metallics, plenty of leather shorts, and of course, the pink cowboy hats — feather-brimmed, bedazzled, or otherwise, the Pink Pony Club was not to be missed. 

The fashion at ACL Music Festival reflects a sense of freedom and creativity, embodying the festival’s spirit. It’s a place where individuality is welcome to shine! 

Here are some of our favorite looks captured by our photographers at this year’s fest:

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Madeleine Putnam at ACL Fest (photo by Grace Dupuy)

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Arely Arriaga (photo by Grace Dupuy)

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Chappell Roan fans pose in front of El Arroyo’s “Hot To Go” sign at ACL Fest. (Photo by Sabrina Macias)

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ACL Fest attendees embracing pink at ACL Music Fest 2024. (photo by Cassie Butterfield)

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Hannah Jones (photo by Grace Dupuy)

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Olivia Ramirez at ACL Music Festival (photo by Grace Dupuy)

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Vanessa Guzman at ACL Fest (photo by Grace Dupuy)

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Attendees sporting pink for Chappell Roan at ACL Music Fest 2024 (photo by Cassie Butterfield)

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Olivia Lazarou at ACL Fest (photo by Grace Dupuy)

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Elijah Richard and Madeline Clark at ACL Music Fest 2024. (photo by Grace Dupuy)

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Gillian Cooper at ACL Music Fest 2024. (photo by Grace Dupuy)

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