The 2026 SXSW film festival is nearly over, and plenty of stars have already graced the red carpet. Dakota and Elle Fanning kicked off the festivities by spotlighting American designers with a feminine and quiet luxury bent, while more stars opted for vintage pieces and beckoned warmer weather in crochet looks.
Designs by Ralph Lauren, Coach and McQueen, among others, were worn by the stars. Ahead, WWD breaks down those looks and plenty more.
Elle Fanning
Elle Fanning
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Elle Fanning turned to Coach for her red carpet attire. The Oscar-nominated “Sentimental Value” star wore a tea-length red dress with long sleeves and speckled sequins. A bow and sheer detailing featured at one shoulder to provided further feminine details. Fanning wore black pumps to complete her attire. The Coach ambassador and frequent campaign star’s look was curated by stylist Samantha McMillen.
Dakota Fanning
Dakota Fanning
Getty Images
Like her younger sister, Dakota Fanning also spotlighted an American designer with her look. The actress wore a dress from Ralph Lauren’s spring 2026 ready-to-wear collection. Long sleeves, a midi skirt and sharp lapels gave the cream dress a structured appearance with a Dior belt added for silhouette definition.
Alexandra Shipp
Alexandra Shipp
Stephen Olker
Alexandra Shipp wore a McQueen dress from the 2009 resort collection on Monday night at the “Forbidden Fruits” premiere. The actress paired the vintage look with strappy black sandal heels and opted for a minimalist approach to accessories, keeping the ornately designed hummingbird and flower dress the centerpiece of her look.
Rita Ora
Rita Ora
Andy Wenstrand
Rita Ora wore a shimmering blue crochet dress at SXSW on Monday night for the premiere of “He Bled Neon.” The look was comprised of a halter top and high-waisted skirt, with a vibrant shade of blue and a bevy of glittering details incorporated into the delicate fabric.
The annual SXSW Conference and Film Festival kicked off on March 12 and concludes on Wednesday. A bevy of new films and TV series premiere throughout the festival, including the Elle Fanning and Michelle Pfeiffer vehicle “Margo’s Got Money Troubles,” and the new film “Forbidden Fruits” starring Shipp, Lili Reinhart and Lola Tung.
