Dressed Up Ducks Takes MusicfestNW 2015: Festival Style

This year, I attended the MusicfestNW 2015 festival to report on the rad festival style. While the fashion isn’t as crazy as Sasquatch! (sadly, there were no astronaut costumes), Musicfest is a great way to get an understanding of the unique Pacific Northwest style. Here are some of my favorite looks from the festivals- from both the fashions and musicians alike. As we get ready to head back to campus, it’s fun to bring a touch of festival style to school.

If the ’60s aren’t your thing, this cute, vintage two-piece is a fun ’70s throwback, especially with the trendy halter-top.

The ’70s proved to be a definite theme. This baby blue jumpsuit is the perfect alternative to the dreaded tuxedo of the same color. The magenta handbag is a nice pop of color for the otherwise monochrome look.

Twin Shadow (aka George Lewis Jr.) had a lot going on (his look was a somewhat wannabe health goth Kanye West) but he pulled it off.

This look combined a ’70s print aesthetic with a ’90s design.

So much respect for the people who rocked all black looks during the hot August weekend.

So did Foster the People’s Mark Foster.

Others played it cool in simple menswear-inspired denim dresses.

Another version of this trend was worn by Sarah Versprille, who is the lead singer of Pure Bathing Culture, a local Portland band!

A lot of the best looks combined various eras, like this incredible vintage butterfly blouse paired with black skinnies and work boots.

Belle and Sebastian’s Stuart Murdoch looked like an adorable sailor in a striped shirt and bright blue pants.

Of course a lot of the looks were thoroughly modern, like this graphic trapeze dress with white platforms.

This rad elephant necklace is a total statement piece.

MisterWives’ lead singer, Mandy Lee, perfectly matched the group’s poppy ska music in a galactic cat bomber jacket, white skater skirt, and Keds.

Black and white was also a common trend, like this couple, who were actually modeling new shoes for Keen, which all marketing aside, are pretty cool.

Some of the best looks came in duos (and triplets!) like this group of friends who despite their diverse styles, all wore black tanks.

White, flowy dresses were a trend and definitely stood out when worn by a group.

Seattle-based group Beat Connection also wore matching outfits.

Other friends clashed/mashed, like these two who both rocked very different maxi skirts and jackets combos.

Or these two friends, one of whom wore a ’70s hippie tie-dye look and another a minimalist ’90s outfit.

This couple could have fit in at any summer festival.

Accessory wise, backpacks were definitely the practical choice with many chic leather ones (just look at that travel Sriracha!)

The Fjall Raven Kanken is still one of the most popular picks, but many customized their Swedish bags.

 

Of course fanny paks, often in pastels, were perfect for the lighter traveling festivalgoer.

Practicality was also the name of the game for footwear, from booties to sneakers to sandals.

Loved these Dr. Martens paired with socks.

 

Although it was dusty, shoes were still the statement piece of many outfits, from these vintage, heeled booties to these animal skin printed sandals.

Beauty wise, colorful locks stood out in the crowd, particularily in purples, blues, and pinks.

 

Which looks were your favorites? Let us know in the comments!

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY HANNAH STEINKOPF-FRANK, @HSTEINKOPFFRANK

Claire

Name: Claire H.

Grade: Sophomore

Major: Journalism

Minors: Political Science and Spanish

What is your process of getting ready in the morning? I usually decide if I’m in the mood for pants or a skirt or a dress. If it’s pants, I alternate between black skinny jeans and vintage high-waisted mom jeans. It depends on how I feel that day. If it’s sunny, I’ll usually take the opportunity to wear dresses or Birkenstocks or something that I was excited to break out because I didn’t have to wear socks for once. So I have a lot of staple pieces that I will repeat a lot. I have the same jeans I will repeat a lot. I have the same ankle boots that go with pretty much every outfit. I kind of go through phases of stuff that I like at certain times. So I pick through a select few things that I’m in the mood for that month. 

Claire keeps her look simple, but put together with a vintage t-shirt and chambray top paired with a Nordstrom jacket and jeans from Urban Outfitters.

When you shop, do you go for pieces that are versatile and fit into your seasonal mood? When I  shop, it’s usually a statement piece or something really basic. I like pieces that are versatile and will make a lot of outfits more interesting.

Claire takes her look to the next level with a collection of vintage rings. The diamond ring on the right was her great-grandmother’s. She had the diamond fit into a new band to give it a modern twist.

Do you have any style tricks that make you feel like you’re getting away with something? That’s why I like dresses. Because you look like you’re put together, but it’s really the easiest thing since it’s only one piece. The outfit I’m wearing today looks really casual, but it took a lot of elements to put it together. Dresses are a nice trick to look put together and presentable, especially on campus. You don’t see a lot of dresses.

Spring means one thing in Oregon: you can wear your Birkenstocks without socks!

A lot of people say they like to feel “comfortable” and “confident.” What do those words mean to you? It’s easier for me to feel confident when I’m comfortable, but I’m not always comfortable. I’ll wear things that’s too tight or stuff that is not neccesarily really comfortable, but I feel really good about myself in it, so I feel comfident. Confidence is more important to me than comfort when it comes to fashion.

Is there comfort in being uncomfortable? There’s comfort in being confident and feeling like you looked good that day. It’s not a physical comfort, but if you feel comfortable in what you’re wearing, it’s easier to project that confidence.

Claire’s necklace is from Imelda’s, a boutique in Portland.

Who do you dress for? I dress for myself. Even days I don’t leave the house, I like to get out of my pajamas and put on a somewhat nice outfit because I feel better about the day if I looked good.

Claire’s tattoo is a quote from The Great Gatsby, which is one of her favorite books. For her, the quote is about being a better version of yourself every day.

If you could have the clothes from any TV show, what show would it be? One character I have been really into lately is Rachel from “Friends.” I really like the clothes she wore on the show. She wears a lot of stuff that is in style right now, like tiny tops and high-waisted things. She wears a lot of mom jeans and overalls. Growing up, I was also really influenced by “Gossip Girl,” which is really funny because my style now is really different from anything on the show. Even when I was watching it, I wasn’t neccessarily dressing like them, but fashion played such a role in that show. It was cool to see girls dressed so nicely and everyone cared so much about fashion in that world.

Are you more of a Blair or a Serena? I always thought I was more of a Blair because she’s also a brunette, but her style is really preppy and weird. Serena is more free and easy going.

Claire’s funky glasses are from Ray-Ban.

 WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY HANNAH STEINKOPF-FRANK, @HSTEINKOPFFRANK

Cosima

Name: Cosima P.

Major: Romance Languages with a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies

Grade: Junior

Was there a defining moment in your life when you figured out your style? I’m still figuring out my style. There has not been a defining moment except for maybe in high school when I started going through my mom’s closet. She was a hippie in the ’70s, so there’s a ton of inspiration there.

What clothes have you taken from her closet? She has great shoes. I have so many of her shoes at school with me that she always asks, “can I have those back at some point?” I’ve also taken some great mom jeans and floral pieces.

Cosima pairs a faux leather jacket from Forever 21 with her roommate’s black turtleneck sweater and a camel-colored corduroy circle skirt from American Apparel.

Do you have more taste and style? More taste. I think style is too limiting. Taste can be more overarching to different areas of your life.

If you could only wear one outfit for the rest of your life, what would it be? Probably a flowy dress. I don’t like pants very much, so definetly a skirt or dress with a big sweater.

Cosima’s leather boots are from her mom’s closet. She wasn’t lying when she said her mom has great style!

What’s your process of getting ready in the morning? It’s a constant struggle. I’m not one of those people who can go to class in UGGs and leggings because if I did that, I would want to stay in bed. I have to dress up somewhat to get to class. And I try to avoid pants at all costs, so I usually start with a skirt and go from there.

If you could have the clothes from any TV show, what show would it be? “Friends” in the ’90s or “Clueless,” but that’s not a TV show.

Are you more of a Monica or a Rachel? Ahhhhh. A combo. Maybe more of a Rachel.

Written and photographed by Hannah Steinkopf-Frank, @hsteinkopffrank

Holli

It seems like the sun is here to stay (sorry groundhog!) and Ducks are quickly adjusting to the warm weather.

Holli, a sophomore business and advertising major, is able to perfectly transition through the seasons with her wardobe of dark, chunky layers. Holli stands out from the sea of Nike, Columbia and other Pacific Northwest sportswear, and likes being different. Holli is proud to say that she has never worn flannel, Converse or Birkenstocks, all West Coast fashion staples.

According to Holli, her outfit was inspired by the realization that she had to “get her shit together” and look professional for a class presentation. We at Dressed Up Ducks give her an A+ for style!

 Holli’s Free People cardigan is a great transition piece from winter to spring. Plus, because it is a basic, it looks great over anything, including this grey sweater dress from Aritzia.

The Chelsea boot is a trend that has proven that it is here to stay. Versitile, cute, and functional– what could be better? Holli bought hers from Free People.

Holli is drawn towards dark colors and loves to mix Free People’s boho style with classic pieces from small boutiques.

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY HANNAH STEINKOPF-FRANK, @HSTEINKOPFFRANK

Elisabeth

 Elisabeth, a grad student, tries to dress up when she teaches while still staying true to her eclectic style. Elisabeth grew up in New York and moved to Oregon last year to study molecular anthropology. She plans to work as a microbiologist focusing on infectious diseases.

There are a lot of style differences between the East and West Coasts (for one, we don’t have to have the gear ready for #snowmageddon!) Elisabeth thinks that Oregonians are more free and creative with their outfits. Even though she just moved here, Elisabeth fits right in with her “work appropriate” look.

Elizabeth wears a trendy pleated ASOS coat with leather details over her boyfriend’s black sweater, (+1 for getting creative!), and an H&M blouse. Elisabeth is inspired by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsens’ fashion lines and personal style, something that is clear in her killer layering!

Elisabeth takes it back to 1992 with a pair of thrifted vintage oxfords paired with funky socks she got on a trip to New Mexico.

Elisabeth’s leather backpack, the perfect bag for any college student, was a gift from her cousin.

Stacked rings are totally trending. Elisabeth got hers from Forever 21.

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY HANNAH STEINKOPF-FRANK, @HSTEINKOPFFRANK

Julia

Style isn’t always about wearing the latest trends or the flashiest clothes. Julia, a sophomore, likes to take conservative pieces and layer them together to create a structured outfit. While at times she’s been accused of being somewhat hipster (haven’t we all here in Oregon?), she likes to think of her style as classic.

Julia pairs a plaid button-up with a chunky green cardigan and cargo jacket.

She ties up the outfit with a pair of leather Chelsea boots. Dating back to the Victorian Era,Chelsea style boots bridge the gap between classic and trendy.

Written and photographed by Elinor Manoogian-O’Dell, @ElinormODell

Alexa + Travis

Alexa’s high waisted jeans immediately caught my attention. And then I saw her rollneck sweater. And then…check out those loafers. LOVE. It’s a modern take on several classic styles.

I also loved Travis’s olive coat and his boat/loafer shoes (which, surprisingly enough, are Nike’s!).

Travis loves sugar cookies, and Alexa?

“The chocolatiest chocolate cookies, whatever those are!” she laughed. I knew I liked this girl.