Sundance Film Festival Style: A Retrospective on 2019’s Chicest Winter Looks and What to Expect in 2020

The Sundance Film Festival, held annually in the picturesque yet frosty Park City, Utah, stands as a unique nexus where the world of independent cinema converges with distinctive celebrity fashion. Far removed from the sunny glamor of Hollywood’s red carpets, Sundance challenges celebrities to blend functionality with high style, navigating snowy streets and chilly temperatures while still making a sartorial statement. As anticipation builds for the upcoming festival, set to dazzle attendees with a stellar lineup including the much-anticipated Taylor Swift documentary Miss Americana and Angelina Jolie’s lead role in Come Away, we take a moment to look back at the most captivating and trend-setting outfits from last year’s star-studded celebration.

For cinephiles and fashion enthusiasts alike, Sundance offers a refreshing perspective on celebrity style. Unlike the elaborate gowns seen at awards shows, the festival’s dress code leans towards sophisticated winter wear – think luxurious coats, statement boots, cozy knits, and tailored ensembles that brave the cold without sacrificing an ounce of chic. It’s a testament to personal style, where celebrities often shed their more formal personas for looks that are both aspirational and relatable in their practicality. This blend of warmth and elegance creates an aesthetic that is uniquely Sundance, proving that true style transcends climate and convention.

Sundance 2019: A Masterclass in Winter Fashion

The 2019 Sundance Film Festival was a vibrant showcase of celebrity winter fashion, offering a diverse array of styles that ranged from effortlessly casual to exquisitely tailored. Stars embraced layers, rich textures, and bold accessories, proving that cold weather doesn’t mean compromising on fashion. From powerful suits to elegant dresses adapted for the chill, the red carpet (or rather, the snowy pathways) of Park City became a runway for innovative winter ensembles. Let’s delve into some of the most memorable looks that defined Sundance 2019, setting the tone for what we might expect from future festivals.

Individual Style Spotlights: The Best Dressed of Sundance 2019

The talent gracing the festival’s premieres and panels consistently delivered fashion-forward choices, often highlighting emerging designers alongside established luxury brands. Each look told a story, reflecting the individual’s personality while cleverly adapting to the demanding climate. The emphasis was on smart layering, high-quality fabrics, and statement pieces that could stand out against a backdrop of snow and natural beauty.

Emma Roberts captivated onlookers in a sweet and sophisticated Prada ensemble. Her choice perfectly embodied a youthful yet polished aesthetic, showcasing how a designer label can be interpreted for a more relaxed, festival environment. Prada’s signature blend of classic tailoring with modern twists provided a fresh and adorable look that resonated with many fashion critics.

Lupita Nyong’o, ever a beacon of unique style, made a striking entrance in Park City. Arriving on January 28, fresh from her appearance at the 2019 SAG Awards, she sported a vibrant gold coat that instantly became a talking point. This eye-catching piece was expertly paired with the sleek L’AGENCE ‘Marguerite High Rise Skinny Jean’ in black, demonstrating how a bold outerwear choice can elevate even the simplest foundation. Her ensemble was a masterclass in making a statement while remaining effortlessly cool and comfortable.

Naomi Watts exuded timeless elegance at the Luce premiere on January 27, donning a gorgeous merlot-hued Emilia Wickstead dress. The rich, deep color was perfectly suited for the winter setting, and Wickstead’s renowned precision tailoring ensured a sophisticated silhouette. Naomi’s choice proved that dresses, even in cold weather, can be utterly appropriate and stunning with the right fabric and design.

Danielle Brooks, one of the stars of Clemency, opted for comfort without sacrificing an ounce of chic. Her cozy yet stylish sweater dress at the film’s premiere was a testament to the practical glamour that Sundance often inspires. The look struck a perfect balance, showcasing how warmth and fashion can coexist beautifully, especially when styled with confidence and grace.

Rising star Storm Reid brought youthful exuberance to Variety‘s Sundance Studio, presented by AT&T on January 27. Dressed in a chic ensemble by Tory Burch, she showcased the brand’s ability to create modern, accessible luxury. Her outfit likely featured clean lines and smart details, reflecting the contemporary spirit of the festival and its attendees.

Awkwafina, known for her distinctive wit and style, charmed at the Paradise Hills premiere in a pretty blush suit. This choice was a refreshing departure from traditional dark winter palettes, adding a soft, feminine touch to a powerful silhouette. A well-tailored suit, especially in an unexpected color, proved to be a strong fashion statement at Sundance, blending professionalism with playful elegance.

At the same Paradise Hills premiere, Eiza Gonzalez stunned in an angelic white Jonathan Simkhai dress, juxtaposed with striking maroon boots. This combination created a captivating visual contrast, highlighting the versatility of winter fashion. The pristine white dress evoked purity against the snowy backdrop, while the rich maroon boots added a bold, grounding element. Indeed, maroon was a notably trending color, as further evidenced by Jennifer Morrison, who graced The Report premiere in a luxurious velvet maroon suit. The textural richness of velvet combined with the deep, sophisticated hue made her look both opulent and perfectly suited for the chilly evening.

Lily Collins effortlessly blended edgy cool with cozy comfort at the premiere of Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile. Her ensemble was perfectly curated for Park City’s climate: sleek black leather pants (specifically, L’AGENCE’s Adelaide High Rise Leather Skinny pants) paired with warm tan boots (the Penelope Stretch Bootie by Tory Burch) and a matching tan chunky sweater. This layered look epitomized practical sophistication, showcasing how different textures and neutral tones can come together to create a visually interesting and supremely comfortable outfit.

Jada Pinkett Smith channeled her inner power dresser, evoking the commanding style of Olivia Pope, with a gorgeous white coat on January 25. A crisp white coat in winter is a bold and impactful choice, radiating confidence and elegance. It stands out dramatically against the snowy landscape, making a definitive style statement that is both pristine and powerful.

Mindy Kaling, a cast member and writer of Late Night, embraced a charming aesthetic in a pretty plaid outfit while posing on the red carpet. Plaid, a perennial favorite for fall and winter, offered a touch of classic sophistication with a playful edge, perfectly suiting Mindy’s vibrant personality. Her choice underscored the versatility of patterns in cold-weather dressing.

Veteran actress Julianne Moore showcased understated elegance at the IndieWire Sundance Studio on January 25. Her choice of a warm rust-colored sweater paired with classic black pants exemplified effortless chic. This look was both comfortable and stylish, highlighting how thoughtful color choices and quality basics can create a sophisticated ensemble without overt extravagance.

Key Fashion Trends and Elements at Sundance 2019

Beyond individual standout looks, Sundance 2019 revealed several overarching fashion trends that adapted high fashion for low temperatures. Luxurious outerwear was, predictably, a dominant feature. Statement coats, whether brightly colored like Lupita Nyong’o’s gold number or elegantly tailored like Jada Pinkett Smith’s white ensemble, were not just for warmth but served as the focal point of many outfits. Rich textures such as velvet, leather, and chunky knits were abundant, adding depth and visual interest while providing necessary insulation. The prevalence of tailored suits, often in unexpected colors or fabrics, suggested a move towards powerful yet feminine dressing.

Practical footwear, primarily stylish boots, was a non-negotiable. From sleek ankle booties to rugged hiking-inspired styles, boots were chosen for both their aesthetic appeal and their ability to navigate snowy conditions. Accessorizing was also key, with scarves, hats, and elegant bags completing many looks, often adding a pop of color or an additional layer of luxury. The overall theme was a harmonious blend of high-fashion sensibility with the practical demands of a winter film festival, proving that comfort and warmth don’t have to compromise style.

The Enduring Appeal of Sundance Fashion

The fashion narrative at the Sundance Film Festival continues to be one of refreshing authenticity and creative adaptation. It’s a celebration of personal style in a challenging environment, where stars forgo traditional red-carpet opulence for something more grounded, more layered, and ultimately, more inspiring for everyday winter dressing. The looks from 2019 serve as a beautiful reminder of this unique appeal, demonstrating how celebrities embrace the spirit of independent cinema not just through their work, but through their wardrobe choices as well.

As we eagerly await the arrival of stars like Taylor Swift and Angelina Jolie at Sundance 2020, the past year’s sartorial successes offer a glimpse into the stylish possibilities that lie ahead. Will we see a continuation of the powerful suit trend? More vibrant outerwear? Or perhaps new interpretations of cozy chic? One thing is certain: Sundance will once again provide a fascinating and fashionable spectacle, confirming its place not just as a vital film festival, but also as an unexpected highlight on the annual fashion calendar. The convergence of groundbreaking cinema and innovative winter style ensures that the Sundance Film Festival remains a truly distinctive and influential cultural event.