In a few days thousands people will descend on Austin, Texas to celebrate what’s new and hot in the worlds of Internet, Film and Music. If you are one of these thousands of people, you are in for a treat. However, you aren’t in the clear yet.  You may have your travel, lodging, and badges taken care of, but that is the easy part. Now you must pack.

As a former Austinite with more than a few years of SXSW under my belt, I have decided to share my wisdom put together a comprehensive guide of what to pack for the SXSW newbie. This is a guide geared towards women, but dudes, listen up. You may benefit from this too.

The essentials:

1.    Bathing suit. It may be freezing in New York, but Austin in mid-March can be glorious. There are sure to be more than a few pool parties and many of the downtown hotels have pools. Also, every single person, man or woman should take a trip to Barton Springs while in town. This one is compulsory. I know you will be busy, but if you have to, skip something. A visit to this magical place is what you will remember for years to come, and there will always be another party or panel.
2.    Cowboy boots. Trust me here. I know it may seem a ridiculous to go to Texas and sport a pair of boots, but they are the best choice. No one will call you a poser or a city slicker, at least not to your face.  First of all, they go with everything. They dress up your jeans and dress down your dresses, leaving you with the perfect combination of edgy, casual and cool. They offer the lift of a high heel, but you can actually walk in them. Also, and most importantly, each time you slip on a pair of cowboys, you slip a little bit into the laid-back Texas mindset. And it feels so good. Don’t worry if you haven’t got a pair. As soon as you get to Austin, head down to Allen’s Boots on South Congress . Afterward, go next door to Gueros Taco bar . Order a Margarita on the rocks and some Mole enchiladas. You can thank me later.
3.    Light jacket. Although you will probably see some beautiful warm days, the night air may be a little chilly. Also they have a saying in Texas that “If you don’t like the weather in Texas, wait 5 minutes, it will change,” and while I am convinced that every place says this about their weather, for Texas, it happens to be true. So I recommend a light jacket that can be easily folded up and stuck in a bag. You will be tempted to go to your hotel and change after the day’s events and before going out for the night, but this is not a good idea. You will miss something. I would leave in the morning prepared for all that might come at you. So just stuff the jacket in you bag, even if it is 80 degrees and sunny.
4.    That brings me to my next point. Bring an oversize purse/bag to carry around with you. You may be tempted to carry around a backpack, but I wouldn’t. A shoulder bag that’s big enough to fit your laptop and/or cameras would be much more chic. But if you are the type of person who would rather “be comfortable” and “protect your back” than look cool, well, that’s your business I guess.
5.    Sunglasses. Bring them with you. It will be a pain to try and buy some once you get there.
6.    Sandals. It will probably be warm and you will want to let your poor, winterized feet get some air. Now will be a great time to pay a visit to your shoes from last season and maybe even buy some new spring shoes- since that’s all you can find at the stores anyway. I’d do a pedicure before coming. You will be too busy once you get here. But if you forget, there is always Milk and Honey.  It’s close to the convention center, and offers massage, manicure and other spa treatments. It ain’t cheap, but it’s divine.
7.    Dresses. Dresses are the easiest thing in my book. Just throw on a dress, sandals and a little eyeliner and you’ll be good to go. If your spring dresses are still in storage, check out Dress Shop on Congress Avenue. They have a great selection of both casual and formal dresses in a range of prices. I would go on Saturday the 13th, because I am hosting an event from 1-4 that will include music, booze, and a photo shoot for Fashism.
8.    Finally you will need some jeans, and maybe a few tank tops and sweaters.


What Not To Bring

1.    Running Shoes. I’m serious. I know you have great intentions about working out, but in all honesty, you probably won’t and I am providing you will the perfect excuse. Also your hotel doesn’t have a gym! You are on vacation! There is no time! However, I know many of you are insane and probably will wake up early after Tequila and Barbeque fuelled night and go running, of all things. Insanity. And while I do not condone this behavior, if you must exercise, then check out the Town Lake Trail , or ‘the hike and bike trail’ as it’s know to the locals.  It’s absolutely beautiful 10-mile trail that travels around downtown, Lady Bird Lake, and the surrounding neighborhoods. It really is a gem.
2.    High heels. I just don’t think you will wear them. Austin is a casual place. Don’t get me wrong, people here have mad style, but they don’t usually totter around in stilettos. Plus, you will be doing a lot of walking and they will just be annoying.
3.    T-shirts. You will acquire your weight in free t-shirt swag. Don’t bother bringing your own. You will need the suitcase room.

What to Leave Room For

There is some great shopping to be done in Austin, so don’t forget to leave some room in your suitcase.  I mentioned a few, but here are some more places you should check out.

1.    Feathers. Beautifully curated vintage clothes, located on South Congress, probably the best shopping street in Austin.
2.    Buy Definition. It’s a great place to buy inspired clothes on the web, so why not check out their one and only brick-and-mortar store located deep in the heart of Texas!
3.    Thrift Town. You will need a car for this one. But there are some real finds to be had at this thrift store. And it’s cheap. I’m talking single-digits cheap.
4.    Also, if you are really into fashion and shopping, you may want to check out the New Media Boutique Crawl on Friday the 12th.  a slew of bloggers and other fashion types from Austin and beyond (including yours truly) will be popping in all the fantastic Austin boutiques. Follow @newmediafashion to keep track of the gang.

Ok, I hope this guide has been helpful. And enjoy your trip to Austin!