Dakota and Elle Fanning Set the Tone for SXSW’s 2026 Red Carpet in Ralph Lauren and Coach

The 2026 SXSW film festival is almost over, and many stars have already appeared on the red carpet. Dakota and Elle Fanning kicked off the festivities by highlighting American designers with a feminine and understated luxury aesthetic, while other stars opted for vintage pieces and favored 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.

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Elle Fanning

Celebrity style at SXSW 2026.

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 provide 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

Celebrity style at SXSW 2026.

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

Celebrity style at SXSW 2026.

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

Celebrity style at SXSW 2026.

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.

Leighton Meester at “Basic” Premiere during the SXSW Conference & Festivals held at the ZACH Theater on March 16, 2026 in Austin, Texas.

Ashley Park at “Basic” Premiere during the SXSW Conference & Festivals held at the ZACH Theater on March 16, 2026 in Austin, Texas.

Elizabeth Banks at “Dreamquil” Premiere during the SXSW Conference & Festivals held at the ZACH Theater on March 16, 2026 in Austin, Texas.

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