Meet the Stylemaker Finalists
6 most stylish people in Austin spill secrets to their signature looks
Who's the most fashionable of them all? The time has come to reveal the finalists for our second annual CultureMap Stylemaker Awards, celebrating the most stylish people in Austin. In September, we introduced our 12 semifinalists, and your votes decided which six moved on to the final round.
Now it's time to vote again to determine our readers' choice winner for 2016. You can vote once a day, every day, through October 19 at 11:59 pm. Later this month we'll announce the second annual CultureMap Stylemaker winners, including the editors' choice winner and the readers' choice winner, which is in your hands.
Ahead of the final round of voting, we spent a day in the studio with our stylish finalists, treating each to a photo shoot with Austin photographer Jessica Pages, with hair and makeup by McKenzy Windham of Roar Salon. Peruse the photos above, get to know our six finalists below, and then vote for your favorite.
Gillian Driscoll
Music PR and marketing
Favorite fall trend: Blazers, boots, and big scarves.
The trend that should just disappear: Normcore.
Secret to being stylish: Make a statement with what you wear and how you wear it. I wear things that give off an emotional charge when I put them on, e.g. confident, empowered, happy, etc. Experiment and have fun with the evolution of your personal style.
Brittany Merida
Stylist and designer
Favorite fall trend: All the cool DIY projects that people have been recreating that show you how to get a certain style for less.
The trend that should just disappear: I absolutely love the oversized boy tee look, but it's definitely becoming overrated and old — fast.
Secret to being stylish: My style secret is being true to myself and doing what feels good. Never try to conform to anyone's norm, just do you.
Viraj Patel
Dentist
Favorite fall trend: My favorite fall fashion trend this year is suede! So excited that it's back! Just waiting for it to get cooler in Austin so that I can rock some.
The trend that should just disappear: Velvet. It's okay for Christmas, but somehow I have never grown to love it.
Secret to being stylish: Comfort! I love to be comfortable in everything I wear! If I'm not comfortable, you'll be able to sense it.
Megan Runser
Brand manager at Kendra Scott
Favorite fall trend: I'm currently obsessing over rich jewel tone velvet blazers, embellished trophy jackets to elevate jeans and T-shirt pairings, leather [and faux leather!] biker styles to balance out and toughen up uber feminine pieces, and the satin bomber that is everywhere right now.
The trend that should just disappear: One word: culottes. No one can possibly be taken seriously in this atrocious cousin to the (equally horrifying) capri pant. Get them outta here already.
Secret to being stylish: Wear what makes you happy, regardless of what a magazine or a blog says is "cool" to wear. I proudly rocked a ridiculous(ly awesome) sequin kimono jacket over my hospital gown with my chemo machine dragging behind me for weeks while in isolation for my bone marrow transplant. Having my inner style shine through helped me feel more like me during a time when I barely recognized or felt like myself.
Lamar Sanchez
Entertainer
Favorite fall trend: This is going to sound unusual, but mink coats.
The trend that should just disappear: Dad hats. Ugh.
Secret to being stylish: If I tell you, then it's no longer a secret.
Carly Uson
Lifestyle blogger
Favorite fall trend: Chokers. I'm a '90s girl, so I'll always have a soft spot for this accessory!
The trend that should just disappear: Crop tops! And not that I'm attending red-carpet events, but I'm so tired of the sequined "naked" dress on celebs.
Secret to being stylish: Know the cuts and fabrics that look best on your body. Mix high and low fashion. Don't overdo it with trends; keep things classic but updated.