Dress Code: Dirndl

Boasting thirty manufacturers of traditional costumes and Dirndl shops, Salzburg, the city known as the film location of “The Sound of Music,” is unparalleled as a shopping destination for aficionados of alpine fashion. Dirndl, Lederhosen and traditional suits for men have always been held in high esteem in Salzburg. The locals wear them for any occasion with utter self-confidence. 

Small wonder then, that traditional costumes more than hold their own against international fashion trends. Instead, Salzburg’s manufacturers create their own trends. Designers experiment with fabrics, patterns and trendy colors. Even Gexi Tostmann, one of Austria’s authorities on historic Dirndls says that "as long as you know the rules, you can bend them!" In other words: Anything goes. Refreshingly uncomplicated and casually chic designs are just as popular as traditional patterns and exquisite elegance.

The latest trends concerning all things related to Dirndls and Tracht (Austrian traditional costume) are presented each year during "Fashion Week" in Salzburg's historic city center. There are countless other events where you can experience the enormous variety of Dirndl in Salzburg.

All of Salzburg eagerly awaits the inaugural Salzburg Festival Ball, which will be held for the first time ever on September 1, 2012. At the glamorous Summer Riding School, a committee of young ladies and gentlemen in formal Salzburg Dirndl will open the ball. The general dress code for the event is "elegant Dirndl for ladies and traditional dinner jackets for men."

Other popular events include the Edelweiss Party and Poacher's Ball, traditional events such as the annual raising of the Maypole, the St. Rupert's Fair, or the monthly "Almrausch" Tracht clubbing, Gössl's Dirndl “Flugtag” and the Salzburg Advent Singing in Winter.

Join our host Kelley as she watches the "Creation of a Dirndl":