Filmmakers frantically raid thrift stores nationwide as prestigious festival enforces radical new dress code
The Sundance Film Festival embraces retro fashion and diverse voices
The Sundance Film Festival, already a well-established pioneer in avant-garde cinema and progressive ideals, has taken an unexpected turn for 2025. In a groundbreaking move that has stunned both fashionistas and film buffs alike, the festival has mandated that all attendees must wear authentic 1980s ski suits throughout the event. This move, which combines retro style with forward-thinking cinema, coincides with the festival’s most diverse lineup yet, featuring 87 groundbreaking feature films and six episodic projects. From January 23 to February 2, 2025, audiences will get a chance to experience indie films while donning neon colors and vintage winter gear.
The great ski suit scramble
As news of the mandatory dress code spread, Park City’s local thrift stores reported a surge in customers frantically hunting for the perfect vintage ski suit. “We’ve never seen anything like it,” said one local store owner, eyeing a rack full of neon green and purple snowsuits. “It’s like the entire town is on a mission to dress like 1980s ski bums.”
Festival organizers argue that the vintage ski suits are essential for creating an immersive atmosphere. According to one source, “We wanted to capture the essence of Sundance’s roots—when the festival was a more intimate gathering of filmmakers and ski enthusiasts—and combine that with the forward-thinking narratives that we’re showcasing this year.” The retro attire aims to enhance the overall experience while simultaneously spotlighting a lineup of films that celebrate Black voices and diverse storytelling.
Black excellence meets neon excellence
The 2025 Sundance lineup, while full of forward-thinking films, also shines in its representation of Black narratives. However, some filmmakers are wary of how their works, especially the serious documentaries, will be perceived by audiences decked out in day-glo ski suits. “It’s hard to imagine showing a deeply moving film about Black history when everyone around you looks like a 1980s ski instructor,” said one filmmaker, who wished to remain anonymous.
Nevertheless, some major films in the lineup are already generating buzz. One of the most anticipated screenings is SLY LIVES!, directed by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson. The documentary explores the life of legendary musician Sly Stone. Audiences will be able to immerse themselves in this story while swishing their way to their seats in vintage CB Sports one-pieces—offering a uniquely surreal experience.
The new wave of cinema (and fashion)
This year’s Sundance includes several standout films that will be screened to an audience resembling a ski resort staff reunion circa 1985. Here’s a preview of some of the most anticipated films:
BLKNWS Redux
Kahlil Joseph’s BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions offers a fresh, surreal perspective on consciousness and time. The already mind-bending documentary will be made even more so by the sight of audience members sporting matching hot pink and turquoise ski suits. “There’s something about the fusion of 80s fashion and Black storytelling that feels revolutionary,” says Joseph. “It’s like the visuals of the ski suits complement the disorienting nature of the film itself.”
Underground Movements
Elegance Bratton’s Move Ya Body: The Birth of House chronicles Chicago’s dance culture and the birth of house music. It promises to have festival-goers bopping along to the beats while struggling to navigate the aisles in stiff vintage Gore-Tex. “We know it’s going to be a challenge, but it’s all part of the immersive experience,” said a festival representative, who noted that many of the films would be shown in theaters with high levels of aesthetic commitment—such as retro ski decor.
Southern Stories
Brittany Shyne’s Seeds explores the dynamics of Black generational farming, all while keeping festival-goers looking chic in vintage Bogner ski suits. “There’s something poetic about wearing high-end ski gear while watching a film about agriculture,” Shyne remarked. “It’s like blending two worlds—one of high fashion and one of farming history.”
Virtual access and vintage requirements
For those who can’t make it to Park City, Sundance’s expanded online platform offers a virtual experience—but there’s a catch. Virtual attendees must upload photos of themselves watching films while wearing period-appropriate ski wear. This has led to an unprecedented surge in vintage ski suit listings on eBay and other online platforms.
“I’ve been selling ski suits on eBay for years, but this year is like Black Friday for retro fashion,” one seller said. “Everywhere you look, people are scrambling to buy the ‘perfect’ ski suit for the festival, even if they’re just watching from their couch.”
Festival organizers hope this requirement will bring a sense of connection between virtual and in-person attendees, but some critics question whether it’s really necessary. “I understand the concept, but asking people to wear vintage ski suits just to watch films online seems a little excessive,” one social media user commented.
A new era of cinema
Despite the strange confluence of 80s fashion and film, Sundance 2025 promises to be a groundbreaking year in the world of independent cinema. This year’s lineup will feature a variety of films by and about Black artists, amplifying marginalized voices in an industry that has long struggled with diversity. From documentaries to fictional narratives, the festival’s selections represent the diverse storytelling landscape that is slowly transforming Hollywood.
Sundance 2025 isn’t just about films, though—it’s about creating an unforgettable experience. The ski suit dress code, whether it’s adored or ridiculed, will undoubtedly be a conversation starter. The juxtaposition of serious cinema with outlandish fashion is a testament to the festival’s dedication to pushing boundaries.
As the festival approaches, one thing becomes clear: the stories being told this year are as colorful and impactful as the mandatory vintage attire. The 2025 Sundance Film Festival is poised to take viewers on a wild ride—not just through film, but through time, style, and culture.
