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Shop Chic Festival Outfit Ideas
Not all festivals are one and the same.
From the Pythian Games to Woodstock, festivals have a long, celebrated (and at times condemned, i.e., Fyre) history. They were, in the past, occasions when like-minded individuals banded together to experience a range of live acts that spoke to a specific cultural movement. The modern-day versions follow the sentiment, but with so many options out there—indeed, festivals are now a dime a dozen—there are a plethora of different genres to celebrate and look good at.
Some follow a bohemian sensibility, with frilly blouses and cutout shorts. Others are more electric in their offerings, subscribing to neon colors and neoprene. And then there are those that lean into a postapocalyptic mindset. Still, whatever the prescribed modus operandi, it is always important to dress the part with panache. This is why we have taken the effort to curate a selection of outfit ideas best suited for four types of festivals we have marked on our calendars for 2020. Find your fashion, festival, and flavor below.
Coachella
When: April 10-12 & 17-19
Where: Indo Valley, CA
Vibe: Coachella is the Beyoncé of music festivals—an apt descriptor considering how Bey’s 2018 no-holds-barred show is the most-viewed live performance on YouTube. Since its start in 1999, Coachella has grown to become a juggernaut, attracting cream-of-the-crop headliners from a diverse range of music genres—from rap to rock to country—throughout the decade. The fashion choices, however, have remained pretty consistent. They essentially follow the laid-back, bohemian spirit akin to Woodstock, albeit with a modern twist. Throughout the abbreviated fete, expect to see cropped billowy or mesh tops, fringe jackets, short shorts, crochet dresses and separates, circle-frame sunglasses, and wide-brim hats.
It's basically a rule that you have to wear a hat at the festival.
This crochet overlay is a ray of sunshine.
This is perfect for when the cool California breeze hits you.
Valentino Garavani Rockstud Buckle Western Bootie
A bootie that rocks in more ways than one.
BottleRock Napa Valley
When: May 22-24
Where: Napa Valley, CA
Vibe: In the realm of music festivals, this one is as upper crust as it gets. It does take place in posh Napa Valley, after all, culling a crowd that is far more subdued than, say, EDC (see below). Indeed, they are music lovers who appreciate the classics, with a sprinkling of new hits. To wit: This year’s diverse headlines include Dave Matthews Band, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Khalid, Miley Cyrus, and Stevie Nicks, the queen of romantic black dresses. And what better way to honor her than with an outfit that screams Bella Donna.
Everything is coming up roses for this stunner.
These boots will take your festival style to new heights.
This is the perfect piece to cap off your BottleRock outfit.
A little sparkle always goes a long way.
Electric Daisy Carnival
When: May 15-17
Where: Las Vegas, NV
Vibe: The name says it all. The Electric Daisy Carnival is a raucous event filled to the brim with a boisterous crowd jumping and fist pumping to EDM. Founded in 1997, the festival is where the biggest DJs take over arenas covered in neon, strobe lights, and glow sticks. It’s essentially a three-day rave. And the fashions adhere to the same outré mindset.
This mesh top is a highlight for sure.
An infinitely chicer version of glow sticks.
Rule of thumb: the shorter the shorts at EDC, the better.
With all the jumping you'll be doing, make sure your kicks are comfortable—and, of course, colorful.
Burning Man
When: August 30–September 7
Where: Black Rock Desert, NV
Vibe: Burning Man is certainly not for the faint of heart. Set in a desert that stretches for miles and miles with no accommodations in sight (attendees arrive with their own trailers), the festival is virtually Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome IRL. The atmosphere is rugged, where all, for a week, make believe that they are part of a dystopian society. And the barely there fashions play a major role in fulfilling this fantasy. They include chain mail, tattered trousers, bandanas, tops that are literally pieced together, and psychedelic, out-of-this-world prints.
In the intense desert heat, mesh is your best friend.
The short shorts are all kinds of fierce.
When it comes to Burning Man, always opt for something that is rough around the edges.
There's no shoe that says dystopian society more so than a combat boot.
