Music festivals celebrate fun, freedom, and living life to the fullest. These events are all about excitement and making memories with your closest friends. You don’t even need to know the featured artists to have the time of your life!
Everyone does festival season differently, but there’s one non-negotiable no matter who you are: you better show up with some next-level fashion to show off some style and skin!
Festival fashion is known for being original, audacious, and just a bit over-the-top, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Let’s talk about how to build a rave-worthy wardrobe that will last you through the summer and beyond.
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Fashion Foundations
Every rave outfit starts with some fundamentals, and this should form the basis of your wardrobe no matter what style you choose to pursue.
We’re talking about tank tops, bra tops, cropped long sleeves, lightweight chamises, and a good mix of leggings, shorts, and skirts to keep you covered. Don’t forget a good mix of shoes, from versatile trainers to outrageous platforms boots.
We know that showing skin is part of festival fun, but you’ve got to draw the line somewhere! Start with these basics, and you can work your way from there, adding original flourishes and flair along the way.
Pick a Pallete
When selecting rave season essentials, you must consider color palettes as well. You can get away with a broad range of clashing colors, but the most fashionable folks keep it coordinated.
Maybe you want to go all-in on pastels during a celebratory springtime festival, then switch over to electrifying neon colors when summer is in full swing. You might want to go all-black for a gothic-inspired look, and there’s always a place for tie-dye, too!
The key is to have a mix of colors to choose from depending on the occasion and your mood.
Dress for the Festival
Speaking of the occasion, remember that every festival has its own vibe and atmosphere. You’ve got to match that look and feel with the clothes you wear, so plan ahead.
Coachella has a classic hippie/rocker feel, while Lollapalooza typically has an urban edge with more street style. As for smaller raves, it’s all about originality, so you set the tone.
Social media is loaded with images from festivals of years past, so do some research and get an idea of what to expect. If you have some gear featuring your favorite artists, don’t forget to wear it on the day they perform.
Accessories for All
Festivals are the perfect showcase for accessories, so you should always be on the lookout for new pieces of flair that reflect your personality. We’re talking about hats, scarves, bandanas, holsters, harnesses, and all sorts of stickers and jewels.
You want accessories that complement your baseline outfit and make you stand out from the crowd in the best way.
A bit of glitter or neon can emphasize the best features of your outfit and body, so you want to choose wisely and place accessories with precision.
Jump On New Trends
Every year offers something new on the festival circuit, and you definitely don’t want to show up wearing the same stuff as last year. Stay in the loop on social media and blogs to see what trends are popping this year, and don’t miss your chance to shine.
If you don’t feel like chasing trends, no problem! You can create a brand-new style based on you own vision and make a strong impression when you arrive at the show.
Who knows – you may set the next big trend for the upcoming festival season and become a star.
Mix and Match with Friends
What fun is a festival without friends to support you and share memories? For many friend groups, it’s a free-for-all in the wardrobe department, and everyone shares items depending on what events are on the calendar.
You should also coordinate outfits with friends, not just to amplify the impact of your looks, but also to track them down in a crowd if you separate! That’s thinking smart – and stylish.
Keep it (Kind of) Practical
Not to be a downer, but you’ve got to have some practical considerations to survive festival season in one piece. Keep a hydration backpack with you at all times, and a dedicated clutch bag for your phone, makeup, and other essentials.
Your wardrobe should also include a stylish overcoat or shawl for when temperatures drop in the spring or fall. The last thing you want is to shiver when you should be dancing.
The good news is that you can include practical wardrobe items without compromising an ounce of style. This way, your festival outfits look great, keep you protected, and pay for themselves many times over.