Cue the glitter, cue the tunes, and most importantly, cue the fashion statements that make every music festival an Instagrammer’s paradise. But before you dive headfirst into your closet and come out looking like a confused toddler, let’s talk strategy.
We’re not just here to look good, we’re here to look so good that even the performers are taking notes. And who better to school us in the art of festival fashion than Ashley Full, stylist and co-founder of fashion label AMOUR718, and celebrity stylist and costume designer Mariana Guerrero?
In this guide, we’re dishing out the most practical tips on rocking the ultimate music festival ensemble. From nailing the fine balance between “I woke up like this” and “I planned this for weeks,” to decoding the mysteries of staying comfy while looking fierce, we’ve got you covered.
In regards to the Canadian tuxedo, Guerrero raved that she “love[s] a good denim on denim outfit. Denim is a classic versatile [ensemble] and timeless in style.”
Denim on denim with 90s flair? This two-piece gives a sense of modern structure while remaining breathable.
Packing a pair like this means the ability to mix and match with your other a la carte pieces.
Layer it on with this short overall dress and a pair of double-denim cowboy boots for a simple yet totally unique music festival look.
A pair of denim boots is a unique way to embrace this trend (and even blend a few).
“I love 90s fashion! The baggy jeans, crop tops, plaid shirts, and platform shoes are iconic and have made a strong comeback in recent years,” according to Guerrero.
An even smaller two-piece version of Carrie Bradshaw’s newspaper dress, this outfit gives 90s grunge, print, and shape better than most we’ve seen.
Make a statement while staying comfortable in this outfit.
Stand out in a crowd of high-waisted denim shorts, bright colors, and shiny accessories by going simple with this 90s-style strapless dress. That, or pair it with the most glam accessories you can find for a unique and elegant festival look.
“To me personally, there’s nothing more chic than an effortless ’70s outfit for a music festival,” Guerrero touted. “It’s an homage to Woodstock, embodying the free-flowing, free-spirited vibe. Simple 70s looks include bell-bottom jeans paired with a flowy blouse, a flowy dress with platform sandals or boots, or a denim jumpsuit accessorized with vintage sunglasses.”
The 70s are not only alive and well, but the style is in full swing once again.
The even better news? The 70s had some seriously comfy styles, like flowy tops and bell-bottom jeans like these picks from Etsy and Lee.
From mod sets like this one from Nasty Gal to mini shorts and collars, jumpsuits and flares, the 70s is possibly the most dependable style option to go with for music festivals.
High-waisted booty shorts are a show-stopping way to stay cool and free enough to dance your heart out.
“Metallics add instant glam, sparkle, and fun to any outfit,” marked Guerrero about this blingy trend.
Yes, metallic can be subtle, but why not let your style shine as bright as you during a music festival.
This all-silver ensemble stands out enough to catch performers’ attention, so don’t be shy. Or do, and let your outfit do the talking.
Go all out with this metallic maxi dress, stretchy enough to let you move freely but body-conscious enough to make you feel comfortable and sexy all at once.
According to Guerrero, “feathers can add a fun touch to any outfit because they bring texture, movement, and a playful vibe.”
Now is the time to add a little bit of frill to your ensembles, and these two pieces from Revolve allow you to do just that — with a little something extra.
Feathers add movement to your outfit, but this little bag will stay secure and wrapped around your body while you dance the days away.
It’ll truly be a spring fling when you’re rocking this faux feather dress. Its bright red hue keeps it standing out while its mod and mini shape keeps you cool.
“The coquette aesthetic embraces playfulness,” stated Guerrero. “Bows can enhance this style by adding a touch of femininity, and whimsy to outfits.”
Make use of the bow trend by putting them everywhere but (or in addition to) your hair _ starting with front and center with this top.
This strapless Staud top and these Urban Renewal jeans make a truly original pairing — not to mention a comfortable one, practically made for getting down to your favorite tunes.
“I am all about adding a Western touch to any outfit because it brings a sense of badass, timeless style,” touted Guerrero. “Whether it’s a vintage western belt or a pair of classic western boots, they add character and personality to your look.”
A pairing like this sequin western button-down and these metallic cowboy boots combines effortless pieces resulting in a completely statement-making ensemble.
Level up your cowboy boots by making them high-shine metallic like these Nasty Gal numbers.
According to Guerrero, this trend is a playful nod to “nostalgia, bold colors, and glamorous vibes inspired by Barbie dolls. It’s perfect for a music festival if you’re into fun and whimsical styles. Pair a pastel crop top with high-waisted denim shorts and platform sandals.”
Pair a loud sequined mini skirt like this one from Cider with a posh and refined sweater vest (also in pink, of course) for a totally versatile Barbie-esque festival look.
Pink on pink will be a statement trend this spring, and pairing a bit of sparkle with a touch of sophistication is the Barbie way.
“A good crochet outfit channels a retro and bohemian vibe while also being free-spirited, making it a fun choice for music festivals,” stated Guerrero.
This crochet set by Lovers and Friends is just colorful and patterned enough to be a stand-out option at the festival without totally stealing your friends’ thunder (no promises).
Crochet is a fabulous way to dress to impress while also staying cool in the heat.
Let the design speak for itself with this all-black crochet number from Cult Gaia. With a piece like this, you can not only keep yourself cool and comfortable but go simple or all out with accessories.
According to Full, “There is no wrong way to build the perfect festival outfit, but I suggest leaning into the fun trends for spring. Start with a base of denim: either go full Canadian Tuxedo with the denim-on-denim or embrace one of the popular denim pants trends — wide leg, flare, or the new crop flare (the updated pedal pusher) are all great options.”
When it comes to trends for 2024, she also stated that “the three biggest trends we are seeing for spring into fall will be feathers, bows, and metallics. Personally, I love metallics. It’s a trend for everyone, and it looks so chic with denim. Style an outfit with denim, layer in metallics with your shoes and accessories, and then add some feathers or ribbons to your hair to embrace all three major trends. I love the ribbons in the hair, braid them in or go for the big bow movement — it’s so fun and feminine.”
“The top colors for spring and summer we are seeing a lot of lilacs, greens and yellows,” Full continued. “These colors go perfectly with the ‘watercolor’ trend we will see for spring, florals for spring.”
“My biggest tip when it comes to packing for any event is to not roll your clothes to fit more into your bag on the way there,” Full stated. “Fold everything for the trip there and on the way back roll it. If you roll on the way back you’ll have some space for anything you’ve bought while on your trip.”
“Don’t bring anything valuable, or you don’t want to get dirty or destroyed,” she continued. “It’s so easy to lose sunglasses and jewelry when you’re in large crowds and there are a lot of distractions. As much as you might want to show off your best items, leave them at home.”
“The importance of a great music festival outfit is wearing something you’ll be comfortable and confident in,” Full advised. “We’ve all seen our favorite celebrities in elaborate outfits, but we have to remember they’re getting golf-carted around, aren’t in a large crowd, and have access to more comfortable tents vs. non-VIP guests. You’re going to be on your feet all day, so bring a pair of sneakers that are comfortable and you’re willing to get ruined.”
“Weather is unpredictable, so pack layers,” she continued. “They’re on trend for this spring and summer so lean into that. Pair a long-sleeve shirt with a cute vest or bring a stylish jacket. From a functionality perspective at a festival, you should always wear or bring extra layers with you. Feel your best and don’t let anyone influence you to wear something that will ruin your experience because you were freezing or your blisters were so bad you couldn’t walk.”
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