At the heart of every major music festival, are droves of fans decked out in carefully curated outfits and one-of-a-kind garments that if not seen in person appear across our social media feeds and directly correspond with our increase in seasonal FOMO.
With warmer temperatures claiming our social calendars, music festivals are the first to stake a place in our summer weekend plans, meaning that our closets have to reorganize accordingly. Festival fashion has, after all, come a long way. Far and away are the culturally appropriative feathered headdresses and jeweled bindis that were donned by celebrities and attendees to recreate a pre-packaged “boho” look.
Now, it seems that festival fashion is embracing individuality, character, and outright joy.
Tap into pop-culturally responsive trends in light of historic movie releases, or unleash your inner “soy de rancho” at your next music festival appearance. Our guide breaks down the top 5 trends that are all over the music festival fashion scene as we speak, and the summer is just getting started.
1
Barbiecore
Barbiecore is taking over our feeds with an explosion of pink hues that are making a not-so-subtle appearance from head to toe. This versatile trend gives way to a variety of personal interpretations: from hyper-femme iterations of crop tops and mini skirts, to Y2K bubblegum prints, and matching accessories. Getting “dolled up” for a festival has never been easier.
2
Fail-Proof Bubble Hair
A full outfit is nowhere near complete without an accompanying hairstyle to top off the look. Luckily, bubble hair, also known as the bubble ponytail, is simple enough to be mastered by the least gifted in the hairstyling department. For this look, all you need are hair bands tied around a single tail, slightly teased out to create a “bubbly” effect. This style works with numerous hair textures, and when placed among texturized hair, makes for a truly unique look.
3
Bikini Set Fits
If there is one thing we love, it’s practical fashion. Veteran festival goers know all about the experience of bopping to your favorite set amongst thousands of sweaty fans, or roaming the grounds in search of the least expensive food options under the scorching sun. The point is, it can get HOT. That’s why we love our tried and tested bikini tops and bottoms for mixed outfit ensembles. The dichotomy of a form-fitting bikini top with parachute-like cargo pants is a fan favorite and one that can be seen rocked by Becky G’lol at her Coachella performance, which included two outfit changes within the same style.
4
Test the Waters with Mermaidcore
It’s a universal truth that festivals are all about joy, community, and finding a way to rock our most beloved ultra-sequined romper from the back of our closet (oh, just us?) The mermaidcore trend is another niche style aesthetic making its rounds across Tik Tok, and landing across music festivals nationwide following the release of the live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid, this trend is making a splash with its whimsical pieces of light and airy skirts, beaded headpieces and tops, as well as sequined accessories that make our hearts sing.
5
Electric Vaquera
These silver boots were made for walking…all over festival grounds! The electric vaquera aesthetic combines traditional Western wear with eclectic modern elements that take the traditional style to a whole new level: dangling crystals rimming a cowboy hat, fringe tops, and asymmetrical denim? Legendary. Now let your inner vaquera shine bright!