Summer Festival Style
Summer style has all but become synonymous with festival fashion. From the desert of Indio to the city of Austin, from Randall’s Island to Las Vegas, festival-goers are decked head to toe (not including midriffs) in crochet, tie dye, denim, neon and fringe. Music festivals have become an excuse to dress up as your favorite hippie-hipster-rave-punk-rock-flower-child version of yourself. And no matter what your budget, every store – from H&M to haute couture – offers a vast array of festive clothing and accessories to get you festival-ready. Here are some inventive examples of 2013’s summer festival trends.
By Emma Greenberg
-
Katy Perry at Coachella
Katy Perry is the queen of the fruit-themed outfit. The crop top, white wedges, tribal earrings and cat eye sunglasses make this particularly juicy getup festival-appropriate.
-
Sheer Brilliance
This blondie kept cool at Lollapalooza with a cold drink and a sheer violet T-shirt dress.
-
Jessie Ware
Jessie Ware kept it cool at Coachella in a cropped shirt, flowy long skirt, eyelet bolero and a playful headband.
-
Vampire Vamp
In ripped black stockings, clunky platforms, black lips and choker, this vampy vixen looked ready to sink her teeth into the festival…or some unsuspecting Lolla-goer.
-
Nineties Grunge
Graphic tees and waist-tied extra layers added a touch of Nineties nostalgia to this year’s Lollapalooza.
-
Crop Stop
Crop tops, in their many shapes, colors, materials and forms, have made a serious comeback on the festival circuit this summer.
-
Flower Power
A girly white flowing skirt and matching flower crown paired with chunky black jewels and a bare midriff takes this look from nymph to naughty.
-
Coachella
With so many trends to choose from at a festival like Coachella (hippie, rocker, electro), you really can’t go wrong. This girl opted for laidback rock & roll with a graphic tee, dark denim shorts and strappy sandals. Her printed headscarf and dreads are ideal for camping-ready hair.
-
Coachella
Prepped to rave: based on his Eighties-inspired Coachella tank, bright shorts and reflective retro shades, this guy likely spent most of his time in the Sahara tent at Coachella. His worn-in boat shoes put an unexpected preppy spin on his otherwise Miami-ready outfit.
-
Heat
Many a festival-goer used the heat of Coachella as an excuse to bare his or her inner exhibitionist. This girl’s hardcore boots are the only giveaway that she’s not dressed for the beach: the oversized aviators, white bikini and lace/crochet/fringe "cover up" would suggest otherwise.
-
Easy to Spot
An eye-catching graphic print like this one makes you easy to spot amid the sea of crochet, denim and lace.
-
‘Joutfit’
This floral-printed "joutfit" (a.k.a. "jean outfit"), round sunglasses, booties with lace socks and a whimsical pigtail-bun hairstyle is a nod to the wearer’s eight-year-old self.
-
Spice Girls Hippie
A neon British flag(ish) print because . . . why not? Paired with gingham round shades and white canvas sneakers, this look is Spice Girls hippie, which is obviously so Coachella.
-
Daisies
Dreadlock braids with daisies: could anything be more festival-chic than that?
-
Trends
In denim, crochet, fringe, suede, boots, wrap bracelets, big sunglasses, a crop top and a fanny pack, this brunette managed to show some skin while sporting every festival trend she could get her hands on.
-
SXSW
The Afro and fringe vest combo is perfectly hippie-country for SXSW.
-
Skrillex
Skrillex’s all-black everything (Vans, angry graphic tee, earring and oversized sunnies) are totally un-festival-hip, which makes his look totally hipster. Thumbs up!
-
Free Spirit
Boho jewelry, beachy hair and bare feet are groovy touches to this free spirit’s casual, comfortable getup.
-
Punk
Neon socks, a raccoon tail and dark makeup are a punkier take on festival fashion.
-
Peace
"Bang!" and "Peace": two words that sum up hippie culture.
-
Mermaid
Flower-child mermaid? ?
-
Ian MacKaye and Flea
Ian MacKaye and Flea show off their personal styles at Coachella.
-
SXSW
"Bikeable" is an important feature for any festival outfit.
-
Fundamentals
Round sunglasses and creatively-styled headbands are both fashion fundamentals for summer festival-hopping.
-
Twin Shadow
Twin Shadow's pool-party pullover may have generated odd tan lines.
-
Parasols
Parasols protect against the sun – but don't forget the SPF.
-
Pretty Punk
A tribal dress and biker boots paired with natural hair and makeup are pretty-punk.
-
Fashionista
In a lace tank, high-waisted acid wash shorts and cool accessories, this festival fashionista is ready to rock her socks off.
-
Closed-Toe
Closed-toe shoes are key for keeping your feet dust-free. An animal print kicks these slip-ons up a notch.
-
Impermanent
Bold hair color is another major festival trend. Try chalk or wash-out dyes for a less permanent statement.
-
Crown
This beaded crown is a fancy finish on an otherwise laid-back look.
-
Boots
Cowboy boots are an obvious necessity for any Texas festival.
-
Fierce
Dark lipstick and leopard print look fierce.
-
Adding Edge
Black accessories add edge to soft florals.
-
Hands Free
Backpacks and other hands-free bags are the best way to keep your belongings safe while you dance up a storm.