By Mari Sato
Coachella fashion has reached peak controversy this year, with influencer Olympics in full swing. Many of the trends we’ve witnessed this past week have been all over the place, from cute-casual looks to classic over-the-top festival wear, and that’s where the controversy stems. The discourse on what people think is appropriate for “Coachella fashion” has been discussed by influencers, celebrities, and civilians alike, and ever since TikTok has been saturated with Coachella fashion hot-takes. This article will attempt to navigate the intricacies of this debate and shed light on the multifaceted nature of festival fashion culture in the age of social media.
Casual outfits have been making a comeback this year with “clean girl” aesthetic queens like Kendall Jenner and Hailey Beiber rocking cut-offs and mini skirts. Advocates for a comeback in casual festival wear have cited the laid-back style worn by original Coachella attendees. Furthermore, the rising reputation of the Coachella concerts has had people calling for a focus on the purpose of the festival: the music. Those who prefer the casual look emphasize that an outfit should not overshadow musical performances. This perspective is also supported by many, as the monetary aspect of purchasing three days’ worth of elaborate outfits seems attainable only for the rich and famous.
In contrast, proponents of extravagant attire argue that lavish costumes enhance the atmosphere of the festival and serve as a form of self-expression, despite potentially breaking the bank. While it may feel like all attendees of Coachella are donned in head-to-toe designer, it is essential to consider that a majority of the media we consume from the festival comes from a small fraction of attendees. In reality, most people opt for personal style or comfort over designer labels. Expanding on this perspective, one must consider the financial component of buying a Coachella ticket, which can often be anywhere from $500 to $1000, making the financial component somewhat irrelevant. People promoting intricate styles are not advocating the purchase of high-end items or microtrends by the masses, but instead an expression of personality. Basic outfits can be personified by accessories, and festival-goers should not be afraid to wear “weird” or “unrealistic” outfits.
Regardless of what side you may find yourself on, one aesthetic 2024 Coachella goers seem to unanimously agree on is the 2016 “indie sleaze” era. That year and set list made history with Calvin Harris as the festival’s first DJ headliner, and social media obsessed over the queen of Coachella herself, Vanessa Hudgens, and her boho style. Concert attendees could be seen wearing long lace dresses, bralettes, sheer skirts, slip dresses, and, of course, space buns. This era of dressing did not hold back on accessories, and I believe that personalization is what makes the 2016 Coachella so attractive to the public. Looking through photos from that period, I noticed that accessories and unique pieces give these outfits the personal element that is missing in a lot of today’s outfits.
Aesthetics aside, I think the cause of this dissonance is because of the uncertainty of attendees’ own personal preferences and values in their dressing. In my personal opinion, the best outfits are those that are true to the person wearing them; they look like extensions of themselves. People should wear what they want and uncover the value they want to get out of their clothing choices; comfort and expression are valid motives, but it’s essential to identify what matters most to you.
What team are you on?
