By Isabella Popo
Ultra felt like the longest 72 hours of my life, but, honestly, I think I spent a longer time trying to pick out the perfect outfits. Nailing my three-day wardrobe became the most important item on my to-do list. Not only is shopping for the perfectly-balanced cute and comfortable outfit extremely challenging, but accessories and shoes need to match the same vibe, not to mention all of the supplies you need to survive a festival like this one.
However, while challenging, festival outfits can be a super fun way to express yourself and tap into your creativity. It’s the perfect excuse to wear something bold and out of your comfort zone without feeling out of place. So, as festival season begins, it only makes sense to share some outfit inspiration along with some helpful tips and tricks to get you through your summer festival schedule.
Coachella: April 11-20
Coachella is seemingly the hardest festival to shop for because the overall vibe allows for a lot of freedom, though, that can be a good thing. Instead of going for one concept, intermingle your style aesthetics, whether that’s boho, western, chic, or minimal. Try incorporating chunky jewelry, crochet sets, belt-buckle boots, sequin shorts, flowy skirts lace tops, and other breathable, yet fashionable pieces that move with you. If you’re not sure where to begin, Princess Polly, For Love and Lemons, and Revolve are solid go-to’s for curated, trendy pieces that are perfect for ‘Chella.
Stagecoach: April 25-27
Stagecoach, though similar to Coachella in technicality, has more of a southern twang. If you want to add a little more edge to your classic cowgirl aesthetic, play around with different textures. Mixing studs, lace, suede, or leather is a fun take on traditional clothing items while adding depth and contrast to your look. Oversized belt buckles, mixed metals, studded or leather mini shorts, metallic cowboy boots, fringe tops or jackets, and other bold accents can elevate your outfit without losing the western roots. Shops like Show Me Your Mumu, Spell & The Gypsy Collective, and AllSaints can kickstart your search for the perfect Stagecoach fit.
EDC Las Vegas: May 15-17
Vibrant designs, fun patterns, and bright colors are the way to go when it comes to EDC–and you can’t forget your pashmina. This is true rave culture, but don’t let that scare you into conforming to a certain aesthetic for the festival. You don’t have to wear a swimsuit or cut-up bodysuit from DollsKill to feel like you belong there. What matters most is feeling good in what you’re wearing. You won’t want to be adjusting your outfit all night or dealing with discomfort just because it looked trendy for your feed. The real heart of a festival is the music, the energy, and being present in the moment—not who looks the cutest in a curated Instagram photo dump. When packing for Ultra, I had this in mind. I brought Jaded London lace bloomers, Edikted’s iconic sequin skirt, I.AM.GIA lace pants, and tank/tube tops from Revolve to solidify my look and still manage to step out of the box.
If you’re at a festival from sunrise until sunset, you’re going to need a survival kit. Here’s what I think deserves the most room in your bag:
- Portable chargers are a must. Opt for a wireless magnetic battery that attaches to the back of your phone. Not only is it sleeker, but it also saves you from fumbling with cords mid-concert. In my opinion, Apple’s battery takes the cake, but Anker’s is a close second.
- Make sure your boots are made for walkin’. With the amount of steps you’ll rack-up over the weekend, comfortable shoes are essential. In case your sneaker gives you a blister or two, bring bandaids, neosporin, or shoe insoles. Compeed has cushioned bandages and heel patches to help you last through the night. Trust me—future you will be thankful when you’re still dancing during the final set.
- It will be super hot this summer, and I’m talking about record breaking temperatures in cities like Palm Desert and Las Vegas. A fan is essential for beating the heat and staying cool. A folding fan is eco-friendly and doesn’t require a charge, plus, it’s inexpensive. Amazon offers an array of designs and patterns to choose from, so you could even find one to match your festival fit. However, if you know you overheat quickly and need a more powerful airflow, buy an electric. I recommend trying Amazon’s portable neck fan, which also makes for one less thing you have to hold during the day
- You gotta keep all these goodies somewhere. Even the mini’s–lip balm, concealer, earplugs, and hand sanitizer– all need a place to go. You may love them, you may hate them, but fanny packs are the best way to store your festival necessities. I’m not talking about Lululemon’s Everywhere Belt or Alo’s Explorer Fanny. Amazon, Free People, Pull and Bear, and other online brands have practical fanny packs that are also fashion-forward and not painfully basic.
With this in mind, plan wisely, pack your essentials, and wear whatever makes you feel your best. Don’t overthink the outfit too much, but it’s fun to play into the different vibes of each festival. Once you’re dancing under the lights and fully immersed in the music, no one’s going to care what you’re wearing, and neither will you. Most importantly, stay safe and soak up the moment—festival season only comes once a year!
