by Chloe Bubion
Crop tops, floral crowns, tutus, high-waist shorts, heart shaped sunglasses, Converse, cowboy and furry boots. The styles are endless when it comes to music festivals.
With popularity in attendance, and style trend inspiration increasing, the outfits festivalgoers choose to wear are critical. Clothing options vary by festival, but regardless if one is at Coachella, Stagecoach, or EDC- they dress to fit the mood of the weekend.
COACHELLA
Chapman junior television and broadcast journalism major, Ashley Gasparian, raises her turquoise jeweled hands and stomps her white high-top converse on the dirt to the music of her favorite artist at Coachella, as the metal from her heart shaped sunglasses catches the sun.
For many, like Gasparian, attending musical festivals is much more than hearing live music- it is the opportunity to see the thousands of creative outfit combinations and show off your personal style.
“In between shows my friends and I would just lay on the grass listening to music totally people watching and checking out outfits,” said Gasparian.
Floral bandeau crop tops, denim cutoffs and leather boots paired with a blossoming flower headband are common amongst those attending. Coachella, which takes place over two weekends in April in Indio, California, reveals the softer side to rock ‘n’ roll. Paisley and floral prints are seen on effortlessly chic sun and maxi dresses, tank tops, and even shorts.
Gasparian didn’t shy away from wearing popular festival trends when she attended Coachella last year.
“I was really excited to wear heart shaped sunglasses, floral headbands, and a body chain,” Gasparain said.
Although most attendees dress to fit the hippie-chic theme of the event, not all comply.
“Not everyone was dressed cute,” Gasparian said. “The looks were either super hippie or rave-y depending which tents you were in.”
Gasparian said she even saw a man wearing zebra pants at one of the concerts she attended.
Despite the few out-of-the-box outfits, whimsical dresses, denim jackets and multi-colored shorts are the rage at Coachella. And on their feet, festivalgoers opt for Converses, ankle boots, and strappy sandals at the sunny gathering.
The 2014 Coachella music festival will be taking place April 11-13th and April 18-20th in Indio, California at the Empire Polo Club.
STAGECOACH
Two weeks after Coachella, the Empire Polo Club grounds transform to house thousands of country music fans decked in cowboy boots, cut-off shorts, and crop tops.
With the weekend dedicated to country music, the theme of outfit choices change to more rustic and patriotic threads.
Chapman freshman undeclared major, Drew Petersen, noticed fans took the country look seriously when she attended Stagecoach last year.
“Everyone goes all out. It’s all cowboy boots, shorts, crop tops, and belt buckles,” said Petersen.
Lace and crochet are a must- whether they appear in one’s shorts, top, or dress. Ankle and cowboy boots, aviator sunglasses, and messy ponytails are a favorite amongst the country crowd. To beat the heat, some wear white sundresses with layered necklaces and a cowboy hat.
Besides clothing options, Petersen said that turquoise jewelry completes any Stagecoach look.
“Big chunky rings and necklaces made of turquoise are really popular,” Petersen said.
Those sporting a more edgy, not so southern belle look, wear a cut off vintage tee with a fringe vest.
For men attending, Petersen said their looks are effortless. Cowboys at Stagecoach usually wear jeans, cowboy boots and hat, and either go shirtless or wear an American flag t-shirt.
For some, like Petersen, choosing the perfect countrified outfit for this music festival is crucial.
“What you wear is just as important as who’s performing,” Petersen said.
The Stagecoach Country Music Festival takes place April 25-27.
Electric Daisy Carnival
Neon colored tutus, bright furry boots, elaborately decorated tops, and beaded bracelets are the trends found at the Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) held in Las Vegas.
Unlike other outdoors music festivals, EDC goers are encouraged to let their imagination run free when it comes to outfit choices.
Chapman sophomore biology major, Kelsey Zuckerman, said meeting new people are learning about the process behind their outfits made her experience when she attended last year.
“It is crazy to see some of the outfits at EDC and once you talk to people and learn how long it took them to make it, you appreciate them that much more,” said Zuckerman.
The rave-esque fashion is fun, vibrant, and most importantly comfortable. Many women attending wear some type of pants- cropped, leggings, or capris. Tutus, skirts, boy shorts, and bikini bottoms are also popular. Leg warmers or rave boots called ‘fluffies’ are common leg coverings seen at EDC. A new trend emerging at the festival is leg wraps. Ravers can be seen adorned in brightly colored ribbon tied up their legs in a zigzag pattern.
For men, light up, glow in the dark, and brightly patterned shirts paired with shorts or pants is common.
“Raver beads” are the typical accessory found at EDC. Zuckerman explains that the bracelets are just as much a part of the experience as listening to the DJ’s perform.
“Before the festival, people spend weeks making different colored bracelets to pass out once they are there,” Zuckerman said.
With months until the next set of shows, Zuckerman is not wasting any time. “I am already busy planning my outfits for this year,” she said.
The Electric Daisy Carnival will take place June 20-22.
