The unofficial start of music festival season kicked off at Coachella on April 13 in Indio, Calif. The internationally recognized music festival has become so popular that in 2012 the festival’s producers decided to expand the affair to two weekends, back-to-back, with the same lineup. Coachella is known for hosting world-renowned musicians, but over its 19 years celebrity appearances and festival fashion have stolen the show, making Coachella the go-to event for trend setters and seekers alike.
Coachella is where summer fashion trends are born. Trend forecasters have been closely monitoring music festivals for years, trying to pick up on and predict the next big style for summer. Brands and retailers have recently started jumping on the festival bandwagon too, launching festival-focused collections of their own.
Music festival fashion has a reputation for pushing boundaries and being outrageous. The looks from the first weekend of this year’s Coachella were no exception. While you may not be sporting glitter body paint to your summer barbecues this year, here are some of the Coachella styles you’ll want to wear on repeat all summer long.
Throwback denim makes a comeback
Levi’s had a major fashion moment. Celebrities like Bella Hadid and Hailey Baldwin were spotted sporting vintage-style Levi’s from cutoffs to traditional straight leg. To get the look, go for a classic cut denim, like Levi’s 501 jeans that offer a throw-back vibe — and pair with a white shirt. Opting for a looser fitting jean with a high waist allows you to sport a midriff-baring top without looking over exposed.
The fanny pack rises again
The fanny pack is no longer reserved for soccer moms and faux-pas tourists. It’s great because the hands-free bags are really convenient for all those classic summer activities you have planned — amusement parks, festivals, hiking and traveling. Take a cue from Alessandra Ambrosio who sported a red Kooples Emily Belt Bag. Choose a bag that looks like something you would wear as a handbag, but on a belt instead of a strap to avoid looking and feeling like a time warp.
The white dress still reigns
You cannot go wrong with the summer style staple known as the white dress. From maxis to minis, crochet to cotton, the white dress still reigns as the queen of summer style. Celebrities like Nicole Richie, Emma Roberts and Paris Hilton were spotted in the go-to summer favorite at Coachella.
See and be seen in micro shades
When you think of music festivals round, oversized ’70s-vibe shades probably come to mind. Although the ’70s are still alive and well at Coachella, micro sunglasses and shades in smaller sizes allow celebs to see and be seen. From cat eye to round, the emphasis was on face-exposing shapes and sizes. Celebrities like Gigi Hadid and Shay Mitchell put their faces front and center in small sunglasses.
Braids for the win
Braids give off that hippie, flower-child feeling so many festival goers are after. But the festival hairstyle staple is also great for hot summer days when you want to look good but also want your hair back and away from your face. Victoria’s Secret Angel Romee Strijd kept cool in braids tied back into a ponytail. Paris Hilton opted to have most of her hair down with a side braid, keeping her hair back from her face for a sophisticated yet no-fuss look.
For more street-style looks from the first weekend of Coachella, click here.
