Festival season has arrived, and with it, the undeniable urge to start assembling outfits. It may require a little forethought, but it should feel anything but like work; it’s part of the experience, an outlet for the anticipation. This year’s Coachella is a particularly strong reminder of that. As always, the Californian desert became a stage for carefully curated looks – creative, relaxed, and entirely intentional.
We shouldn’t expect any less from our own scene; the same sense of individuality applies. Rather than simply scrolling through the highlights, consider this your edit of the defining looks set to shape festival style this season. Whether it’s a certain Red Sea festival, a concert by the Pyramids, or a weekend away with the girls.
AN INTRINSIC LINK
When it comes to party culture, music may be the main event, but fashion is never secondary. After booking the ticket, the first thought is almost always the same: what are we wearing? It’s not a new concept, but a lasting one. From Cher’s 1970s two-piece glamour to Paris Hilton’s early 2000s sport-infused aesthetic, the connection between sound and style has always been inseparable.
MULTIDIMENSIONAL FABRIC
Sheer layers and lace are essential this season. They add dimension without weight, ideal for long days in the heat. A lace-trimmed skirt or a sheer vest brings texture to even the simplest base. For a little more coverage, layer an oversized tee over a sheer maxi, for a relaxed, but still considered look.
IT’S ALL ABOUT TEXTURE
Texture was doing the heavy lifting. Fringe and studs are everywhere this Spring, adding movement and attitude in equal measure. If you’re easing into the trend, start with accessories — a fringed shoulder bag or a swirly studded tote adds just enough without overwhelming the look.
THE BEST TOOL IN YOUR FESTIVAL ARSENAL
Accessories are where a look becomes personal. They have the power to shift something familiar into something memorable. Think silk scarves, stacked jewellery, wrap sunglasses or a statement belt — small additions that carry malleable impact.
Blend abstract accessories with simple staples for an effortless, elevated finish. A distressed, silver-embellished belt can transform a slip dress, while a silk scarf tied at the waist reframes a tank-and-jorts combination into something more intentional.
SPORTY, BUT CONSIDERED
There’s a clear nod to Y2K club culture this season, but reworked in a way that feels more wearable now. At Coachella, the formula was simple: comfort, but with edge. Baggy shorts, capri track pants, football tees — all styled with a sense of ease that feels current rather than nostalgic.
COMFORT IS KEY
Festival dressing still needs to function. With days that easily stretch past 20k steps, footwear matters. This is where hiker silhouettes will shine – made for trails but reimagined as a cool-girl staple, they offer an elevated look that doesn’t compromise on comfort.
And as for footwear trends: consider this your cue to retire the cowboy boot, at least for now. Biker boots headlined this year’s event, with everyone from Kendall Jenner to Emma Chamberlain stepping out in calf-grazing styles. Opt for saddle brown to soften bold looks, or classic black for a sharper finish.
