Festival Outfit Ideas to Ease Your "What Do I Wear?" Worries

Like clockwork, music festival season (opens in new tab) rolls around every year, and by mid-spring you're already thinking about your outfits. With legendary performers on the schedule (remember Beyoncé's amazing 2018 Coachella show?) and celebrities showing up left and right, there's so much excitement to be had—who you'll see, what you'll do, and what you're going to wear doing it. When it comes to festival style, just about anything goes, from psychedelic-colored attire and one-piece swimsuits passing as bodysuits to full-on designer looks. What you choose to wear for the summer's most coveted events (opens in new tab) is a form of self-expression; your look should showcase your free-spirited nature, stand out from the crowd, and guarantee you that Insta-worthy photo. Ahead, I've put together festival-ready outfits that'll help you achieve these goals.

The Neon Ensemble

If there was ever a time to experiment with your outfit, it's now. Nothing says, "the life of the party" like neon, and vibrant pops of color are the perfect way to stand out in the crowd. Plus, if you happen to get separated from your crew, all they need to do is look for your highlighter-yellow top.

Shop the look: 1. Aritzia knit top (opens in new tab), $58; 2. Michael Kors bucket hat (opens in new tab), $31; 3. Levi's 501 shorts (opens in new tab), $70; 4. Sorel sandal (opens in new tab), $130

The Boho Number 

Just because you're at a music festival doesn't mean that you have to wear flower crowns and printed dresses. Take a neutral-toned approach to your bohemian side by pairing earthy shades like browns and tans together for a comfortable and free-spirited vibe.

Shop the look: 1. Fil De Vie linen dress (opens in new tab), $568; 2. Halogen panama hat (opens in new tab), $39; 3. Anthropologie crossbody bag (opens in new tab), $138; 4. Mango leather strap sandals (opens in new tab), $120

The '90s Leopard Look 

Draw style inspiration from the past with a classic '90s-inspired slip dress. Pair your dress with booties to allow yourself the freedom to dance throughout the desert or grassy plains without ruining your fresh pedicure. Bring along a mini backpack to store your portable charger, water, snack bars, and more.

Shop the look: 1. Aritzia slip dress (opens in new tab), $50; 2. Le Specs sunglasses (opens in new tab), $80; 3. Prada mini backpack (opens in new tab), $1,120; 4. ASOS ankle boots (opens in new tab), $175

The "Who Cares, I'm Wearing Jeans" Outfit

Depending where your festival is located, the weather can change drastically from day to night. For those who seek comfort, casualness, and warmth, a crop top and jeans is your ah-ha ensemble. This is for the girl who doesn't want to wear over-the-top, costume-like attire that comes with the festival scene.

Shop the look: 1. Orseund Iris top (opens in new tab), $595; 2. Dior Eyewear sunglasses (opens in new tab), $364; 3. Jennifer Fisher earrings (opens in new tab), $500; 4. AGOLDE jeans (opens in new tab), $188; 5. Zimmermann sandals (opens in new tab), $177

The Crochet Look

Crochet pieces, whether in the form of a matching set or a maxi dress, are an OG festival staple. Feel free to bare it all (remember, just about anything goes) or simply rock a swimsuit underneath your see-through dress for a more modest approach. Bonus: You can wear this to the hotel's pool too.

Shop the look: 1. Cult Gaia karen dress (opens in new tab), $358; 2. Hunza G bikini (opens in new tab), $180; 3. Laura Lombardi earrings (opens in new tab), $80; 4. Loeffler Randall sandals (opens in new tab), $225

•••
For more celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.

SUBSCRIBE HERE (opens in new tab)