The Coachella Music & Arts Festival kicks off this weekend, and while many are mentally preparing for Lana Del Rey, Tyler, the Creator, and Doja Cat to take the stage, others are busy assembling their outfits. If there’s one thing we do know, it’s that Coachella’s street style has become a major part of the festival’s appeal.
Thousands flock to Indio, Calif., braving the dust and dirt in the most on-trend ensembles, and every year, the bar is raised when it comes to the fashion — for better or for worse.
While the grounds are often filled with some “bad fashion,” it doesn’t have to be you.
Stylist Maeve Reilly took to TikTok to give her advice, explaining that less is more.
“Don’t do too much. You probably have cool stuff in your closet that you can mix and match,” she said. We’re talking about elevating [looks] and finding unique pieces you aren’t going to see every single person wearing. Just be yourself.”
So if you’re looking to give Coachella’s most fashionable a run for their money in the style department, there are some guidelines that must be followed.
Here’s what to avoid.
Heels
This may be the No.1 style tip all stylists give for festival season. Between walking the grounds for hours on end and standing in crowds of people during performances, your feet need to be comfortable and covered.
“Definitely no heels,” said stylist Morgan Pinney. “At the end of the day, Coachella is all about the music, and nothing is worse than not being able to walk by the time the night is over. Doc Martens are always my go-to.”
Stylist Andrew Gelwicks added that this is the only time he tells clients to stick to flats. “The goal of Coachella is not to be ultra-glamorous,” he said. “It’s to be relaxed and easy. Embrace this opportunity to wear your favorite pair of sneakers.”
For those who need some sort of a heel, stylist to Janelle Monae and Galore fashion director Alexandra Mandelkorn suggests a low-heeled boot.
She said, “Boots in general are the way to go, as they protect you from getting your toes trampled, and they generally have some ankle support, as well. My favorite festival shoe is a platform boot — you get the height and the support.”
Coachella Kitsch
As much as you want to put on a flower crown or douse yourself in body glitter, just say no — or if you have to have some type of festival flair, go for it with caution.
Stylist Cat Pope said, “It’s wonderful to embrace the spirit of Coachella, but why not approach it with a bit of originality? Ditch the flower crown for a great hat or headscarf.”
Another tip, according to Mandelkorn, is to put a unique spin on these trends. For instance, she said, instead of a flower crown, opt for individual flowers you can pin in an up-do.
Pinney says to avoid fake tattoos as well, but if you’re a glitter girl, try Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty body luminizer.
Overdoing it
Practicality is key for a great Coachella outfit. While it’s always great to show off your individuality with accessories, you really can overdo it. Less may be more in this case.
“The biggest trap people fall into when they are hitting the festival circuit is simply overdoing it [with] too many colors, too many sparkles, too many accessories. Keep it on-trend, but less is always more,” Gelwicks said.
Pinney added, “Don’t force it. Take your own personal style into consideration and just add to it. It’s so noticeable when you try too hard.”
Reilly predicts this year will bring out more paired back and simple ensembles on celebrities and influencers. “I don’t want to see you looking like a Halloween costume,” she said. “The days of trying too hard for Coachella have come and gone. The coolest people there are going to be the ones that do the least. It’s about looking effortless.”
The 2024 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival begins in Indio, Calif, on Friday, April 12. Lana Del Rey, Tyler, the Creator, and Doja Cat are this year’s headliners. There will also be a No Doubt reunion, as well as performances from Chappell Roan, Reneé Rapp, Victoria Monét, Ice Spice, B Jhené Aiko and more.
