Feeling the Heat: Navigating the Fashion Pressures of Coachella
The most wonderful time of the year has arrived in Indio, California, where music comes to life through the performances of the world's top streaming artists. For more than two decades, the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival has celebrated various artists and their ever-changing industries. However, the most coveted topic of conversation is the fashion choices of festivalgoers.
In the early to late 2000s, Coachella wasn’t yet established as the renowned fashion festival that it has become today. At the time, audience members wore casual summer attire, ranging from bikini tops, tank tops, denim shorts, button-down shirts and more. It was evident that attendees were mainly there to socialize and enjoy live music.
With the emergence of social media and the growing popularity of Coachella, attendees began to dress in various styles that fit their aesthetic.
In 2012, many festivalgoers still opted for casual outfits, with an added bit of edginess, such as combat boots and animal-printed shirts. Others gravitated towards a bohemian aesthetic, which paved the way for new trends such as boho maxi skirts, flower headbands, bralettes and fringed tops.
(ELLE Magazine: Florence Welch and Azealia Banks)
As new trends started to emerge from Coachella, festivalgoers began to experiment more and more with their fashion. Glitter hair, body chains, crochet tops and cow print are examples of such experimental fashion choices that turned out to be the hottest trends.
(Harper's Bazaar Australia: Tara Whiteman)
It's exciting to witness a soaring regard for fashion at a festival that embraces music and art.
However, the Coachella fashion scene is undermined by the overloaded criticism of meeting others' expectations.
On the festival grounds and online, spectators deliberately criticize one another's lack of fashion or exaggerated fashion sense. With each year that passes, articles and social media posts of people judging each other's outfits continue to sweep the internet.
Although fashion is subjective, it's important to remember that festivals are a place to enjoy upbeat and lively music in the company of other music fans. Wearing clothes that you enjoy can only enhance your festival experience, it shouldn’t be the main focus.
Other factors may also impact people's fashion choices. Festivalgoers could use the event to boldly display their creativity or explore new trends, while others may dress for comfort or practicality.
It's crucial to keep in mind that attending festivals can come with additional expenses such as food, lodging in campgrounds, and transportation, which can make it quite costly. It’s unrealistic to assume that festival attendees can effortlessly afford expensive clothing.
Furthermore, what's considered fashionable or trendy at a festival may not retain the same status as it previously did. For example, comparing Coachella fashion in 2012 to today may be difficult since these two time periods differ significantly.
Although it’s hard to navigate the fashion pressures of Coachella, it’s important to be true to yourself and wear what makes you feel confident.
Jazlyn Dieguez — April 24th, 2022
