Festivals bring the music and food; people bring the fashion. Coachella is in full swing, Beale Street Music Festival is two weeks away, Bonnaroo is a few months away, and other music festivals are soon to follow. Many trends and tips can be followed to show off personal style while enjoying popular artists.
"Music is a fun and great way to express yourself, same as fashion. That is why they go hand in hand, and festivals are the perfect way to connect the two," said Sara Harrison, junior fashion merchandising major.
There are certain trends regularly seen at festivals. Particular articles of clothing, such as long, flowy dresses, airy tops and high-waisted shorts have been popular choices throughout the years, however it is expected that many will combine trends from different genres of style to create their look this year.
"We are used to seeing the more hip style for both men and women, but women now are trying to dress more cute to these events," said Executive Vice President for Memphis in May International Festival Diane Hampton. "There is a good balance between the regular hipsters that we are used to seeing and the women who are trying to rock the Lily Pulitzer look at a festival."
In addition to tops and bottoms, shoe choice can have the potential to make or break the evening. It is recommended to wear something comfortable enough to stand in for hours that will also protect festival attendees' feet. Sneakers, such as Converse, Nikes and Vans, are recommended because they are both comfortable and keep feet protected from adverse weather conditions, broken bottles and other mishaps.
"Comfort is key," said Tonya Dyson, marketing coordinator for Memphis in May International Festival. "I cannot tell you how many times I see women walking around, high heels in hand, at the end of the night. Sandals or flats are a comfy alternative and can definitely be stylish, however, I absolutely do not recommend wearing flimsy flip-flops. I have heard more complaining about those than any other shoe."
Because there are a variety of dress styles at festivals, there are many places for people to buy something to wear, such as Free People and American Apparel. Also, many are taking the "Do It Yourself" route and personalizing items to beat high store prices.
"Urban Outfitters as well as online stores, such as Rag and Bone and Topshop, have endless amounts of festival wear. However, if all your money is going into the ticket for the event, forget the name brand and hit the thrift store. Many of the items that would break the bank, you can find there and easily make it your own," Harrison said.
In addition to the clothing, accessorizing is a big part of dressing for a festival. Layering jewelry, adding a nice bag or toping things off with a hat can enhance the outfit.
"I recommend people wearing statement pieces that can be worn both day and night, investing in a cute backpack that can hold all the essentials needed; a change of socks, a nice lip color, a cute jacket in case it cools down at night, and hats are everywhere, so bring something unique," said Cristina Fisher of Special Projects at the South By Southwest Conferences and Festivals.
In the end, the outfits and accessories are vital, but it is also important to be prepared for changes in the weather. Many advise bringing layering items that can easily be taken off or put on depending on what the weather calls for. However, others seek the adventure of it and do not base clothing on climate changes.
"Weather is incredibly unpredictable in Austin, but it is usually pretty warm outside. You may get a day or two of rain, but I do not think you are ever totally prepared; that is what makes it fun," Fisher said.
