20 Must-Have Festival Fashion Essentials For Your Coachella Wardrobe

After a two-year hiatus, the triumphant return of the Coachella Music and Arts Festival is finally upon us, and that can only mean one thing: it’s obviously time to start prepping your outfits. Over the years, the event has undoubtedly gained the reputation of doubling as a fashion show for attendees, with boho looks of crochet bralettes, tassels and fringe galore, wide-brimmed sun hats, and other pieces of the sort ruling the scene for quite some time now (feel free to Google the queen of the festival herself, Vanessa Hudgens, for the epitome of ‘chella style). However, some trends and aesthetics that had their big break-throughs during the pandemic could be stealing the spotlight this year, like matching sets and funky accessories. So, we’ve got you covered on what those looks just might be. Here are some trendy outfit and accessory ideas to inspire your serves in the desert.

Comfortable One-Pieces

One-pieces like this one have been on quite the rise the past couple of years, and I think they’re arguably one of the best things you could wear to a festival. It looks like you put in more effort than you actually did, you have full mobility to dance the day and night away, and the tight, spandex material steers you from any unwanted wardrobe malfunctions that can happen as you’re letting loose.

A New Take On Crochet

Crochet bralettes and tiny tanks have been Coachella staples for at least the past decade, but I think this year we’ll see some expansion on what a ‘chet moment can be. Maybe it’s just me, but I feel like everyone and their mother has picked up crocheting recently, so some insane custom pieces will definitely be spotted on the TL. But, if you’re anything like me and simply can’t wrap your head around how to do a stitching pattern, you can shop some just-as-cute options here.

The Classic Low-Rise Bottom and Baby Tee Combo

Whether you love them or are a high-rise stan for life, low-rise pants are back and most likely here to stay. For a festival friendly take, a non-denim option is probably the move (hate to say it, but your jeans will be quite literally full of sweat otherwise). Since their return to the mainstream fashion game, I’ve noticed a trend of pairing low-rise bottoms with a graphic baby tee to perfectly capture the Y2K aesthetic. PS: the website linked below is a gold mine for head-turning tees.

Wrap Skirt with Matching Bikini Bottoms

Who doesn’t love the freedom that a skirt gives you? That is, until you’re up on someone’s shoulders during Harry Styles’ set and suddenly realize maybe pants would’ve been a wiser choice. But have no fear — matching bikini bottoms and wrap skirts are the perfect solution. Almost every bathing suit company in the game has added matching cover-ups to their collections over the past year, and the made-to-be-seen style will keep you twirlin’ around worry free.

Printed Overalls

This isn’t Stagecoach, so we’re going one step past plain denim to take on this trend that’s slowly but surely becoming popular once again. Now I know I literally just said to avoid jeans, but that’s the beauty of an overall: loose-fit city, baby!

Elevate Any Simple Look: Vintage-Style Hair Scarf

We’ve all seen the TikTok trend of driving in a convertible to Mike Posner’s “Please Don’t Go,” right? You know, that headscarf? That’s a Coachella moment, right there. It can not only amp up any outfit, but it’ll also stylishly protect you from the brutal SoCal Spring sun. Shop the look here:

Cowboy Boots

I’ll say it again, this is not Stagecoach. However, cowboy boots — especially ones of unconventional colors — have become a chic, statement staple in any wardrobe in recent years. Not to mention, they can be styled in a million different ways.

Scarf Tops

Scarf tops have become the holy grail of the “going-out” outfit, and really, what is Coachella if not the ultimate “going-out” outfit opportunity? Well, it’s a lot more than that, but you get what I’m going for. With an undeniable surge of popularity since 2019, there will definitely be one of these tops almost everywhere you turn throughout weekend, and rightfully so.

Euphoria-Esque Matching Sets

The matching set market practically shot through the roof after Maddy’s iconic carnival I.AM.GIA fit in Season 1 of Euphoria. Since the show is still fresh on everyone’s minds, this beloved trend will be in high demand. Plus, matching set moments will be many attendee’s go-to, as you practically can’t find a brand that doesn’t sell them at this point.

Beaded Jewelry

In my humble opinion, one of the most notable trends to come about during the pandemic (you know, when we couldn’t even get outside to show them off) is vibrant, beaded jewelry. Chokers, necklaces, chain belts, and earrings of this style are an absolute must for Coachella this year, as they add a pop to any outfit and can be found —or DIY’d — anywhere!

Happy ‘chella!

Featured photo contains images from Steve Madden, Beginning Boutique, and En Route Jewelry. Design by Her Campus Media.