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Festival Fashion 101: What to Wear to Summer Music Festivals

Bring on the summer heat and good tunes, because we’ve got the outfit to match. From crop tops to DIY denim, you’ve got to beat the heat in festival fashion that’s comfortable, versatile and totally functional — and we’re telling you how to do it at some of the biggest music festivals across the nation.

Coachella, Indio, CA
April 13-15, 20-22, 2012

Just because you may have missed out on Coachella doesn’t mean it’s not trending anymore. Coachella made festival fashion a widespread phenomenon, and its supermodel-turned-hippie vibe exhibits California style at its best. We’ve all seen the bralettes, high waisted denim hotpants and biker boots, but this year, festival-goers were a little more clothed than we’ve seen in years past. There were the typical maxi-length skirts and dresses as well as mullet-cuts all around, but the it-look was found in a mixing of lengths: leather jackets or military anoraks with short shorts and boots. Throw on a pair of circle-shaped or dramatically cat-eyed shades and your favorite vintage jewelry, and you’re set — and we’re only half joking about the feather headpiece.

Get The Look:

Denim Zip Bralette, $26, Topshop
Bar III Anorak, $74, Macy’s
BDG High-Rise Studded Cheeky Short, $69, Urban Outfitters
Peacock Feather Crown, $60, Asos.com
Carmel Delight Sunglasses, $39.99, Modcloth.com
Prague Combat Boot, $78, Nastygal.com

Vans Warped Tour, Nationwide
June 16-August 5, 2012

Revisit your high school days at the Vans Warped Tour, where you might just have to pull out your favorite band tee (the one you got all of Fall Out Boy to sign) from nearly a decade ago. Feel free to try a new hair color, pull out that spirit hood you never expected to wear after your last Halloween as Ke$ha, get a new tattoo or wear large bracelets emblazoned with phrases like “Make Love, Not War.” Or, just DIY that band tee into a loose-fitting crop top that’ll show off a cute lace bralette.

Get The Look:

Love is the New Hate “Hello Goodbye” Tank, $25, Junk Food
Skinny Jeans, $35.90, Zara
Lace Trim Bandeau, $28, Free People
All Star Flag Shoe, $65, Converse
I (Heart) Fun Rubber Bracelet, $7, Hot Topic
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Essence Festival, New Orleans, LA
July 6-8, 2012

The Essence Festival is known as one of the largest festivals celebrating African American culture. The goal is to stand out, and bright colors are the name of the game. And since bold prints are huge this summer, there’s no harm in getting funky in your outfit. Plus, can you really say no to a colorful romper and some chunky jewelry?

Get The Look:

Buttoned Hollow Orange Jumpsuit, $46.99, Romwe.com
Be&D The Brightlights Sneaker, $128, Karmaloop.com
Jeweled Medallion Necklace, $18.40, GoJane.com
Cara Accessories Mixed-fabric and Gold Bangle, $14, Madewell

Lollapalooza, Chicago, IL
August 3-5, 2012

With an all-star lineup including favorites such as Florence + The Machine, The Black Keys and Bassnectar, you’re going to want to be comfortable running from show to show — but you still want to look good when you’re voguing (or just jumping up and down screaming). Go for a short skirt and a long jacket, and don’t forget an ethnic print here or some crochet there.

Get The Look:

Tatum Vest, $65, prAna
Tribal Print Mini Skirt, $7.50, GoJane.com
Ecote Fringe Bandeau, $24, Urban Outfitters
Aztec by Coconuts, $39.99, Piperlime

Electric Zoo, Randall’s Island Park, NY
August 31-September 2, 2012

Think Snooki meets American Apparel, and you have everything Electric Zoo fashion is: blinding colors, body paint-as-clothing, short skirts and bodysuits. If you have a neutral color on you, try again, because it’s all about the highlighter hues. Really, we’re talking about digging up every costume you’ve ever worn to a college frat party and throwing it all into one outfit.

Get The Look:

Cotton Spandex Jersey Halter Leotard, $25, American Apparel
Neon Seamless Leggings, $19.50, Delia’s
Classy in Cabo Top, $37.99, Modcloth.com
Iliana Fuchsia Patent Lace Up Boot, $48, Boohoo.com

Dressing up for festivals is an excuse to get outrageous, so don’t shy away from extremes and do try outfits you wouldn’t usually wear! Who knows, you might end up loving that neon leopard-print full-body jumpsuit… what’s your favorite festival fashion look?

photo credit:

http://balkon3.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/fans2-vn4389632.jpg

Alice is the Senior Associate Editor at Her Campus. She graduated from Emory University in 2012 as an English major and a Dance minor. Before joining Her Campus, she was an associate editor at Lucky Magazine. She is currently located in Salt Lake City, UT, where she spends her free time rescuing orphaned kittens, whose lives are documented on Instagram at @thekittensquad! You can find her on Twitter and Instagram at @alicefchen.