Wardrobe Oxygen: Dressing for Coachella and Other Music Festivals

Be it Coachella in California, or Bonnaroo in Tennessee, when the warm weather hits the US, it's time for music festivals. Over the past few years, music festivals have become extremely popular--not only are they a great place to hear your favorite band perform live, but they're a great place to experience new bands, artists, and check out great fashion.

As someone who loves music festivals, I have learned that it is possible to be both stylish and comfortable at an all-day music festival.

Whatever the Weather

When an event like Lollapalooza is scheduled months in advance, it will take place, rain or shine. It's important to be prepared for either a cloudless blue sky or a torrential downpour. A couple things to pack with you:

• Sunscreen. Even if you think you won't burn, be sure to wear a high SPF. Most music festivals are in open fields to accommodate the crowd; the problem is that there aren't any trees or buildings to block the sun. Even if you have a base tan, wear sunscreen and reapply it often.


• Sun hat. Hats are so on trend this season, it's easy to find one that fits your personal style but still protects you from the sun. Whether you choose a snappy fedora, a classic straw cowboy hat, or a floppy brimmed sunhat, it's a stylish yet important way to protect yourself from sunburn.


• Sunglasses. Look chic and also protect your eyesight--the bigger the frame, the more protection from the sun.


• Rain gear. A waterproof anorak is a great way to ward off chill or the unexpected thunderstorm; it can also double as a ground cover if the sky is blue but the ground a bit soggy from a previous shower. Another alternative is a packable poncho, which can be tucked into your bag and pulled out when a storm hits (or you need a dry place to sit).


• Hoodie. If you plan on being at the festival after the sun goes down, you will find you may get chilly. If you don't pack an anorak, be sure to have a hoodie or other lightweight layer packed in your bag so you can cozy up when the temperature drops.

Get Rustic

As that most music festivals take place on grounds that are usually a park or farmland, you will rarely find buildings with electricity, air conditioning and bathroom facilities. When dressing for your music festival, keep in mind that you will be hot, you may get sweaty or rained on, and you will be using porta-potties.

• While maxi dresses are a natural choice for a concert, they may not be the best choice when possibly tromping through mud puddles and using porta-potties. A good alternative are the midi-length skirts and dresses that are so on trend this spring.


• Wear lightweight, gauzy or natural fabrics. The last thing you want on a hot, sticky day is to have synthetic fabrics or stretchy jersey clinging to you. A sundress or babydoll top in crisp cotton will dry quickly and float away from your skin in the breeze, keeping you feeling cool.


• Keep it machine washable. You will get dusty or muddy, sweaty or wet. Stick to machine washable fabrics and leave your silk, linen, and embellished garments at home.


• Wear flat shoes. Music festival venues are known to have rocky, uneven, and muddy ground. Paired with even the shortest heel or wedge it can be a recipe for a sprained ankle. Stick to flat shoes for comfort as well as safety.


• Tone down the makeup. Most makeup will slip and slide in extreme heat or sweat. Keep your beauty regimen simple:  a bit of tinted moisturizer, some waterproof mascara and tinted lip balm is all you need to look fresh all day.

Get Ready to Dance

You don't want to be carrying armloads of stuff when your favorite band hits the stage. To be dance-ready, consider a cross-body bag so you can keep your stuff on your person while still having your arms free to boogie. Along with this, only carry that which you need to the event--wearing a bag on your shoulder all day can be pretty heavy if you're carrying a lot of equipment.

Walk This Way

When at a music festival, you will do a lot of standing, and a lot of walking. Be sure to wear shoes that can handle the elements, and also care for your tootsies. While flip flops may seem like a logical choice, they can actually be pretty uncomfortable after a long while due to lack of arch support (they also can end up quite slippery if it rains).

A couple smart choices:

• Athletic sandals. Teva, Merrell and other brands of athletic sandals are made to support the foot and stay in place when things get slippery. They may not be the height of fashion, but you can know you will be able to dance the day AND night away, and not take a spill if you have to dash for cover during an unexpected rain storm.


• Rain boots. I am not a fan of kiddie-print rain boots or "Wellies" for street wear, but find them to be a great choice for music festivals. Whether you choose rain boots in a cheery print, or a more classic rain boot by a brand like Hunter, you will find such footwear will keep your feet free from mud and muck, and look quite cute with a short flippy cotton sundress.


• Canvas Espadrilles. Flat canvas espadrilles are back en vogue this spring, and a wonderful choice of footwear for music festivals. You can find them at most any price point and in any color under the rainbow. Pair with a sundress or denim cutoffs and tanks for a casual cool look.

Have Fun! A music festival is the perfect place to let out your inner hippie or bohemian princess. Don't be afraid to wear lots of beaded necklaces, boho florals, batik or tye-dye prints, or gauzy peasant tops. And don't forget, the best accessory is always a smile. Let loose, dance, and enjoy the experience!

Alison Gary has over ten years experience as a personal shopper, stylist, and visual merchandiser. Her blog Wardrobe Oxygen provides fashion advice to all women, regardless of age, size, budget, or lifestyle. She is a full-time working mother, blogger, wife, and frugal fashionista located in the Washington D.C. area.