Celebs, musicians, “It” girls, fashionistas and probably even some music fans flocked to the desert last weekend for the first weekend of Coachella, which can only mean one thing — festival season is officially upon us.
And since I think we can all agree that Coachella is really about the outfits, I think we should talk about them. As a fashion lover, I love Coachella as a spot to see fashionistas in their natural habitat. It sets the tone for not only the rest of the festival season, but also determines what the trends will be going into summer.
And while some celebs and fashionistas played it safe with classic festival garb (you really can’t go wrong with a white lace dress), others went a little less traditional, playing with dramatic proportions, structured looks and even some shine.
Read on to see the trends that everyone wore, as well as to find similar pieces that are also ethical. And because the festival outfit game can quickly fill up with fads and trends that won’t last longer than the chips and salsa I’m going to devour immediately after I post this, I’ve worked to find pieces that you’ll actually be able to wear long after the dust has settled on festival season.
Shimmer & Shine
Shimmer and shine may have officially replaced fringe as the go-to festival staple at this Coachella. Festival goers figured out a way to make sequins, chainmail and metallics oh-so desert appropriate.
While it’s hard to play this game and stay ethical at the same time, I did manage to find a few options in Everlane’s E2 Modern Oxfords in Silvershine, Fair + True Unique’s Fairtrade Metallic Tee from Fashion-Conscience and Wild Bloomery’s Gold Biodegradable Glitter.
Sheer
Showing just a hint of skin to keep their cool in the desert heat, sheer tops and dresses were the name of the game for many fashionistas at the festival.
Get your sheer on in the Pima Doll Black Bralette from Ethica, Erica M. Karina Crop Top from Blue Stockings Boutique, the Cleobella Darlene Dress, the Else Decollet Bodysuit from Alma Santa or the Cleobella Suki Dress.
The White Dress
You can never go wrong with a little white dress, and that’s doubly true when you’re out in the desert.
Get a similar look in Doen’s Faye Dress, Reformation’s Rigo Dress, Doen’s Paix Dress, Cuyana’s Linen Off-The-Shoulder Dress or Veryan’s #020 Dress White from Gather & See.
The Boho Dress
Nothing says festival ready like a boho dress, and festival goers did not disappoint. From maxis, to ruffles, to prints, the boho dress was out in full force.
Embrace your inner bomeian in Doen’s Sienna Dress, the Amour Vert Brandy Silk Wrap Dress, the Cayman Wrap Dress from Bleusalt. the Marguerite Dress from Doen or Reformation’s Tropica Dress.
The Slip Dress
Keeping it simple and chic, many of Coachella’s best dressed topped easy slip dresses with cool accessories for a fresh look.
Slip on Ozma’s Linen Slipdress, Rue Stiic’s Cami Maxi Dress, Jann June’s Triangle Peach Slip Dress, Faithfull’s Blanc Midi Dress with Riptide Stripe, or Organic by John Patrick Bias Long Slip from the Dreslyn for a similar look.
Denim Shorts
No surprise here, but denim shorts were practically a requirement.
Try Nobody Denim’s Stevie Short in Favourite, RE/DONE’s The Short, Who What Wear’s shorts of the summer, RE/DONE’s No Waist Shorts or DSTLD Women’s Ripped Mid Rise Shorts in Faded Black to finish your look.
The Breezy Top
To look cool and keep cool, many festivalgoers went with a light weight and breezy top.
For a similar look try Cleobella’s Mariana Top, Doen’s Marigold Top, Conditions Apply Butterfly in the Garden Top from Gather & See, the Mykonos Off the Shoulder Top from Bleusalt, or CP Shades Georgia Front Tie Top from Revolve.
The Band/Graphic Tee
And of course, there’s nothing quite as cool as a vintage band tee to feel festival-ready.
A true vintage tee is your best bet for cool here, try your local thrift shop, Etsy or eBay. MadeWorn and Kelly Cole also sell great vintage tees.
The Bodysuit
Bodysuits paired with denim shorts gave for a chic look for many in attendance. Trade in the bodysuit for a one-piece swimsuit for an easy transition from pool party to festival.
Look no further than the Cleobella Billie Bodysuit, Apricross’ Ariana Swimsuit from Gather & See, Seapia’s Playa One Piece, Wategos One Piece in Black from Mime Swim, or GiejoV Neck One Piece in Olive to get the look.
The Denim Jacket
and last but certainly not least, denim jackets reigned supreme as the top third piece of choice.
Grab the Reformation Jean Jacket, Levi’s Water<Less Ex-Boyfriend Trucker or Nobody Denim’s Original Jacket Two Tone to top off your outfit.
What was your favorite Coachella look, or absolute festival must have?
b.good 
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