What’s your Coachella status? Are you a veteran attendee traveling with a posse of fellow festival diehards? Or are you a first-timer who just couldn’t resist the opportunity to see Childish Gambino and Tame Impala in the same weekend? No matter where you lie on the festival-going spectrum, with the first weekend of the legendary live event less than three weeks away, you’re probably debating what to pack. If you’re anything like us, you’re hopping around the web, checking out everything from a conversation-starting pair of earrings to a breezy sundress that will help keep your sun-baked body ventilated in style.
To help make the most of your purchases, we turned to Lauren Thompson, our Senior Editor of Snapchat Discover and marathon festival attendee, for some expert insight on what she brought to the Empire Polo Club during her last pilgrimage to Indio. Read on for our highly practical (but still totally stylish) advice on getting the most out of your festival experience, along with some shopping finds that deserve headliner status in your suitcase.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Rule 1: Layer Up
Lauren recalls being unprepared for the rapidly cooling evening and having to buy sweatshirts from the merch tent in order to stay warm. “It’s not like, frigid, but the temperature does drop significantly at night,” she says. Luckily, layering only enhances your outfit potential.
Patagonia Lightweight Synchilla Snap-T Fleece Pullover, $119, available at Patagonia
Rule 2: Find Your Goldilocks Bag
In a festival setting, the handbag conundrum is real. As Lauren points out, “you want to assume that you’re going to be there until 1 or 2 in the morning,” so you do need to make sure you bring some essentials that ensure you can party safely until the wee hours. On the other hand, festival rules dictate that “a medium backpack should be no bigger than 20” tall, 15” wide and 9” thick when fully packed,” and you don’t want to get turned away at the gate. What’s a festival-goer to do? Never fear: with options on the spectrum from small and mini backpacks to fanny packs and sling bags, you can easily party with your provisions by your side.
Dagne Dover Ace Fanny Pack, $55, available at Dagne Dover
Rule 3: Think About SPF (sun-protective fashion)
Captain Obvious here, reminding you that the desert gets really, really hot. Sunscreen is a must-have, but we also encourage strategic accessorizing — hats, proper sunnies, and scarves — to supplement your SPF regimen. (We also love Lauren’s pro tip: “My trick was not going to the festival until the afternoon. I spent the morning at the pool.”)
AEO Denim Bucket Hat, $13.46, available at American Eagle Outfitters
Rule 4: Activewear > Underwear
The outdoorsy festival environment didn’t stop Lauren and her traveling companion from rocking sheer dresses and floaty separates — the trick is, she told us, to layer these pieces over durable, sweat-absorbing workout gear or athletic swimsuits. “I wore skirts, but I wore bike shorts under them. I didn’t feel weird.” Pair your easy-breezy, boho layers with activewear in eye-popping colors for maximum style and comfort.
Collusion Mesh Floral Maxi, $40, available at ASOS
Rule 5: Be Strategically Cute With Accessories
What we talk about when we talk about Coachella “accessories” really falls under the jurisdiction of supplies — sunblock, water, and portable chargers are must-haves for maintaining comfort, hydration, and a constant stream of envy-inducing Stories. Lauren’s other fashion tip? “Cute hair things to manage sweaty, dance-thrashy hair. I always made sure I had hairbands to put my hair up, always.”
Room Shop Vintage Giant Scrunchie, $20, available at Room Shop Vintage
Rule 6: Don’t Be Precious
One myth that Lauren also dispelled for us was that of Coachella being a veritable runway of, well, festival style. “When you see the photo roundups, you see the most crazy looks. 90% percent of the girls were in jean shorts.” Embrace the casual vibes so you can focus on what you came for: the tunes.
Wild Fable High-Rise Cut-off Destructed Mom Jean Shorts, $15, available at Target.com
Rule 7: Be Nice
Choose statement pieces that remind your fellow-revelers that you’re all at the festival to have a fun, safe, and drama-free experience. “People are there to have a good time,” says Lauren of the Coachella crowd — but a little extra positive reinforcement never hurts.
Jennifer Loiselle Let’s Dance Earrings, $28, available at ban.do
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Source: Refinery29 – Emily Ruane