Festival Fashion : The Art of Dressing for the Biggest Music Events of the Year

Image from FestivalEvents

A festival is not just an event—it’s an experience, a spectacle, and, for many, a stage. While the music remains the heartbeat of these gatherings, fashion has cemented itself as a defining element of the culture surrounding them. From Coachella’s sun-soaked desert runways to Glastonbury’s rain-drenched fields, what you wear is almost as important as who you’re there to see.

For Wiktoria Lacka, a 20-year-old content creator and festival aficionado, fashion is an essential part of the experience. With over 150,000 followers on Instagram (ig: wiktoria.lackaa) and nearly 200,000 subscribers on YouTube, she has documented her journey through more than 30 concerts and several major festivals.

“Festivals are the perfect place to push your style boundaries,” she explains. “You’re in an environment where creativity thrives, and dressing the part helps you immerse yourself in that world. It’s not about impressing others; it’s about embodying the energy of the music.”

Festival Fashion: More Than Just Aesthetic

Music and fashion have long gone hand in hand, but in recent years, this connection has become more curated than ever. Today, social media has transformed festivals into global fashion showcases, with attendees meticulously planning their outfits months in advance to capture the perfect look.

Luxury brands have taken notice. Gucci, Dior, Chanel, and Fendi have all left their mark on the festival scene, dressing influencers, celebrities, and front-row guests. Balenciaga’s oversized silhouettes, Louis Vuitton’s monogrammed accessories, and Saint Laurent’s bohemian-meets-rock-and-roll aesthetic have become festival staples. Meanwhile, once a punk statement, Dr Martens's boots have become the go-to choice for Glastonbury’s mud and Coachella’s dust.

Beyond luxury, brands like Free People, Revolve, and House of Sunny have tapped into the festival aesthetic, offering curated collections that blend trend-driven pieces with practical wear. Western-inspired styles—think Isabel Marant’s fringed jackets or Ganni’s cowboy boots—are having a moment. At the same time, the resurgence of cargo pants and utility wear makes Nike ACG and The North Face essentials for the unpredictable festival terrain.

“I always say—wear something that makes sense for the festival you’re attending,” Wiktoria advises. “At Glastonbury, wellies and layers are a must. At Tomorrowland, go for something bold, metallic, and futuristic. Coachella? That’s your chance to embrace luxury boho with a modern twist.”

Coachella: A High-Fashion Desert Runway

Coachella has long been the epicentre of festival fashion. While once defined by bohemian lace, crochet dresses, and fringed accessories, the aesthetic has shifted towards a fusion of streetwear and high fashion. This year’s trends? Cargo pants, sheer layers, cowboy boots (inspired by Beyoncé’s Renaissance era), and metallic accents reminiscent of Y2K futurism.

Celebrity influence plays a major role—Hailey Bieber’s minimalist crop tops and oversized blazers, Kendall Jenner’s Western-inspired ensembles, and Bella Hadid’s edgy, vintage-styled streetwear often dictate what will flood our Instagram feeds.

“I dream of attending Coachella one day,” Wiktoria admits. “It’s the ultimate blend of fashion and music. If I were to go, I’d mix classic boho elements with structured pieces —layered jewellery, statement sunglasses, and a bold hat or bandana to complete the look.”

Glastonbury: Where Practicality Meets Timeless Cool

Unlike Coachella’s polished, curated aesthetic, Glastonbury embraces an effortless, thrown-together cool. The UK’s most iconic festival is as much about surviving the unpredictable weather as it is about making a style statement. Think vintage band tees, layered knitwear, leather jackets, and Hunter wellies—necessary for the inevitable rain.

It’s a festival that has defined festival fashion icons—Kate Moss in a sequined mini-dress and wellies, Alexa Chung in a Barbour jacket, and Florence Welch in flowing gothic lace. This year’s emerging trend? A revival of grunge-inspired layering—flannel shirts tied around waists, oversized denim jackets, and worn-in Dr. Martens boots.

“The key to Glastonbury dressing? Balance fashion with function,” Wiktoria advises. “No one cares if your outfit is pristine—it’s about looking effortlessly cool while being prepared for mud, rain, and all-nighters.”

Kate Moss at Glastonbury, 2005, GETTY Image

Tomorrowland: Neon, Futurism, and Theatrics

Tomorrowland is the playground of electronic music lovers, and the fashion reflects that. While other festivals celebrate nostalgia and effortless chic, Tomorrowland is all about bold, high-energy statement pieces. Think holographic bodysuits, LED accessories, and neon streetwear-inspired coordinates.

This year, Mugler’s sculptural silhouettes, Prada’s futuristic monochrome, and Off-White’s high-tech textures are expected to dominate the scene. Meanwhile, Nike’s Air Force 1s, chunky Balenciaga sneakers, and platform combat boots remain the footwear of choice.

“Tomorrowland is where you can go all out,” Wiktoria says. “If you’ve ever wanted to wear something that feels like it belongs in a sci-fi movie—this is the place to do it.”

Festival Fashion Dos and Don'ts

While experimenting with festival fashion is encouraged, there are certain rules to keep in mind.

Do:

• Invest in good footwear. Dr. Martens, cowboy boots, or classic Converse are always a safe bet.

• Layer wisely. A lightweight bomber or oversized denim jacket will save you when temperatures drop at night. 

• Go bold with accessories. Statement sunglasses, belts, vintage scarves, and mini bags are both practical and stylish. 

• Support sustainable fashion. Vintage shopping reworked denim, and second-hand designer finds are becoming the festival go-to.

Don’t:

• Wear uncomfortable shoes. Avoid new shoes that haven’t been broken in—blisters are not worth the aesthetic. 

• Go overboard with trends. Not every trend needs to be worn at once; balance is key. 

• Forget the essentials. A compact crossbody bag, SPF, and a refillable water bottle are just as important as your outfit.

• Ignore weather forecasts. Dressing for 30-degree heat when storms are expected is a recipe for disaster.

Final Thoughts: Fashion as a Festival Experience

Festival fashion is not just about being seen—it’s about feeling the music, expressing individuality, and stepping outside your daily fashion comfort zone. Whether you’re channelling Coachella’s high fashion-meets-streetwear, Glastonbury’s effortlessly cool, or Tomorrowland’s electrifying futurism, the key is to dress for the moment and embrace the event's energy.

As Wiktoria sums it up: “The best festival outfits are the ones that make you feel unstoppable. Whether you’re wearing a vintage rock tee or a full-on designer look, confidence is what makes you stand out.”