Picture this: It’s 2015. You’re wearing a flower crown inspired by pics you reblogged on Tumblr. Your best friend has on a pair of glittery fairy wings. Vanessa Hudgens dominates your Pinterest boards. You’re at Coachella, and life is good. Flash forward to present day, and the floral pieces were nowhere to be found at Weekend 1 (nor is the “Sneakernight” singer, who confirmed that she was not in attendance for this year’s festivities on social media).
In the years just before Covid-19 entered the chat, the traditional aesthetic associated with the weekend was already starting to fall off. People were slowly swapping out their over-the-top hair and glam and opting for a more subtle take instead. Then, the pandemic came in full force in 2020, resulting in most of us reaching for sweatpants on the daily and the annual music festival being cancelled for two years in a row, later returning in 2022.
The sartorial choices of this year’s attendees proved that the ghost of Coachella fashion’s past not only has fully exited the scene, but it’s also slammed the door shut and isn’t looking back.
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So what are people actually wearing this time around? According to a trend report from Google (plus my own on-site observations from having spent the first weekend on the grounds), there are six top aesthetics people can’t get enough of, and we’ve broken it down below.
Naked Trend
Leave little to the imagination with these sheer items
BOWIE LIME SHEER VISCOSE DRESS
Mariposa Lace Dress
WISHLIST MESH TEXTURED MAXI DRESS
Kendor long sleeve midi dress black
On the red carpet and in the fashion world, people are getting as naked as possible without actually being, well, naked. For people heading out to the desert to watch their fave artists (hi @ Bad Bunny), this translates to a breezy mesh dress with minimal clothing underneath. Think: wearing some nude undergarments from Skims or a cute bikini. It doesn’t hurt having little-to-no-clothing when you’re planning on being in the sun all day.
If you want to try it out for yourself but don’t feel the most comfortable baring it all out, try some boxer briefs or a nice slip instead.
Space Cowboy
Get your yee-haw on
Billini Danilo Boots
AKIRA You’re No Good For Me Open Back Vest
Meshki Dinah Sequin Low Rise Mini Skirt
Billini Constance Boots
Cue the classic Kacey Musgraves song because Space Cowboy was in full effect this year. Everyone essentially wore a yassified version of the western aesthetic: cowboy boots turned metallic (see the way I styled it below) and more colorful clothing and accessories than ever before.
Disco
Get ready to bougie with these disco pieces
Nasty Gal Feather Cropped Bandeau Corset Top
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superdown Missie Wrap Front Dress
Revice Denim Hollywood Heartthrob
Nastygal Faux Leather Star Bottom Flare Pants
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You’re going to be dancing the night away, so you might as well have some clothing that fits the theme. This means more metallic, feathers, and anything under the sun that makes you feel like a dancing queen.
Cottagecore
Channel your Bridgerton faves
Heart Window Bustier
Mavis Crop Blouse
Rahi Vittoria Seaphina Tunic Dress
Silvia Maxi Dress
It’s what you would wear if you were galloping across a rose garden or living in the country. Many people at Coachella had cute, flowy and floral patterned garments on as they watched their favorite bands, and boy did it make me want to book a flight to the south of France ASAP.
Boho
Boho chic…but not the played out version you’re used to
chouyatou High Waist Crochet Skirt
beltiscool Wide Boho Disc Concho Leather Belt
ANRABESS Women Cotton Pleated A Line Maxi Skirt
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H&M Crochet-look Mini Dress
I know what you’re thinking, but I promise you that the boho styles we associate with Coachella lives on—just not in the exact same way you remember. Daisy Jones & The Six proved that the aesthetic with a hint of modernity can coexist, and that’s what the vibe is for this occasion. Crochet, chunky metallic belts, and long skirts were on full display this year. And I loved it so much I hopped on the trend myself.
Retro
Retro fits that transport you back in time
Miaou Mini Tee
Into the City Mesh Maxi Dress
Now 30{05995459f63506108ab777298873a64e11d6b9d8e449f5580a59254103ec4a63} Off
Darlene Mini Dress
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Faretumiya Rhinestone Fishnet Long Sleeve Top Sheer Mesh
Last but certainly not least on the Coachella style spectrum is retro. What this looks like IRL is boiled down to two words: bold prints. Swirls, flowers, and other patterns in the form of co-ords and dresses were spotted everywhere.
Coachella Essentials
Don’t go to the desert without these
Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+
MEGA LUCKY CLIP
iWALK iPortable Charger USB C Battery Pack
Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil
adidas Gazelle Bold Shoes
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Invisimatte Blotting Paper 1 Roll
SEPHORA COLLECTION Overnight Hydrating Mask
Drybar Final Call Frizz & Static Control Mist
Treslúce Beauty Intenso Liner
Prada Paradoxe Eau de Parfum Travel Spray
ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr On ‘Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray
Versed Daily Lightweight Gel Face Moisturizer
As for other essentials you might want to bring with you to Coachella (aka sunscreen, sunscreen, and more sunscreen). I’ve listed a few items on my must-have list below, such as—you guessed it—sunscreen, some comfy sneakers you will want to wear for at least one day, and more.
Associate Shopping Editor
Daisy Maldonado is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan who loves writing about fashion trends, must-have beauty products, and digital culture. When she’s not writing, you can almost certainly find her shopping (she knows her credit card numbers by heart) or obsessing over celebrity news. Although she’s acquired an extensive closet over the years, her favorite item she owns is a Harry Styles Love On Tour hoodie she purchased at his concert in Manchester. Daisy’s work has appeared on Refinery29, The Daily Beast, E! News, Allure and more. Keep up with all of her chaotic travels, NYC life and fashionable moments on her Instagram.
