This weekend, the renowned Coachella music festival kicks off its 2024 iteration in Indio, California, promising not just a lineup of top-tier musicians but a full-on display of iconic festival fashion. Headliners this year include Lana Del Rey, Tyler, the Creator, and Doja Cat, alongside an eagerly anticipated reunion by No Doubt—an event sure to draw crowds not just for the music but for the style statements as well.
The Evolution of Coachella Style
Since its inception in 1999, Coachella has grown from a purely musical festival into a cultural phenomenon where fashion plays a starring role. What began as a gathering for music lovers has transformed into a runway of sorts for attendees, with celebrities often spotted in the crowd showcasing their most daring and flamboyant outfits. This blend of music and fashion is what sets Coachella apart and makes it a trendsetter in the festival circuit.
In the early 2010s, Coachella firmly established itself as a key event for street style, attracting fashion icons like Katy Perry, Vanessa Hudgens, and Zoe Kravitz, who each brought their unique style to the desert. This period emphasized maximalism, a trend that has only grown, incorporating distressed denim, oversized belts, and the notorious flower crowns that have become almost synonymous with the festival.
Reflecting on Trends and Cultural Shifts
The festival has not only been a showcase for prevailing fashion trends but also a reflection of broader cultural shifts. Over the years, certain styles, such as feathered headdresses and bindis, peaked in popularity but have since seen a decline, especially as conversations around cultural appropriation gained prominence. This shift highlights how festival fashion can both influence and be influenced by the social and cultural dialogues of the times.
What to Expect in 2024
As we look to 2024, the question arises: What new trends will dominate Coachella this year, or will past favorites continue to reign? Observations from last year hint at a mix of old and new, with celebrities likely opting for fashion-forward looks that blend nostalgic elements with contemporary flair.
Below, we delve into some of the most polarizing yet defining trends that have shaped Coachella’s style landscape over the years:
- Statement Necklaces: True to Coachella’s love for maximalism, bold, chunky necklaces remain a staple. Kendall Jenner’s choice of layered crystal necklaces with a cropped vest and ripped denim shorts encapsulates this trend perfectly.
- Distressed Denim: Perhaps the quintessential Coachella fabric, denim appears in all forms—jeans, cutoff shorts, jackets, and dresses. Celebrities like Alessandra Ambrosio often choose this durable yet classic material.
- Fringe: Keeping the spirit of bohemian style alive, fringe details on jackets or skirts showcase a free-spirited aesthetic that has long been associated with Coachella.
- Studded Boots: No item says “Coachella-ready” quite like studded ankle boots. This edgy footwear, seen on celebrities like Kate Bosworth, adds a rock and roll vibe to any outfit.
- Grungy Plaids: Reflecting the festival’s roots in the late ’90s, punk-inspired tartan patterns continue to appear, whether on flannel shirts or airy slip dresses paired with platform boots.
- Ripped Tights: Embodying the festival’s laid-back, carefree ethos, ripped and shredded tights make a statement under floral dresses or cutoffs, a style embraced by Katy Perry among others.
- Big Belts: A throwback to the 2010s, oversized belts remain a festival favorite, often serving as the centerpiece of an outfit.
- Macrame and Lace: For a softer, more ethereal look, delicate macrame and lace outfits offer a contrast to the more rugged festival styles, a favorite among celebrities like Paris and Nicki Hilton.
- Neons: Bright, neon colors make sure attendees stand out in the vast Coachella crowd. Icons like Rihanna have been known to sport this trend in vibrant ensembles.
- Flower Crowns: Despite the evolution of festival fashion, flower crowns remain a beloved accessory, often worn by festival veterans like Vanessa Hudgens.
As Coachella continues to evolve, it remains a barometer for cutting-edge style and cultural trends, blending the auditory delight of its musical performances with the visual spectacle of its street style. Whether this year’s festival goers choose to revive past trends or chart new territories in fashion, Coachella 2024 is set to be yet another landmark event in both music and fashion history.