There has always been something so cathartic about attending a music festival, from the free-spirited atmosphere and sense of belonging, to the freedom to express oneself through fashion without the fear of being judged. After all, where else can you wear enough rhinestones to outshine Tinker Bell herself? In a way, these festivals are just as much an escape through fashion as they are through music. These cultural affairs represent the sartorial zeitgeist of fashion subcultures across time, bringing together styles of dress that aren't always indicative of everyday fashion. What to wear to a music festival continues to evolve as microtrends do, so let’s take a look at this year’s hottest festivalcore trends.

Dopamine Dressing: Colour-Blocking and Neons

Gone are the days of matching and monochromatic sets at music festivals - the new rule is to embrace the power of mismatching! We urge you to bring out your boldest colours and brightest neons. The formula for colour-blocking is styling complementary colours together, for example, red with green, blue with orange, and purple with yellow. As they say, opposites attract!

Space Western

The credit for popularising this aesthetic goes to Gen Z, who have put a futuristic spin on classic Western fashion. To achieve this trend, style flashy elements like reflective fabrics, metallics, sequins and rhinestones, with traditional cowboy boots and a cowboy hat.

Hippie Chic

This sartorial holdover is the pillar upon which music festival fashion was established, and it doesn't seem like the counterculture’s reign is ending any time soon. The hippie aesthetic is influenced by flowy silhouettes and folk art-inspired pieces, namely puff sleeve blouses, high-slit maxi skirts and bohemian cardigans and dresses. However, the key to really nailing this trend is fringe – whether it’s fringe jackets, fringe skirts, or flared fringe bell-bottoms. Whatever you choose…make sure it’s fringed.

All Meshed Up

Nothing says liberation like a little exposure. That’s why mesh, sheer and fishnet fabrics will be a hit at summer music festivals, thanks to their ultra-versatility and breathability. Popular ways to wear these fabrics include layering mesh or sheer dresses and tops over similarly coloured underpinnings, or wearing them underneath a camisole or dress for added depth.

Cottagecore

This ethereal aesthetic is reminiscent of old-fashioned European countryside style, the kind that makes you want to frolic through an open field while belting out, “the hills are alive with the sound of music.” Cottagecore provides a retreat from mainstream culture, which explains why it’s a coveted aesthetic for events like Coachella. This summer, we anticipate popular trends such as corset tops, prairie dresses, floral prints with ruffles, rosettes, bubble hems, and crocheted fabrics to be in high demand.

Y2K Redux

Y2K fashion has come back in full force, and it's sure to make a statement at any live music event. Expect to see some classic early aughts summer styles like v-neck halter tops and low-rise micro skirts, baby tees and cargo pants, Y2K The Matrix sunglasses, and of course, the ultimate redux, butterfly clips.