.026 FESTIVAL SPECTACLE

With Coachella starting tomorrow and other festival lineups being announced, the fashion world in all respects (celebrities, companies, designers, etc.) is buzzing with the term "festival-ready". Fashion retailers are creating festival look books in preparation for the slew of customers ready to create (and imitate) festival-ready trends. Some trend reports are saying that large floral print is the next big thing while others are placing an emphasis on peasant tops and prairie style dresses, but in the end, does not all festival clothing have the same aesthetic? There is always an emphasis to go bohemian. Whether that means big hats, fringe-lined crop tops, wide pants or a maxi skirt, is up to you. To me, the festival look is a predictable one and the predictability of it all almost makes a festival seem like a costume event (do not even get me started on girls that cultural appropriate items such as Native American headdresses or the, even more misunderstood, bindis). This leaves me to ask: Where are the game changers and how does one change the game?

(Source - Evelina Galli, photo from Coachella 2013, a not-so-distant past.)

I would like to start by saying this is not an "us versus them" argument. I am certainly not a special snowflake and given the disposable income, I would also find myself heading to Coachella in a large hat paired with tall gladiator sandals. I am not some higher fashion power, I am merely looking to be an agent of change. Plus, is not fashion all about cycles? There are always new trends to anticipate and I am wanting to start to make speculations. We cannot have girls in knitted kimonos and tie-dye shirts forever...right? 

MY SORT-OF-GUIDE TO FESTIVAL CHIC

Going to Bonnaroo, Pitchfork, Lolla, Outside Lands, anything else that will make me violently ill with jealousy? Well here is a guide to what to wear so you stand out without looking like you are trying too hard. Or something like that.

CULOTTES

Trade-in your short shorts for a pair of culottes that are not only comfortable, but chic. 

(Cutlottes: Topshop - $64.00)

STRIPES

Swap out the tribal print for a 70s-inspired striped crew-neck.

(Shirt: Urban Outfitters - $18)

JELLY SANDAL

Ditch the traditional gladiator sandal and throw on a pair of heeled jellies.

(Sandals: ASOS - $52.68)

MID-LENGTH DRESS

Rather than step out in a predictable maxi, try a mid-length dress that hugs at the knees.

(Dress: Zara - $119)

STRAW HAT

Alright, I still like big hats, but straw hats..that is a little new, right?

(Hat: Urban Outfitters - $34)

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

Just one of the many ways you can put these tips to use:

f e s t i v a l by seaminor featuring Butter London