The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Ask BB: What to Wear to the Coachella Music Festival

Celebrity style at the Coachella Music Festival.


I'm going to Coachella Music Festival for the first time and I was just wondering what I should wear, what kind of bag I should bring and most importantly what kind of shoes since I will be on my feet all day. They say it gets really hot during the day and really cool at night. And from what I hear Coachella is very trendy hipster so I want to look good but not spend alot and please keep in mind that I'm on a college student budget aka a starving student. jk only when the food doesn't look good. Thanks For Your Help, Desiree

The Coachella Music Festival in Indio, California, attracts a style-conscious crowd of free-spirited music lovers and celebrities alike. Whether you want to blend in or stand out, consider lightweight breathable natural fibers, comfortable shoes and lots of sunscreen. I've never been but I read it gets cold at night (as you mentioned) so bring a cardigan or denim jacket to cover up when the sun goes down. In terms of sticking to your budget, you can find tons of indie-hipster options for cheap at stores like Target, Forever 21 and Urban Outfitters.

Here are three outfit formulas I put together to help you get inspired!


Option 1: COTTON BLOUSE+ SHORT-SHORTS + STRAPPY FLAT SANDALS



ShopStyle





Option 2: SLEEVELESS BUTTON-DOWN + PRINTED SKIRT + WEDGE SANDALS



ShopStyle





Option 3: ROMPER + SUMMER BOOTIE + RUGGED BELT



ShopStyle





Must-Have Accessories: JEAN JACKET + SUNGLASSES + FUN JEWELRY + STRAW HAT + CROSS-BODY BAG



What would you wear to Coachella?

Comments
Great picks! I especially love the first set.
#1 J @ The Look 4 Less (Homepage) on 2010-04-07 14:50 (Reply)
All great suggestions. I've been to the Austin City Limits music festival in Texas and boy howdy it gets too entirely hot. I would suggest either a sundress or a romper. Definitely a hat. Lots of sunscreen (I love the spray kind, lots of coverage and easy to apply). Also, wet wipes will save your life. There is a kind that has aloe and chamomile in them. They are so soothing to your skin after its been attacked by the sun all day long!
#2 AlysonIsNeat (Homepage) on 2010-04-07 14:55 (Reply)
I've been to Coachella and is HOT! In the evenings it is cooler, but you are still in the middle of a huge concert crowd so I didn't need anything extra for evening. Sunglasses and hat are key for day. The less you carry the happier you will be. I agree with AlysonIsNeat that a romper or sundress with pockets would be perfect.
#3 bappleb on 2010-04-07 16:57 (Reply)
I never worried about style when I went to Coachella in years prior. Sunscreen, cross-body bag, my oldest pair of Chuck's, a bikini, tank tops, and shorts. At night it gets cold but if you're actually there for the music and get in it and are not there just to sit and look pretty you don't feel the temp. drop at all. I personally wouldn't wear sandals, and I definitely wouldn't wear heels/wedges unless you're rolling VIP. But that's just me.
#4 Veronica on 2010-04-07 17:05 (Reply)
I always feel the temperature drop, but I get cold especially easily. I recommend bringing a very thin cardigan in your bag and I like the skirt better than the shorts or romper. (I think I'm not hip or young enough for a romper.)

More importantly, bring a hat with a brim, sunglasses, and more sunscreen than you think you need. If your bag is big enough, collect empty water bottles because you can turn them in for more water. And when you buy water, buy it in bulk, as in as much as you can reasonably carry. When you're stuck in the middle of a tent, you don't want to have to leave for more water. And you'll sweat it all out, so don't worry about having to leave to find a port-a-potty.
#5 Brianne on 2010-04-07 17:31 (Reply)
I would agree on no sandals, wedges, etc. you need to be comfortable for long periods of time, and remember it is crowded, you don't want your toes stepped on! I would also opt for a skirt w/bikini top and a cool, breezy cover-up. Remember you will be using a port-a-potty, and who wants to take down a full romper in there. Not to be too graphic, but it's much easier to squat in a skirt than worrying about your romper falling to the floor of a nasty port-a-potty.
#6 Lori on 2010-04-07 18:23 (Reply)
I had my toes stomped on three times last year, so I wouldn't wear sandals!
#7 Diana on 2010-04-08 02:34 (Reply)
Oh god how I'd love to go to Coachella as well! I love the sets you picked, looks like just taken out of the festival's public. I love this style and dress like this myself.
#8 Ina leggings (Homepage) on 2010-04-08 11:27 (Reply)
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