What To Wear To Every Type Of Music Festival

Festival season is upon us—do you know what you’re going to wear yet? With so much live music playing across the country—and the world—we have to keep in mind that festival wear is not always a one-size-fits-all situation.

Don’t fret: We've put together a (fringe-free) shopping guide for each festival situation, whether you’re in the heart of the desert or hopping from city venue to city venue. Because let’s be real, would you wear the same outfit to Coachella that you would to the return of Levitation? Probably not.

Our 2018 guide to festival wear, below.

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The desert

Dressing for desert festivals, such as this month's Coachella, can be tricky. Sweltering temperatures during the day often turn chilly once the sun goes down, so you’ll want to pack a jacket to throw over a breezy sundress, preferably one you can fold up into your bag or tie around your waist during the day. And, of course, a good pair of jeans will get you from day to night effortlessly.

1. TNA, Vallely Anorak, $140, available at Aritzia; 2. Loeffler Randall, Starla Ankle Wrap Sandal, $195, available at Loeffler Randall; 3. Cult Gaia, Eden Trapeze Dress, $376, available at Cult Gaia; 4. Zara, Knotted Top, $29.90, available at Zara; 5. Levi’s, Wedgie Fit Skinny Jeans, $50, available at Levi's; 6. Chimi, Cat-Eye Acetate Sunglasses, $175, available at Net-A-Porter; 7. Furla, Stacy Casanova, $378, available at Furla.

The beach

Heading to a beachside event such as Hangout Fest? Well, you’ll want to easily transition into taking a dip in-between shows, so let your swimwear be the heart of your look. Pair with a breezy cover up or some classic cutoffs, and you’re good to go.

1. ASOS Premium, Metal Ring Embellished Elastic Weave High Waist Bikini, $76, available at ASOS; 2. Dolce Vita, Corey Sandals, $90, available at Dolce Vita; 3. Zara, Long Knit Dress, $69.90, available at Zara; 4. Sunday Somewhere, Pixie, $290, available at Sunday Somewhere; 5. & Other Stories, Straw Circle Crossbody, $60, available at & Other Stories; 6. DL1969, Cleo High Rise Short, $128, available at DL1969.

The woods

Planning on traipsing through the woods at an outdoor festival such as Outside Lands? Know that it’s bound to get a little muddy—so choose your footwear and colors wisely. We say channel your inner Stevie Nicks while wearing all black, and pair your look with some practical (but cute) boots.

1. Genuine People, Floral Print Midi Dress, $95, available at Genuine People; 2. Rixo London, Camellia Pleated Printed Silk Crepe de Chine Midi Dress, $400, available at Net-A-Porter; 3. Mango, Straw Fedora Hat, $39.99, available at Mango; 4. Dr. Martens, Rometty, $160, available at Dr. Martens; 5. Rebecca Minkoff, Bree Belt Bag with Charms, $195, available at Rebecca Minkoff; 6. Le Specs, Ovation, $119, available at Le Specs.

The city

If you’re hitting up a city festival, such as Austin’s Levitation (formally Austin Psych Fest), chances are you’re going to be running around a lot. Meaning: Be prepared to be on your feet a lot. We say bring on the athleisure lewks (and don’t forget a good pair of sneakers).

1. Jansport, Half Pint FX Mini Backpack, $32, available at Jansport; 2. Adidas, Alphabounce Beyond Shoes, $100, available at Adidas; 3. Tory Sport, Tech Knit Motley-Check Pleated Skirt, $298, available at Tory Sport; 4. Off-White, Embroidered Cotton-Jersey Baseball Cap, $225, available at Net-A-Porter; 5. MISSBISH, Marguerite Long Line Bustier Bra, $90, available at MISSBISH; 6. Charles & Keith, Criss Cross Slingback Sandals, $59, available at Charles & Keith.