It’s been a long time since Coachella was a ‘festival’ in the typical sense. The star-studded event (because it certainly is an event now) is a homage to designer fashion, which means there are a ton of tricks you can pick up... I spotted some sure-fire ways to get some LA attitude into your wardrobe this summer.
1. Silver linings
Aside from the rainbow of wristbands that loudly and proudly claim attendance to the coolest VIP hangs (Neon Carnival being the hottest ticket to rave’n’roll), I’m told silver is the only acceptable hardware to lather yourself in. Don’t hold back: the more, the chunkier, the better. Danielle of We Wore What is rocking a Spell & Gypsy broderie anglaise playsuit, with Jennifer Fisher and Cali fave Vanessa Mooney jewellery. Try super-cool brand Luv AJ, too. I spotted it everywhere at Coachella. Ella. Ella...
2. Fashionably faux
Here is the one time when tramp stamps, temporary tatts and other painted-on adornments of the indie variety are acceptable. Essential, even. Just remember, you are not on your gap year, so do think twice before opting for the real deal. I say go tongue-in-cheek or go home. Try Skin Feelingsfor cool temp tatts.
**3. Join the Reformation revolution **** **
Killer clothes that don’t kill the environment. Everyone at The Debrief is obsessed with The Reformation – and it’s an LA institution, Stateside. Go wild in their Melrose store and the fruits of your retail will be a wardrobe investment that will last long after the long haul home.
4. Boho forever
Alessandra Ambrosio needn’t even persuade us. Tap into the ethereal hipster vibe by paying an e-visit (assuming you haven’t taken extra time out to swing by Los Angeles beforehand) to the official clotheschella sponsors. Cynthia Vincent, Free People, and Lovers and Friends were my favourite finds.
5. Bandit backups
Fact: sandstorms are no myth, sister. The bandana (often worn as a neckerchief) may be having its very own capital-F fashion moment on a streetstyle scene near you, but it is in the desert, when the winds pick up and sand is blowing all around that this cowboy staple really comes into its own… I rotated two by Maje and Claudie Pierlot (you can take the French girl out of Paris...), but most people bought them for $5-$10 on site. I would also throw in some sunnies if you plan on using your eyeballs for the rest of the trip.
6. Forget about toe cleavage
For those of us used to the muddy grounds of Glasto, sensible footwear seems like a given. The blazing heat, however, tries to make you opt otherwise. Don’t do it to yourself. The walk back to the parking lot alone is a good 30-minute trek from Coachella’s main playground. I wore my Anine Bing studded boots every day – the LA label’s boots are rad to look at and comfy, too – while I saw tons of girls in Toga Pulla buckled boots. Trust me when I say the designer labels are fully representated at this festival!
7. Tie me up
Unless you have opted for a sizeable backpack (you'll regret the bulk, even if it functions as a Mary Poppins box of tricks), chances are you won’t have room for extra layers in your bag. Once you have gone through the airport-like security check in, not to mention the hour long drive to get from your motel to the festival, you probably won’t be leaving the grounds until sundown. Fortunately, the ’90s tie (any long-sleeved garment tied around waist will do) is to festival goers what ‘the drape’ is to fashion editors. Try a long-sleeve tee from LA brands For Love And Lemons and Blue Moon.
8. Braid away, braid away, braid away
I thought I could get away with my usual effortless ‘not-seen-a-hairbrush-in-a-week’ ’do. I was wrong. As ever, the Americans like to play the done-undone card. Think Woodstock meets LFW. In this case, YouTube will be a much better teacher than I ever could be.
9. Overalls rule!
Embrace your inner six-year-old self. Everyone else certainly is; I saw denim, particularly in onesie format, everywhere at Coachella. And don’t you dare call them dungarees. Overalls it is! I’m wearing some Guess cut-offs here and for longer length, I love J Brand’s Coverall Overalls.
10. You're never fully dressed without a...
...Smile! Not that you will need much persuading. Life doesn’t get much better than a pretty-as-a-picture festival.
Follow Camille on Twitter @camtyox
Pictures: Camille Charriere
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.