The question of what to wear to Coachella hits differently when you’re a 30-something-year-old. Somehow, the music festival has become synonymous with flower crown-wearing, glittery eyeshadow-loving tweens. But Coachella isn’t just for the kiddos. In fact, it’s those concert-goers with at least three decades under their belt who are really defining things. Remember when a then 36-year-old Beyoncé gloriously forced us to rename the concert #Beychella in custom Balmain? Even Paris Hilton is often spotted in the desert staying true to her glamorous style, wearing four-inch stilettos.
Both ladies are proof that there’s no need to deviate from your go-to ensembles. Instead of trying to adapt and wear predictable Coachella outfits, approach festival dressing with ease by honing in on the essence of your signature casual style. Last year, I made my way through the Palms Springs sands in a maxi skirt and asymmetric top. It’s a go-to look that I might also wear to a weekend brunch or summertime party with friends; in short, my Coachella dressing philosophy is not to wear anything you wouldn’t normally wear.
By the age of 30, you know exactly what you like and what makes you feel great. If you’re a minimalist at heart, a pair of crisp cargo pants (The Frankie Shop makes a few exquisite pairs) and a classic tank top are all you need to get into the festival spirit. Or, if you gravitate toward sophisticated bohemian touches, add a knit Alix Pinho frock to your suitcase and pair it with Marni’s fisherman sandals for a look that’s both comfortably chic.
If you’re in need of more ideas on how to dress for Coachella, you’ll find our edit of varying outfits to inspire you this year.
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The knit fit: Alix Pinho Esmeralda Midi Dress, $1,065
You can never go wrong with a one-and-done dress, especially if it’s from Alix Pinho’s joyous collection. Balance the vibrant frock by pairing it with classic accessories. This Madewell handbag earns bonus points for its hands-free crossbody strap, perfect during long days in the desert.
Available at Revolve.
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The knit fit: Madewell The Sydney crossbody bag, $271
Available at Madewell.
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The knit fit: Marni caged leather sandals, $999
Available at MatchesFashion.
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The elevated bohemian: Alanui Palm Springs crocheted cotton bralette, $615
Polished separates will ensure you look your best throughout the day. This is your moment to have fun with your look and graphic prints—like the one on Bouguessa’s skirt—make it easy to do.
Available at Net-A-Porter.
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The elevated bohemian: Bouguessa Jen appliquéd crocheted organic cotton midi skirt, $564
Available at Net-A-Porter.
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The elevated bohemian: Gucci rectangular-frame sunglasses, $574
Available at Gucci.
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The elevated bohemian: Mango leather panel sneakers, $89
Available at Mango.
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The sleek sportswear: Loewe Anagram cropped cotton-blend tank top, $490
There aren’t too many things as comfortable as the sneakers and baggy trouser-combo, especially if you’re wearing the beloved Adidas Sambas and the cargo pocket-adorned pair here. Take the outfit to new heights with Loewe’s viral tank top and Paco Rabanne’s shimmering crossbody.
Available at MyTheresa.
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The sleek sportswear: Frankie Shop Hailey wool-blend felt tapered cargo pants, $534
Available at Net-A-Porter.
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The sleek sportswear: Frankie Shop Hailey wool-blend felt tapered cargo pants, $888.10
Available at Saks Fifth Avenue.
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The reveal and conceal: Acne Studios metallic crochet-knit cardigan, $862
Show off a bit of skin in a see-through top by Acne Studios. A pair of shorts with a modest hemline will balance out the sultry number.
Available at Net-A-Porter.
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The reveal and conceal: Agolde Ira distressed denim knee-length shorts, $199
Available at Moda Operandi.
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The reveal and conceal: Alanui Stay Positive embellished crocheted cotton AirPods case, $394
Available at Net-A-Porter.
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The reveal and conceal: Loeffler Randall raffia two strap slides, $465.50
Available at Saks Fifth Avenue.
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The best of Y2K: Ganni tint edge denim puff-sleeve top, $259
Eliminate the guesswork and slip on a matching set. We’re particularly in love with the early 2000s-inspired denim maxi skirt and puff sleeve topper by Ganni. It looks exceptionally chic with suede boots and a bag with a pop of colour.
Available at Ganni.
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The best of Y2K: Loewe Flamenco mini leather clutch, $1,950
Available at Net-A-Porter.
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The best of Y2K: Ganni Frayed distressed organic denim maxi skirt, $369
Available at Net-A-Porter.
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The best of Y2K: Free People Sway low slouch boot, $255.62
Available at Revolve.
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The chic camper: Jacquemus Le Bob artichaut hat, $193.87
Prepare for long hours in the sun with Jacquemus’s bucket hat. The cap makes for the perfect partner with a simple T-shirt, miniskirt, and chunky boots.
Available at Fwrd.
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The chic camper: Off-White calf sponge Chelsea boot, $1,938
Available at Revolve.
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The chic camper: Outdoor Voices Rectrek belted TerraStretch mini skirt, $101
Available at Net-A-Porter.
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The polished separates: Dries Van Noten cropped macramé and crochet-trimmed gathered cashmere top, $967
For those that appreciate classics with a twist, grab Dries Van Noten’s reworked ribbed shirt, Toteme’s barrel-leg jeans, Victoria Beckham’s updated aviators, and Loeffler Randall’s woven flats. All of these elegant pieces feature modern details that make the timeless items feel very much of the moment.
Available at Net-A-Porter.
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The polished separates: Toteme high-waist barrel leg jeans, $465
Available at Nordstrom.
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The polished separates: Victoria Beckham oversized aviator sunglasses, $479
Available at MatchesFashion.
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The polished separates: Loeffler Randall Leonie grosgrain-trimmed raffia Mary Jane ballet flats, $453
Available at Net-A-Porter.
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The grunge glam: Martine Rose Shrunken T-shirt, $385.78
Yes, sports jerseys pair well with shorts, but they look even better with an equally playful skirt—like Charo Ruiz’s textured number.
Available at Ssense.
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The grunge glam: Charo Ruiz Paola gathered broderie anglaise cotton-blend mini skirt, $550
Available at Net-A-Porter.
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The grunge glam: See by Chloé Joy Rider shell backpack, $650
Available at Net-A-Porter.
