Photography courtesy of Getty Images
Here’s what the first post-pandemic festival looked like.
Date April 18, 2022
As the dust settles on Coachella’s opening weekend, one thing is certain: we have entered a new era of festival fashion.
Headliners Harry Styles (who wore a custom Gucci jumpsuit) and Billie Eilish (who performed in spandex shorts, an over-sized t-shirt and knee pads) brought their trademark style to the stage, and festivalgoers followed suit with experimental takes on current trends.
From throwback styles to westernwear, here’s all the fashion trends seen at Coachella 2022.
Low rise, high impact
The low-rise and ultra-mini styles taking over the runways were also seen in California’s Coachella Valley this past weekend. From hip-hugging denim pants to leggy skirts, these pieces made the festival an early aughts haven, along with tiny tanks, wide belts, glossy pouts and even some denim-on-denim.
Cowgirl meets cool girl
Westernwear reigned supreme in the desert. Exhibit A: Gen Z favourite Emma Chamberlain pulled up to day two of the festival in an all-red ‘fit wearing shoes that toed the line between clogs and cowboy boots. Even Swedish performer Snoh Aalegra, known for her sparkly stage looks, wore shiny slouchy chaps over glittering bike shorts, complete with a cropped jacket.
Skin, skin and more skin
Prior to the music fest’s return, BOF foresaw a spike in sexier outfits, and it would seem showing skin was a focal point this past weekend.
For example, Paris Hilton channeled punk-rock with an all-black, sparkly and stud-covered look, constructed from a combination of leather and sheer fabric. Model and influencer Catherine Li chose a fleet of netted dresses, and Bretman Rock made a statement in a bedazzled mesh shirt.
Barely-there tops, bras and swimsuits served as a style staple. Anything goes in the desert heat, especially if it’s strappy and winding (think Nensi Dojaka and Ottolinger). And crop tops made from all sorts of shapes — sequined butterflies, hearts and star cutouts to name a few — were everywhere.
Let’s be honest, Coachella is all about fashion — risk-taking fashion that is. Whether it’s trending, outdated or never-before-seen (like this top made from Instax photographs), festivalgoers are slightly more blasé toward the rules. And with Coachella 2022 serving as inspiration for festival fashion trends to come, we’re expecting a summer of experimental styles ahead.
