STORY BY JEFFERY PINEDA
PHOTO BY RAY ROLIA
Cypress College students reveal all of their summer plans and music festival fashion go-tos.
As the school year slowly comes to an end and we all begin wrapping up finals, many of us, like myself, are either getting ready for summer classes or getting ready for summer 2023. Unlike last summer, we finally transitioned into a “covid-free” year with fewer restrictions and limitations for summer plans. What better way to kick off summer vacation, than with a music festival.
Cute outfits, live music, sweet treats, what’s there not to love about music festivals; other than the admittedly expensive prices but isn’t that part of the festival experience? Coachella and Stagecoach started off the music festivities with hundreds of artists lined up. While many focused on who performed next, I kept my eye out on the fashion. Denim, lace, knit, boho, and western chic were many looks people were clearly inspired by. Brands like Cuyana, For Days, and Quince all are great environmentally friendly options for all those festival lovers that like a more boho, minimal look. For a more fairy, neon lights, rave look: FairyHoods, Freedom Rave Wear and Rave Bae Couture are brands that make eco-friendly rave outfits.
Unlike previous festival fashion years, outfits are becoming more curated to the wearers interests and personal style rather than the current trends. Festival goers are either embracing the trends with their personal twists or wearing something new that the current trends haven’t already embraced. As the genre of the music changes, the fashion is too but who says you have to like country music to rock cowboy boots. Friction, or the mixing of two different fashion pieces to create one look, is my personal favorite way to level up any look while also creating more layers and depth.
If you’re like me, you never know what to wear and always figure it out the moment before the festival starts. All the clothes you sat on to be able to close your luggage, yet still nothing to wear. Pinterest can only inspire our outfits so much and sometimes we need to take a step back and ask a friend for help.
Cypress College student Vincent Gasper said,
“If I’m going to be outdoors I would like to wear something nice and flowy, flare something to enjoy the sun but also look very stylish. If I’m going for a theme I like to have a color palette or a song that speaks to me from my favorite artist.”
Dressing up inspired by the musician you’re going to see is very common and more people are actually starting to do it now just like how musicians Taylor Swift and Bad Bunny were on tour. Styling yourself inspired by your favorite album is a fun way to connect yourself to your favorite artist and in a sense be one with the festival.
Business major Tina Tran said, “I’d wear something more on the revealing side because I need to breathe and tan. I feel like festivals are the perfect place to tan and I feel like I glow my best when I’m tanning. I feel confident in myself.”
Sometimes less is more and for some that means fabrics too. Forecasts are predicting a sizzling summer and long maxi skirts or baggy jeans might turn that adrenaline rush into a heat stroke which is why it is important to not only stay hydrated but also wear breathable, comfortable clothing. Beach wear is essentially practical for most festivals but for those who prefer dressing more on the conservative side, shorts, tanks and button ups are all convenient and very easy to style.
For those of you who are still unsure of what to do, business major Moises Sandoval gave a preview of what his summer is going to look like when he said, “I really like to roller skate, probably hit up the farmers market and go to the beach”.
Living in California, we have so many other fun alternatives to a music festival we all can fill up those free summer schedules. The most important part is enjoying the experience and creating memories to bring back on campus.
