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Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is arguably the biggest ‘style-fest’ of the year bringing A-listers stepping out in style alongside hordes of other fashionable folk.
Sure, it just got over a few days back, but the fest season has just started to rock as the thousands who attended Trib Fest III at the Bahrain Rugby Club recently witnessed.
So readers, get that summer and rain-proof gear ready if you are planning to travel in search of cool sounds in cooler (in relation to the temperature, of course) countries!
Comfort counts
Most of these events have you bouncing around and walking all over the place so make sure you keep those feet happy. If you are staying for a weekend keep a few pairs of kickers handy. Converse and white Vans are not only trendy but super comfortable and the platform strappy sandals are fashionable yet easy on the feet.
Don’t even think of stilettos now, you diva … they can stay in the wardrobe for now! Sometimes (often in the UK) it can rain during concerts but the fun WILL NOT STOP so bring a clear rain poncho to show off your outfits and your wonderful ‘wellies’ for the puddles.
Layer it up
Whether you are wearing a playsuit or denim cut-offs with a rocker-tee, layering is key to adjust to the weather. Throw on a suede vest over a white cami, army green hipster jacket over a white tee, slouch hoody wrapped around your waist or wispy caftan over a racer-T, the list goes on depending on your look.
Head smart
The sun is going to be beating down on occasions too and I’m sure many of you are just crawling out of winter hibernation. Lather on the sunscreen and pick out some fun head coverings.
Guys can’t go wrong with the baseball cap, biker head wrap or wide brimmed brush hat. Women think paisley scarf wraps, wide-brimmed fedora, floppy sun hat, baseball cap or cowboy hat.
Gotta wear shades
Depending on your look you can pick one of the following: 90s retro round lens, opaque acetate in a variety of hues, aviators or exaggerated cat-eyes. Sunglasses are in the trend spotlight and it is the perfect chance now to shine.
Get noticed
There is no question that this SS16 looks are perfect for a festival, think ‘Navaho’ in neutral colours, suedes and fringe. Co-ordinate the ‘Boho Babe’ look with billowy blouses, flower crowns with ripped denim, crochet and ankle boots.
Brave the dirt with the ‘white out’ trend in all white with lace or embrace the 60s ‘Flower Power’ with tye-die, crop shirts, neon glasses and white shorts. An ‘Aztec’ goddess you will be with ethnic prints and natural shades or ‘trippy’ maxi dresses to stay cool. Oh, and ladies, keep the designer-wear at home, it will only get completely trashed.
Accessories
What makes these care-free outfits work are the accessories. Wide-brimmed fedoras, bracelets, feathers, flower crowns, gems, cross-over bags with fringe, body tattoos in metallic or white henna, round shades, big gem rings and the up-the calf gladiator sandal. Cute leather backpacks and cross body bags are so ‘in’ right now and it will be easy for you to carry all your stuff around.
Hair care
Boho braids and waves (fish-tails are trendy) crazy hair colours, flowers woven into the hair or statement hair-pieces.
Make-up
My advice is to go ‘au-natural’ as best as you can. If you need to add some colour keep it to soft shades that can be re-applied quickly. Try to bring those all-in-one mini compacts that have the blusher, eyes-shadow and powder. Dry shampoo and face-wipes are a must.
Where to find the looks: H&M is known for being Coachella’s biggest fan, and this year’s ‘H&M Loves Coachella collection’ is full of the perfect pieces to get the vibe wherever you are in the world. The collection is already in stores and is the perfect way to get the Coachella look.
