How to Dress for Spring’s Hottest Music Fests

Photo: Getty Images

Attention all music-loving boys and girls: the Coachella 2012 lineup is finally here! This year, the music festival is expanding to two consecutive weekends, topping off a series of three spring music festivals that are sure to rock your season—South by Southwest (SXSW) and Ultra being the other two main players. But what’s arguably more important than what bands are hitting the stage is what to wear to each festival, which year by year attracts the most fashionable attendees and Hollywood celebs—Lea Michele, Ashley Greene, Vanessa Hudgens, and Kate Bosworth all hit Coachella last year dressed in their trendiest get-ups. To make sure you’re looking your best as you dance you heart out, here’s a guide to what to wear to this spring’s most talked about fests: MORE: Check out our must-know tips for surviving outdoor concerts! SXSW When: March 13-18 Where: Austin, TX SXSW is probably the most laid-back of the three, with most bands playing in small venues and bars around Austin. Since you’re in Texas, you’ve got to think southern with your wardrobe: we’re talking cowboy-style leather boots, cutoff denim shorts, breezy linen blouses, and a checkered flannel to drape over your shoulder (SXSW takes place in late March, so it should get a little chilly at night—even in Texas). Try these items for a perfectly southern look:

Photo: Courtesy of Nordstrom DV by Dolce Vita Simone boot, $60.

Photo: Courtesy of Last Call by Neiman Marcus Fade to Blue cutoff denim shorts, $40.

Photo: Courtesy of Revolve Clothing Free People crinkle and lace blouse, $98.

Photo: Courtesy of UniqloUniqlo men’s flannel check long sleeve shirt, $20.

Ultra Music Festival

When: March 23-25 Where: Bayfront Park, Downtown Miami You can tell by Ultra’s headliners (Tiesto, Justice, Aviici, and David Guetta) that this weekend is going to be one big party blasting house music all night long, so you might as well dress the part. You’ll be in Miami, and if that isn’t hot enough, the pounds of sweat pouring down your body as you dance will make you want to be glad that you dressed for the warm weather. Throw on your brightest neons and fluorescents and strap on a pair of colorful high top Dunks or Chuck Taylors to protect your feet—trust us, you don’t want some dude stomping all over your newly polished beach pedicure! Add some bold stunner shades to make a statement (oh, and to keep that Florida sun out of your eyes!) Give these ultra-cool items a try:

Photo: Courtesy of American Apparel American Apparel baby rib tank, $8.

Photo: Courtesy of Shopbop Textile Elizabeth and James Ruby cutoff shorts, $165.

Photo: Courtesy of PacSun Nike 6.0 dunk hightop sneaker, $80.

Photo: Courtesy of Converse Chuck Taylor perfed metallic leather, $55.

Photo: Courtesy of Zappos Ray-Ban original wayfarer, $159.

Coachella

When: Weekend 1: April 13-15, Weekend 2: April 20-22 Where: Indio, California Definitely the most fashion-forward festival, Coachella is replete with fashionistas and fashionistos decked out in the season’s most trendy garb. With street style photographers abound, you’ll want to make sure you’re looking chic enough for the scene. The most important thing to remember is to wear lightweight material, because the temperature can really soar in the middle of the desert. A flirty printed dress is the perfect piece to wear, and you can accessorize it with fun tribal add-ons like big earrings and a feathery headband. Pair your patterned frock with strappy sandals—just make sure they’re flats!—so you can endure the weekend (or two) of music without getting your toes battered and bruised. Look like you’re a native Cali girl in these trendy pieces: