Coachella’s return to individuality

Since its inception in 1999, Coachella has always been a place for people to come together and share their love of music. It wasn't until about 10 years ago that the festival became a fashion statement.

For its first decade, people would show up in their everyday attire, focusing less on their clothes and more on the music. At this time just a T-shirt and shorts would do, but as the 2010s approached, a shift in the focus around the weekend’s attire arose. Flower crowns and halter tops took the scene by storm, and for a few years it felt like Coachella had created its own uniform. It was a chance for celebrities to dress bohemian for three days before returning to their normal red-carpet glam. And was an affordable enough trend that every attendee could partake in, giving the festival a relaxed persona. 

It wasn't until after the pandemic that the understated coachella-fit left the scene. With the influx of influencers and sponsored brand trips, outfits became a statement piece, eliminating the importance of the music. No longer was the chill outfit the mainstream ideal. Instead, it became $100 single-use outfits that can barely survive the weekend.

But in 2025, it seems most people are getting a grip on what to wear. Picking clothes from their closet rather than designer brands. Dematerializing Coachella and what it has become. This year many fans centered their outfits around their musical interests, dressing to the theme of their favorite artist to be seen that day. “Brat” green tees everywhere you looked and Lady Gaga “Mayhem” fans keeping the crowds cool, this year, people returned to the music, unshackling themselves to fashion expectations. 

As a four-year Coachella attendee, I’ve come to learn that your outfit does not matter. No one is going to look at you differently (or at all honestly). But this mindset took time. I have spent countless days, even weeks, stressing over having the perfect outfit. And it wasn’t until I had put myself through weeks of torture, just to show up and see people in normal clothes, that I realized it didn’t matter. Dress how you want and go for the music, your personal style will shine through, and that's what people love to see the most. 

This year, we decided to take a look at some of our favorite outfits, worn by people who styled themselves. Coachella is the perfect place to be bold. It's a setting that promotes wearing the shirt you can't wear to work or school. A place where no one bats an eye if you walk around in your underwear. So let's take a look at some of the outfits that caught our eye this weekend.  

By Addison Farris

Photos by Addison Farris

April 20, 2025