If like me, you were bombarded with Coachella pictures and videos all weekend, you might be thinking about your summer wardrobe right about now (once the red haze of jealousy over missing the Harry Styles-Shania Twain duet subsided, of course).
The fashion of Coachella weekend usually sets the tone for the rest of festival season to come; big brands launch their initial offensive through influencers and parties that circulate online and spark trends that will continue throughout the summer. It's a strategy that works so well, even I have fallen prey to it this year.
Canadian influencer and former YTV star Torri Webster posted a video on Instagram at a Revolve party in a stunning metallic gold disc dress that sent me into a tailspin trying to find it. I went so far as to scroll the entire #REVOLVEFestival feed to see if someone else wore it and linked to it, no luck. However, after studying the thread I learned that Revolve is leading the charge in festival fashion this year with a massive presence at Coachella and there are some very clear themes emerging.
It doesn't look like Skookum festival will be returning to Stanley Park this year but Shambhala, Constellation, Laketown Shakedown, and Fvded in the Park will be back and you'll need outfits. So to make sure my obsession wasn't a complete waste, here are this year's festival trends and where you can shop for them in Vancouver.
Less is More
Showing skin is nothing new but this year more than ever the "barely there" look is out in force—mesh, cut-outs, see-through, nothing at all—it's all fair game at festivals. Cover-ups are the new dresses and pairing one with a bikini or a bodysuit underneath is an instant festival look. Bonus points for sheer trousers and a bodysuit. Search for beach cover-ups for the best results, like these sheer pants from La Vie en Rose; just because it says swimwear doesn't mean they'll check.
Crochet
The 70s called, they want their macrame back. If you thought we left the crochet dress trend behind in 2021, think again. Crochet clothing is back for another year with bikinis, dresses, mini skirts, and crop tops. If you can wear it, there's a crochet version out there and it's peak festival apparel. Simons has an insane collection of outlandish crochet pieces at the moment, check out this rainbow set.
Matching Sets
The crochet trend has teamed up with another big trend for summer this year which is matching sets. Pairing a miniskirt or pants with a matching crop top is effortless and instantly chic. And there are tons of choices across all price points at the moment so stock up because it's unlikely these will go out of style anytime soon. The Latest Scoop has lots to choose from but for summer festivals and bachelorette party season, I prefer the knit midi and halter tank set or the tube smock top and pants set.
Colour
Pastels are still holding over from spring and were popular at Coachella this year but they have always been a staple for warmer weather. The real news is bold patterns and colours are all the rage, the louder the better. For festivals the more psychedelic combinations of pattern and colour are popular. This is the easiest trend to track down because you can find neon almost anywhere and coordinate from there but this neon floral mini dress with cut-outs from Nordstom is perfect for festivals and can be worn again throughout the summer.
Pearls
Metallics and gems will always be a staple of festival wear but this year we are seeing more of their demure cousin, the pearl. The pearl has been having a moment in bridal but now we see it replace chains and diamonds on mesh dresses, bralettes, bikinis, body jewellery and part of makeup looks. This stunning jumpsuit from CityLuxe Boutique in Vancouver combines the less is more and pearl trend for an all-in-one outfit.
Was this story a thinly veiled attempt at finding my dress? Absolutely. But short of putting it on a milk carton I was out of ideas. If you find it, tag me on IG at @editorialallie!
