With Spring Splash coming up at UC Riverside, Coachella a couple of weekends ago, and many more spring and summer festivals coming up, it is always fun to look at the trends and really decide: Do you really want to wear that? Here I break down 21 of those trends to watch out for. Ready, set, go!
1. Body Jewelry Chains
From chokers to ankle bracelets to full on torso chains, it is likely to see it all glisten and adorn in the twilight and afternoon. They look really beautiful, but they do become tangled with everything in two minutes flat. If you decided to rock this fashion, make sure to have a safety pin on hand to get out the knots!
2. Metallic Body Tattoos
I really cannot tell if these are tacky or really cute. The way they shine in the light is really brilliant, and they kind of make you look like a Greek goddess. But the way the long line ones just end, the flakiness (or lack thereof after the event) kind of makes me hate them. I will leave it up to the experts to decide.
3. Flower Crowns
Every time I have seen one of these, I think "they're basic." And I have seen some very shoddy ones with wires showing and lopsided in a number of flowers, faker than the Snapchat filter (which works well for pictures). But when they are done just right, or they use real wildflowers (OG Pinterest people), they can make the wearer elegant and youthful. My suggestion is to crown with caution.
4. High-Waisted Shorts![]()
I am one of the biggest supporters of high-waisted shorts. They hide any tummy I don't feel like showing, they are comfortable, make my butt look great, and come in so many different colors and styles. For those of you who are nervous about this trend, trust me, you will be surprised how much you fall in love with them. Their only issue is how tight they can get, but with some readjusting, they can fit like a glove again.
5. Bralettes
The luxury of being able to wear a bra without support is something I do not take for granted, my friends. I love all styles of bralettes, the lacy to the strappy, and I think they look lovely. They can be a great accessory with or without a shirt, especially when it could be hot. Personally, I will be sporting one to Spring Splash, and I will love every freeing moment of it.
6. Crop Tops
7. Converse
Ladies, lads, and non-identifying alike love to rock these classic kicks. Although not the best forms of support, Converse shoes definitely protect people's feet midst the dancing crowds. They always take a beating at festivals, though, so do not expect them in prime condition after the event is over.
8. Crochet
10. Lace
Lace is absolutely timeless, maybe too much in some regards. But I say let it all out during spring festivals. The delicacy and breathability of lace makes it a perfect accent material for spring festivals. Just make sure to wear your lace outfits in advance to find out if the scratchiness of the lace will make you go crazy.
11. Paisley
Hippies rejoice, the flowery swirls are back in action. The intricacy and color allow someone to pop out in any way, shape, or form at spring festivals. Usually the only way to match the rest of your outfit with the bright print is with monochromic colors.
12. Purse Backpacks
I live in these purses even outside of festivals. They are super useful, versatile, and large enough to store anything you might need. I always fill mine up to the brim, and it comes in handy to have lots of tools and supplies during these festivals in a fashionable way.
13. Old Coachella Wristbands
Yes, I know Coachella was the last two weekends. Yes, I understand that you went there and that "nothing will be like Coachella." Please do not make my FOMO (fear of missing out) even larger by wearing them. Congratulations on going, but we have moved on from that event, can we please enjoy this one? (Yes, I am very jealous you all went and maybe I am a bit salty, OK?)
14. Swimsuits
I get it, it's hot, you want to look hot, and swimsuits are small and hot. But no, you are not going to the pool, so why risk the rash friends? Also, I feel like it is false advertising: If you wear a swimsuit, I get excited about waterslides. No waters slide? All right, I guess I will suffer.
15. Fanny Packs
I am not sure whether I love or hate this trend. I love how something very retro has been brought out as a useful accessory. But at the same time, it also makes your stomach and hips look wider, and they are hard to match with outfits. Honestly, the usefulness alone is awesome, but the dorkiness scares me away from them.
16. Open Button-Down Shirt
Let us go into this masculine trend. While showing off your chest might not make every male-attracted person swoon for you, it will make up breast-laden people very jealous. I mean, come on, you get to evaporate your sweat while still looking sexy, while we have to wear a combination of cute, but still very uncomfortable bras? Either way, you go Glen Coco, and you show that chest (or not).
17. Chubbies
These masculine short shorts have really thrown me for a loop. While some people look fantastic in these shorts, some do not know how to size their pants correctly. The bright colors can be really appealing, but only with certain outfits. If you plan on wearing these, I would suggest looking up successful outfits with them first, like this one.
18. Vans
Like their cousin Converse, Vans are extremely androgynous and stylish. They come in so many different shapes and forms and still do not have proper arch support. Also, they too will still get thrashed in the mosh pit. But hey, at least the pictures before look good.
19. High Socks
This trend is not for the faint of leg. Pairing the right sort of sock with the right shoes and outfit can be hard. But the brightly colored prints of high socks go perfectly with Vans and can give a more pop edge to masculine festival styles as well.
20. Rompers![]()
Guilty as charged. I will be spending my second consecutive year of Spring Splash in one of these magical clothes. All you have to do is put on one piece of clothing, which makes it very easy to deal with. It doesn't take you long to get ready, the accessories are endless, and layering is a fun challenge. These are easy, breezy, beautiful, and essential for Spring Festival fashionistas.
21. Bandanas
I am living for this fashion trend. There are so many options—it's androgynous, it's extremely useful and small. Bandanas are essential markers of experienced festival goers because, between the smoke and the dust, many people have a hard time breathing, and with so many different ways to wear these, why wouldn't you bring one along?
In the end, all of these fashion trends will come and go. Just because you love one fashion or want to go your own way doesn't make you any less stylish. The most stylish you can be is comfortable and confident in your own skin, and whatever form you decide to do that in. Have fun out there!
