Thursday, June 8, 2023

23 Festival Outfit Ideas To Inspire Your Summer Style

Ever stand in front of your jam-packed closet, staring at more than enough clothing options, and think: I have nothing to wear? Same. But perhaps the issue isn’t that you’re out of viable outfit choices. You just need a fresh dose of inspiration — say: festival outfit ideas — to help you see your wardrobe in a new way. That’s where Outfit Dump comes in. We supply you with enough ideas to fuel your style until the next drop comes along.

Even though both weekends of Coachella 2023 may have been without its festival fashion queen, the absence of one Vanessa Hudgens most definitely did not leave us with a shortage of outfit inspo across the desert of Southern California this year. In fact, it was the laid-back looks of celebs like Zoey Deutch (who opted for a comfy T-shirt, mini skirt, and sensible sneakers) that were getting the most attention, suggesting that festival attire might slowly be shifting from statement-making to something a lot more... easy going. And with the summer season officially here, the looks from this year's festival scene are rife with style ideas you can carry over to your hot-weather wardrobe.

From breezy button-downs and kaftans to wearable takes on the biggest Y2K trends (think rosette appliqués and baggy silhouettes), there's lots to love in the world of festival fashion right now. So we've rounded up some top festival looks from the Coachella Valley and beyond to inspire your approach to summer dressing this season.

Festival outfit idea: cowboy boots


Western-inspired fashion has long been a pillar of Coachella fashion, but we have entered the golden age of the festival cowgirl. We love these bright red, butterfly motif cowboy boots paired with a simple feminine skirt-and-tank combo.

Festival outfit idea: cowboy boots


Make your cowboy boots poolside party ready by wearing them alongside a brightly colored swimsuit, sheer skirt, and sparkling Western-style hat.

Festival outfit idea: leather-on-leather


If the thought alone of wearing leather in the summer has you breaking a sweat, then look away — because two-piece sets in the durable fabric (and/or its vegan alternatives) are proving to be fashion's glossiest outfit formula for the season ahead.

Festival outfit idea: cowboy hat


Not feeling the boots? Cowboy hats are still very much a festival staple that can be recycled for a great horse girl fashion moment this summer, but it's the floret, shoulder-bearing top here that's really caught our attention (swipe right for a closer look).

Festival outfit idea: swimsuit as a top


Looking to style your easiest, breeziest button-down this summer? Wear it open over a black bikini top and some jeans.

Festival outfit idea: swimsuit as a top


Make your best one-piece swimsuit your hottest summer 'fit — just add sneakers instead of water.

Festival outfit idea: scarf top


Gen-Z style queen Storm Reid is paying homage to the early-2000s scarf top trend, and we're not mad about it.

Festival outfit idea: florals


Wondering if you're overdoing it on the florals? Fear not, fashion friends. There's simply no such thing.

Festival outfit idea: belly chain


We're all about this bra top and belly chain pairing. Extra points for the butterfly motif necklace.

Festival outfit idea: Y2K butterflies


Haven't you heard? The early aughts are back in fashion. So, the more butterflies, the merrier...

Festival outfit idea: Y2K butterflies


...especially in the form of the Dua Lipa-approved butterfly top.

Festival outfit idea: chunky sneakers


Consider this a masterclass in dressing down a sparkly kaftan by adding some chunky sneakers and funky patterned socks to the mix.

Festival outfit idea: babydoll dress


Black bow, black boots, and a baby doll dress. Now there's a sweet and summery outfit trifecta if we ever did see one.

Festival outfit idea: leather harness


Take all the frolicky, flirty, festival-y appeal of a tiered dress and balance something a bit more hardcore, like this leather harness.

Festival outfit idea: midi dress


No back? No problem. Summer is the unofficial season of exposed skin, after all.

Festival outfit idea: platform shoes


Yes, it was the neon mini dress here that caught our eye, but it's those ultra-on-trend platform flip-flops that got us staring.

Festival outfit idea: denim


We're calling it: the denim mini vest will be one of the biggest jean trends of 2023.

Festival outfit idea: denim


Or you could go full-on Canadian Tuxedo (but make it desert-friendly).

Festival outfit idea: tank top and baggy jeans


White tank top — baggy jeans — midriff — belt. Leave it to Hailey Bieber to demonstrate an easy summer outfit formula that’ll last a lifetime.

Festival outfit idea: rubber boots


Let's normalize wearing practical, weather-proof shoes as a major fashion statement, please.

Festival outfit idea: tie-dye

Friendly reminder that you can re-wear your 2020 tie-dye attire outside of the house, too.

Festival outfit idea: mini skirt


Just because maxi skirts are trending doesn’t mean you should be ditching your favorite mini. 

Festival outfit idea: mini skirt


Case in point. For an even more festival-approved look, pair the mini with cowboy boots.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

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Seeing Red: How The R29 Team Styles The Top Color Trend Of 2023

Theory, Fall 2023, New York, Feb 9, 2023

Last Fashion Month, it was hard to attend a fashion show or presentation that didn’t include the color red. Day after day, it became clear that the shade was becoming the top color trend for 2023. 

Still, it was hard to imagine a world in which people would be open to styling red in their everyday lives. A notoriously hard-to-pull-off color that is often linked to intense feelings of passion and anger, as well as crime scenes and cheesy Valentine’s Day merchandise, red has long been embraced by pop culture as a color that’s worn to symbolize a deeper meaning. It was a color that Sex and the City’s Samantha Jones, known for her disdain toward monogamous relationships and fiery approach to sexuality, often wore throughout the series. It’s also the signature shade of Spanish director Pedro Almodovar’s filmography, often associated with death, passion, and pain in movies like Volver and Julieta. 

JASON WU FW23 NEW YORK FASHION WEEK 02/12/2023 GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM
Puppets and Puppets, Fall 2023, New York, Feb 12 2023

Yet, for the fall/winter 2023 collections, designers casually embedded red into their lineups, displaying it with the ease usually granted to blue jeans or white tank tops. Proenza Schouler featured a red A-line leather strapless maxi dress in their collection, shown alongside pieces like blazers and tailored shirts in a mostly somber palette. Theory went for a similar approach, showing head-to-toe monochrome red looks that were literally created as a working woman’s uniform. Other designers like Sandy Liang, Jason Wu, and Alejandra Alonso Rojas also delicately introduced the color in their lineups, without any passion-related gimmicks or ominous symbolism. Even if the Puppets & Puppets’ Carly Mark took inspiration from the 1988 thriller Dead Ringers, the use of red in flower pasties, phone-handle handbags, and sequined dresses, was more whimsical than tragic. 

It’s clear designers are making it easier for people to introduce red to their wardrobes, from handbags and dresses, to shoes and monochrome suits. If the runways still don’t convince you, here’s how the Refinery29 team styles red — their way. 

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

Pops of red

“I am a creature of sartorial habit which means that you’ll find me in a uniform of neutral separates come summer. That said, I loved seeing this juicy red emerge as one of the biggest color trends on the fall/winter 2023 runways. While I won’t be wearing a red pantsuit or dress (instead, admiring others who do), I am incorporating pops of color in form of details and accessories.” — Irina Grechko, fashion director

Let the accessories do the work

“Ask anyone who knows me — bold colors are not my thing. But there’s something about red that has long enthused me, and last year, I decided to add a big scarlet pop to my wardrobe with this Prada Cleo bag. To my surprise, months later, it ended up being one of the defining colors of fashion trends for 2023, pushing me to add this pair of heart-shaped heels to my closet. I’ve worn the red bag with everything from a classic white shirt and jeans to a bikercore-inspired outfit for nights out, a testament to the versatility of red. But this black-and-red outfit combo is my favorite for date nights. While I’m still waiting for the color to catch on to other categories in my wardrobe, I think starting with accessories — be it handbags, socks, shoes, or jewelry — is a great way to start off with such a bold color.” — Frances Solá-Santiago, fashion writer

Just add socks

“My favorite place to wear red is on my lips, so when adding red to my outfits, I like it to have a similar small but bold pop. I love how a loud sock can really brighten a look, and this pair from Happy Socks does exactly that. To pull it together, I added a black oversized open button down with small pops of red to keep the look consistent from head to toe.” — Hannah Rimm, senior editor, Money Diaries

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

Jumpsuits Are My Special- Occasion Go-Tos — 16 Wedding Guest Styles For Every Dress Code

As a queer, androgynous person,  wedding guest shopping is difficult for me; I haven’t worn a dress once in the last five years, but I also don’t love a traditional pantsuit. But with weddings in full swing this summer (I have eight!!), I need more special occasion looks than ever before.

Over the years, I’ve found my happy medium with jumpsuits, but they are increasingly difficult to find in styles that feel wedding-appropriate, especially for black-tie affairs. And don’t get me started on finding a bridesmaid jumpsuit, which I’ve also extensively searched for this year. The options are few and far between, and the better of the bunch can be quite pricey. Sure, you can always rent a piece — I personally plan to at least a few times this year — but nothing beats having a few solid options that live permanently in your closet.

I was recently in a wedding and, to my surprise, ended up going with a pleated maxi (the first dress I’ve loved since my early 20s!!). That said, along the way, I scoured every corner of the internet for wedding guest jumpsuits ranging from colorful and casual to black tie formal to wear for the other seven. 

Ahead, find my favorite jumpsuit picks for the wedding season, chosen specifically to work for many seasons to come.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

Reformation Lucia Jumpsuit, $218 

This high-neck, open-back style is my go-to for black-tie weddings. Thanks to the timeless color, it can easily be dressed up with a statement necklace and a good set of heels. Bonus: It looks great with a blazer for cooler evenings.

ASOS Wrap Front Jumpsuit, $122

Of the ASOS bridesmaid collection, this jumpsuit is by far my favorite. It’s a flattering shape, and the wrap detail adds a touch of interest to the solid-color style (usually a must for bridesmaids).

Lulu’s Just Breathe Jumpsuit, $69

One of the very first jumpsuits I bought for a wedding, this style from Lulu’s is also the most affordable on the list. I especially love how the leg-slit detail lends itself to a fun shoe.

Norma Kamali Sleeveless Jumpsuit, $125

Non-boring solid colorful jumpsuits are unicorns in the wedding guest space. This one would look great on a bridesmaid but would also work well for a spring wedding guest. I’m also obsessed with the matching blazer.

COS Pleated Sleeveless Jumpsuit, $95

I’m a sucker for pleats for the way they add an elevated look to any wedding outfit. I also love that this jumpsuit comes in cream for an all-white wedding, or a rehearsal dinner or an engagement shoot outfit for the bride.

Ieena For Mac Duggal Pleated Jumpsuit, $398 

Speaking of pleats, if this jumpsuit had come in a light blue or pale green, I would have worn it to the wedding I was a bridesmaid in. While it didn’t fit into my friend’s color scheme, this style is still sitting in my cart.

H&M Pleated Chiffon Jumpsuit, $79.99

Super simple and at an excellent price, this mint green-colored look is perfect for a summer wedding.

Azazie Pnina Tornai Velvet Jumpsuit, $159

I love this jumpsuit because it’s extremely versatile, ensuring that you will wear it again unlike some of the other bridesmaid styles. Perfect for a fall or winter wedding, this jumpsuit could easily double as holiday partywear.

Birdy Grey Convertible Jumpsuit, $99

If you’re a bride choosing jumpsuits for your bridal party, look no further than Birdy Grey’s convertible jumpsuit. With its multiple silhouettes, it’s a great way to have your bridesmaids match without being too uniform. Plus, the Birdy Grey colors are gorgeous.

Eloquii Wide Leg Jumpsuit, $129 

You can’t go wrong with a classic black-and-white moment. I’m especially drawn to the slightly open back and wide leg of this style.

Zara sweetheart jumpsuit, $169

Nobody’s Child Long Sleeve Jumpsuit, $188 

This jumpsuit is straight-up sexy. The red color, the neckline, and the thickness of the material make it a perfect choice for a fall or winter wedding. It could also easily be worn again to everything from holiday parties to work events.

Trust me: A jumpsuit with a good sleeve is rare. I love the detail of this Nobody’s Child number featuring a puff sleeve and open back. One thing to note — this ships from the UK (and returns aren’t free), so make sure to double-check your measurements before buying.

Mango Linen Knot Jumpsuit, $99.99

I’m absolutely in love with the color of this jumpsuit. The soft pink is so good for so many occasions and the tie-front gives it an interesting pop without being too loud. This would be great for a less formal wedding.

Karen Millen Sleeveless Tuxedo Jumpsuit, $246

Nothing screams androgynous and hot quite like a tuxedo jumpsuit. I’m partial to the black (which is only available in a few sizes), but the coral screams summer wedding guest. This could also be a great choice if you’re officiating a wedding — it’s sleek and formal without being distracting. 

Retrofete Graciane Jumpsuit, $595

I regularly salivate over this jumpsuit. It’s definitely a splurge, but the metallic color, the pleats, and that back detail are simply to die for.

Alice + Olivia Myrtle Jumpsuit, $595 

I am in love with the cut of this jumpsuit. The plunging neckline is deliciously flattering, and the zipper (no buttons!!!) means bathroom trips are much more doable. I honestly considered giving up my wedding dress for the white version of this jumpsuit, and may still grab it for my rehearsal dinner.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

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Wednesday, June 7, 2023

J.Crew Might Just Be Made For Masc Lesbians

Welcome to Prideful, a month-long stretch where we celebrate our identities with pride and honor queer-owned brands, whether it’s fashion items that give us gender euphoria or our favorite queer-friendly sex toys.

Yes, it’s true. We propose for the general lesbian population to change its view of J.Crew, from the preppiest of retailers to the holy grail of masc-approved styles. While perusing the men’s section is a favorite masc lesbian pastime, the real treasure lies right under our noses: the women’s section. Especially if you’re plus-size. For some (odd) reason, J. Crew doesn’t offer full sizing for its men’s styles. While the women’s section features everything from a size 000 to a 24 (or an XXS to a 3X). So, whether you’re a new baby masc or a seasoned butch, keep on scrolling to see what J.Crew styles we recommend that are totally as sapphic as you are (with some even on sale for an extra 50% off).

Marie Marot X J.Crew Shirt In Ratti Ropes Print, $298

Even the wildest of patterns work when you pair it with simple pants, a chain or two, and a masculine attitude. This cotton button-up features luxe shell buttons and short embroidered cuffs.

Drapey Ruffle-Trim Shirt, $138 $44.99

If your style of masc leans more feminine, this drapey and silky white button-down with ruffle-trimmed sleeves is what your closet’s been missing.

Point Sur Puddle Jeans In Charlotte Wash, $198

Nothing gives a more masculine vibe than oversized, baggy jeans. Bring back the ’90s style with these wide-leg, blue-washed ones.

Vintage Rib High-Neck Cutaway Tank Top With Contrast Trim, $34.50

No gay can survive the summer heat with at least one tank top. We know you got all the neutral colors, but bring a little color to your tank-top collection with J. Crew’s lightweight, ’70s-inspired style blue with white trim top.

Pleated Capeside Chino Short, $79.50 $54.50

Just like with tank tops, every summer-loving masc needs at least one men’s-section-inspired pair of shorts. Featuring just the right amount of pleating, this pair is made from a light, stretchy chino fabric that comes in four different colorways.

Waisted Sweater-Blazer With Stretch, $198 $64.99

Featuring a tailored waist, this blazer-cardigan gives the perfect amount of boss energy every dominating masc needs.

Collection Marie Marot X J.Crew Wide-Leg Pant In Italian Linen-Blend, $268.00

Is it really a masc-lesbian summer without linen pants? We don’t think so. Featuring linen-blend fabric imported from Italy, these pants with gold details are relaxed, wide-leg, drapey, and comfortable.

Slim-Fit Baird McNutt Irish Linen Shirt, $98

Can’t have linen pants without a linen button-up. This 100% linen shirt is slim enough to be tucked into your favorite pair of chinos while still being slightly oversized and breezy.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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