Author | Christiane Nickel | Fashion Editor
Coachella – a music and arts festival where the arbiters of (mainstream) cool, celebs, and the like flock to frolic in the sun for three days at some Lacoste sponsored pool party jamming out to Outkast. If you missed Macy’s flower show, don’t worry, you’ll find enough colorful bouquets crowning the heads of a farrago of celebutantes, hipsters, and the like to fully populate a small European country. From Kenzo’s surrealist micro prints to Etro’s melting pot of paisleys, Coachella has become a celebration of high street fashion mixed with some appropriated version of “downtown cool” or whatever that really means. And speaking of appropriation, Kendall Jenner caused quite a stir when she wore a gaping yellow gold nose ring, traditionally worn at Indian wedding ceremonies. But all remarks aside, Coachella has become a fashion destination for designers to cull inspiration and promote their brand.
But for those of you who missed it, below is a little compendium of some noteworthy looks and how to get them for less.
Look #1
Oh KennJenn….Probably one of my least favorite humans in the world soaring to impressively offensive new levels of cultural appropriation. Nonetheless she has great style and quite the model. Lets break this look down and give it some releveance.
The t-shirt….Lez be honest, you don’t have pay one week’s worth of groceries to covet this sage green perforated tee which you can get for a deal-redefining $6.83 at The Deal Rack. Take a pair of scissors and cut a ½ inch before the arm scythe to give it a loose sleeveless silhouette. Cut/Puncture holes by folding the area which you want to cut in half (a la crafting snowflakes in kindergarten).
The shorts…the length is completely up to your discretion and comfort. I found this look from Modcloth for $36, sure to last you up until your Labor Day look.
These men’s shorts from Wrangler will also do the trick.
The boot…I find combat boots a sexy way (and definitely more hygienic than flip flops when trekking through the urban jungle) to show off your legs. This pair from Forever 21 is a great way to work this look.
This “Traveler Bib” necklace, from Forever 21 only costs a mere $10.80. I personally love to pile on my jewels and layer to the n’th degree. This would also pair well with this necklace from H&M.
Look #2
Dizzying prints that give MC Escher a run for his money are all the rage. An easy statement essential for the summer, this is great to wear for a breezy day in the park or for casual Friday, when combined with a crisply tailored suit. I found this long sleeve on eastclothes.com (which you could cut into a short sleeve for $18.40).
The short, simple, always sophisticated and easy to pair. I would opt for a pair in navy, one nautically nuanced answer to black. This pair from Old Navy features a muted foulard print and is flawlessly sophisticated making it a classic great for mixing and matching.
The shoe…TOMS are spring/summer prerogative and this lightweight pair in matte navy your perfect date to any Riis beach bash or summer concert series.
Look #3
Floral Wreaths: if Coachella were a country this would be its national costume. Embrace your inner femme and leave all your fashion troubles aside. Celebrate flora on your head, by either crafting your own crown or buying it at Urban Outfitters for a mere $20.
The lip… oh lipstick. I could write a dissertation on this topic. I recommend a brilliant shade of tangy watermelon that will last all day by Maybelline’s 24. For a mere $11 this will stain your lip. From kissing to attending a BBQ this will last all day and all night with out (metaphorically speaking) peeing on the face of your beau.
The glasses. Not too round, and not too angular, these sunnies are suitable for many different face shapes. Try this snazzy pair from ASOS for only $18.
