What To Wear To Coachella: 10 Tips For Desert Dressing

Coachella officially kicks off Friday – and will dominate your Instagram feed for the next couple weeks.

The Indio, California, festival is one of the most hyped festivals thanks to its high-profile lineups and proximity to Los Angeles. The festival’s popularity has spawned its own kind of aesthetic, drawing in the denim diaper-clad, flower-crowned masses. Legions of ladies will be swarming the Empire Polo Club grounds April 14 through April 23 and there will be an endless parade of festival fashion and some serious peacocking.

Some might be adept at navigating the desert polo fields, aptly maneuvering the grounds in heeled ankle boots and pounds of metal jewelry. But newcomers should be wary: Improper dressing and wardrobe malfunctions could leave you hot (or cold) and miserable for the long day ahead — cue freak dust storm.

From what to pack for a full-day of concert-going, to finding an outfit that embodies style and function, read on for these 10 Coachella dressing tips:

1. Keep in mind desert conditions and pack accordingly for the day ahead. The Coachella website posts the 10-day weather status in Indio, but conditions could vary over the next week. Currently, The Weather Channel predicts sunny skies and temperature highs into the high-eighties and mid-nineties. Hot, arid weather calls for cool, blousy tops that can breathe easily (rayon, linen and cotton) and comfortable shorts or a skirt.

2. Despite hot temps, also come prepared for the desert evenings. The fields can get into the forties or fifties in the evenings, so pack a green army jacket or oversized sweater.

3. Dresses are a great outfit option, but make sure you’ll be comfortable in it all day. While past-the-ankle hemlines and fringed skirts might seem appropriate, large crowds could result in stepped on and snagged hemlines.

4. While you might want to break out your mom’s favorite vintage velvet wrap from her Stevie Nicks fangirl days, come prepared for the dirt and the dust. Avoid the family heirlooms and your most treasured items – because no one escapes the dust or dry grass bits.

5. When it comes to the clothes, stick to easy-to-wash, comfortable fabrics like cotton and denim.

6. You’ll want a scarf. Or a neckerchief. This fashion staple is actually a must-have. Voluminous scarves can double as a lightweight blanket and you can use it to sit on. And when the dust kicks up, you can pull it over your mouth and nose.

7. While it might be tempting to layer on all of your silver or gold jewelry, metal jewelry could get hot underneath the pounding sun. Opt for woven, braided or beaded jewelry and accessories.

8. When it comes hauling your gear for the day, opt for a small backpack – and bring the essentials. Fanny packs suddenly fall back into fashion for this festival.

9. Choose your footwear wisely. Sandals are a fine option but expect dirty and dusty feet and a potential toe injury. Opt for ankle boots you can walk in or comfortable sneakers.

10. Be sure to pack whatever you will need for the day ahead. Bring an empty water bottle to refill on the grounds, sunglasses, a hat and sunblock. Consult the Coachella website for a complete list of items you’re allowed to bring in.