Okay so.

I just spent three days scrolling through every single Coachella street style photo I could find and honestly? I'm obsessed.

Not with the $800 designer crop tops or those impossible-to-walk-in platform boots.

Nope.

I'm talking about the genuinely wearable looks. The ones that made me screenshot and text my group chat at 2am like "WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT THIS."

Here's the thing about Coachella street style - it's basically become the Super Bowl of fashion experimentation. People pull out looks they'd never wear to brunch. And honestly? That's the fun part.

But you don't need a trust fund or a celebrity stylist to nail these vibes.

The Crochet Comeback Nobody Saw Coming

First up - crochet everything.

I'm seeing handmade crochet tops, dresses, bags, even bikinis. And not the grandma-craft-fair kind (no offense to grandmas). These are like, actually cool.

My favorite? This girl wore a cream crochet halter with high-waisted jeans and chunky sandals. Simple. Effortless. Probably cost her $30 if she made it herself.

You can find similar affordable crochet pieces literally everywhere right now. I've seen cute ones at Target, Urban Outfitters, and yes - even Amazon.

Pro tip: Layer a crochet vest over a sports bra and denim shorts. Instant festival vibes without trying too hard.

Denim on Denim (But Make It Sexy)

The Canadian tuxedo is BACK baby.

But here's the twist - everyone's doing it cropped and low-rise. A denim bandeau top with baggy jeans. A vintage Levi's jacket with denim shorts. One girl even wore a full denim jumpsuit and somehow looked incredible.

The secret? Mix your washes. Light top, dark bottoms. Or vice versa. That's literally it.

I tried this look last weekend (not at Coachella, just at Target honestly) and got so many compliments. The key is confidence and maybe a really good belt.

Cowboy Boots With Everything

Listen.

I was skeptical about the cowboy boot trend. I really was.

But after seeing approximately 47 different ways to style them at Coachella? I'm converted.

Cowboy boots with flowy dresses. With biker shorts. With literally just a swimsuit and sarong. The versatility is insane.

And before you say "but I'm not country" - neither am I. These aren't Nashville boots. They're fashion boots that happen to be cowboy-inspired.

You can find amazing designer boot dupes that won't murder your credit card. I'm talking $60-$80 range instead of $400.

The Butterfly Top Phenomenon

Okay this one's specific but EVERYWHERE.

Those tiny butterfly-shaped tops that tie at the neck and basically cover nothing? Yeah, those.

I counted at least 15 different versions across all the photos. Some sequined, some plain, some with fringe.

The cool part? You can style them so many ways. Over a mesh long-sleeve shirt. With high-waisted pants. Under an oversized blazer for that weird formal-meets-festival vibe.

If you're curious about styling these tiny tops for different occasions, there's a whole thing about making them work beyond festivals.

Cargo Pants Are Having a Moment

Remember when cargo pants were decidedly NOT cool?

Well.

Plot twist.

Low-rise cargos with crop tops dominated the Coachella fields this year. And not the 2003 version - these are like, tailored and intentional.

Pair them with a simple sports bra or bandeau top. Add chunky sneakers or those cowboy boots we talked about. Maybe throw on some layered necklaces.

Boom. You look like you know what you're doing.

The best part? Cargo pants are practical. You can actually fit your phone, sunscreen, and snacks in those pockets. Revolutionary concept, I know.

Sheer Everything (With Strategic Coverage)

The sheer trend is still going strong.

But here's how people are actually wearing it - with intention. A sheer maxi skirt over bike shorts. A mesh top over a bralette. Sheer pants with high-waisted underwear that coordinates.

It's revealing but not like, stressful revealing, you know?

I saw this one look - sheer white pants with a white bikini bottom underneath, paired with a solid crop top. Chef's kiss. So simple but looked expensive.

You can test out sheer pieces without committing to a whole outfit. Start with a sheer kimono or overshirt. See how you feel.

The Micro Skirt Comeback

Micro mini skirts are back and they're TINY.

Like barely-there tiny.

But everyone's styling them smart - with biker shorts underneath, or tights, or high-waisted bottoms that peek out.

My favorite combo from the photos: a denim micro skirt with a vintage band tee tucked in and cowboy boots. So easy to recreate.

Or a leather micro skirt with an oversized white button-down half-tucked. Very "I'm too cool to try but I definitely tried."

Fringe, Fringe, and More Fringe

If it doesn't have fringe, is it even a festival outfit?

Kidding.

But also not really.

Fringe jackets, fringe bags, fringe boots, fringe literally everywhere. It's the easiest way to add movement and interest to a simple outfit.

A plain black crop top becomes festival-ready with a fringe jacket. Basic denim shorts? Add a fringe crossbody bag.

The cool thing about fringe is you can find it at any price point. I've seen cute fringe pieces while doing online thrift shopping for like $15.

Matching Sets That Actually Match

Okay so matching sets aren't new.

But the Coachella version? Next level.

Crochet matching sets. Denim matching sets. Leather matching sets. Even sequin matching sets (bold but respect).

The genius of a matching set is it looks like you tried really hard but actually you just put on two pieces and called it a day.

I'm seeing a lot of high-waisted pants or skirts with matching crop tops or bralettes. The key is keeping everything else simple - minimal jewelry, simple shoes.

Let the set do the talking.

Platform Shoes (That Won't Destroy Your Feet)

Every year I see people in insane platform shoes and every year I wonder how they survive.

This year though? Smarter platforms.

Chunky sneakers with platforms. Platform sandals with actual ankle support. Even platform cowboy boots that look walkable.

The thick platform trend is way more practical than those thin stiletto platforms from like, 2019.

If you're gonna do platforms for an all-day event, go chunky. Your feet will thank you at hour six.

The Oversized Blazer Trick

Here's a look I saw repeatedly - oversized blazer with basically nothing underneath.

A blazer with a bralette and shorts. A blazer over a swimsuit. A blazer with just underwear as shorts (brave but it worked).

It's that perfect mix of structured and chaotic.

Plus when the desert gets cold at night (because it does), you're already prepared. Functional fashion, love to see it.

I actually found an incredible Target blazer dupe recently that would be perfect for this vibe.

Cut-Out Everything

Strategic cut-outs dominated this year.

Not the random, doesn't-make-sense cut-outs. The intentional ones. Cut-outs at the waist. Cut-outs on the sides. Cut-outs that actually enhance the outfit.

A simple black dress becomes interesting with the right cut-outs. A plain top gets elevated.

The trick is keeping everything else simple. If your outfit has dramatic cut-outs, you don't need crazy accessories or patterns.

Vintage Band Tees (But Make It Fashion)

The oversized vintage band tee is eternal.

But people are getting creative with styling. Tucked into a mini skirt. Tied at the waist over biker shorts. Cut into a crop top. Worn as a dress with a belt.

I saw someone wearing a Metallica tee as a dress with just a thin belt and cowboy boots. Iconic.

The beauty of a band tee is it instantly makes any outfit look more effortless and cool. Even if you bought it new at Urban Outfitters, nobody needs to know.

Biker Shorts as Actual Outerwear

Biker shorts have fully left the gym.

People are wearing them with oversized blazers, with crop tops, with sheer skirts over them, with literally everything.

And honestly? It's a vibe.

They're comfortable, they're practical, and they work with so many different aesthetics.

My personal favorite combo from the photos: black biker shorts with an oversized white button-down tied at the waist and chunky sneakers. Casual but put-together.

The Corset Top Renaissance

Corset tops are having their moment.

Not the painful, can't-breathe Victorian corsets. The fashion corsets that are actually comfortable-ish.

Denim corset tops with jeans. Leather corset tops with cargo pants. Even crochet corset tops with flowy skirts.

The structure of a corset top makes everything look more intentional. Pair it with something casual and you've got that high-low mix everyone's after.

Mesh Layers on Mesh Layers

The mesh trend evolved.

Now people are layering multiple mesh pieces. A mesh top over a bralette under a mesh kimono. Sounds chaotic but somehow works?

The key is varying the mesh styles - different colors, different patterns, different levels of sheerness.

It creates this really interesting texture thing that photographs really well.

Bucket Hats (Yes, Really)

I know, I know.

Bucket hats feel very 2020. But they're still going strong at festivals.

And honestly? They're practical. Sun protection that looks intentional.

I'm seeing crochet bucket hats, denim bucket hats, even sequin bucket hats. They add a playful element to any outfit.

Plus they hide bad hair days, which at a multi-day festival is basically essential.

The Monochrome Moment

All one color, head to toe.

All white. All black. All cream. All brown.

It's such an easy way to look cohesive without overthinking it.

I saw someone in all white - white jeans, white crop top, white cowboy boots, white sunglasses. Simple but stunning.

The trick with monochrome is playing with textures. Mix denim with cotton with leather. That way it doesn't look flat.

Statement Sunglasses That Make the Outfit

Tiny sunglasses. Huge sunglasses. Colored sunglasses. Weird-shaped sunglasses.

Everyone's using sunglasses as the main accessory.

And it makes sense - you're outside all day, you need them anyway, might as well make them fun.

My favorite trend? Those early 2000s tiny rectangular sunglasses. Very Matrix, very Y2K, very cool.

Bandanas as Tops

Wild but effective.

People are literally using bandanas as tops. Tied at the neck halter-style. Wrapped around as a tube top. Folded into a triangle and tied.

It's giving resourceful. It's giving creative. It's giving "I didn't pack enough clothes."

But it works! Especially with high-waisted bottoms.

The Utility Vest Trend

Fishing vests but make it fashion.

Those multi-pocket utility vests are everywhere. And people are styling them over crop tops, over dresses, over basically everything.

They're practical (pockets!) and they add this cool utilitarian edge to feminine outfits.

Plus if you're into the latest TikTok fashion trends, utility vests are definitely having a moment there too.

Metallic Everything

Silver pants. Gold tops. Metallic skirts. Holographic accessories.

The metallic trend is in full force and I'm here for it.

It's futuristic and fun and catches the light in photos really well.

Start small if you're nervous - metallic shoes or a metallic bag. Then work your way up to a full metallic outfit if you're feeling brave.

The Sarong Comeback

Sarongs aren't just for the beach anymore.

People are wearing them as skirts, as dresses, as shawls, as basically anything.

The versatility is unmatched. And they pack tiny, which is perfect for festivals.

I saw someone wearing a patterned sarong as a skirt with a simple black bikini top and sandals. Effortlessly cool.

Leather in the Desert (Bold Choice)

Leather pants. Leather skirts. Leather tops.

In the desert heat.

Respect the commitment honestly.

But it photographs SO well. That's probably why people do it.

If you're gonna try this, maybe opt for vegan leather - it's usually lighter and more breathable.

The Mix-and-Match Swimwear Approach

Using swimwear as outerwear is peak festival fashion.

But people are getting creative - mixing bikini tops from different sets, wearing swim bottoms with regular tops, treating swimwear like regular clothes.

A bikini top with high-waisted jeans? Classic.

A one-piece with an open shirt over it? Cute.

Swim bottoms with a crop top and sarong? Very beachy-festival.

Graphic Tees Styled Up

Taking a basic graphic tee and making it fashion.

Tucked into a leather skirt. Tied over a dress. Cut into a crop top and paired with high-waisted pants.

The graphic tee is such a blank canvas. You can make it fit literally any aesthetic depending on how you style it.

The Maxi Skirt Renaissance

Flowy maxi skirts are back.

Usually paired with tiny tops or bralettes for that proportion play.

They're comfortable, they're breezy, they photograph beautifully when they catch the wind.

Plus you can hide regular shorts underneath if you're worried about comfort or coverage.

Neon Accents

Not full neon outfits (that's a lot).

But neon accents - a neon bag, neon sunglasses, neon shoes.

It adds a pop of color without being overwhelming.

And it makes you easier to find in a crowd, which is practical.

The Vest-as-a-Top Situation

Wearing vests with nothing underneath.

Sounds weird, works great.

Denim vests, crochet vests, utility vests - all being worn as tops.

Usually with high-waisted bottoms for balance.

It's that perfect amount of revealing without being too much.

Patchwork and Mixed Patterns

Clashing patterns intentionally.

A floral top with striped pants. Plaid with polka dots. Paisley with geometric prints.

The key is having a color that ties everything together.

It's chaotic in the best way.

The Barely-There Jewelry Approach

Interestingly, a lot of the best looks had minimal jewelry.

Maybe one statement necklace. Or a few simple rings. Or just earrings.

Not the layer-everything approach.

Sometimes less really is more, especially when your outfit is already busy.

White Boots (Surprisingly Versatile)

White cowboy boots specifically.

They go with everything. Denim, leather, flowy dresses, shorts.

They brighten up darker outfits and complement lighter ones.

Plus they photograph really well against the desert backdrop.

The Asymmetrical Everything Trend

One-shoulder tops. Asymmetrical skirts. Uneven hems.

Asymmetry adds visual interest without being too complicated.

It's an easy way to make a simple outfit look more intentional.

Vintage Inspired But Modern

70s silhouettes with modern fabrics. 90s styles with current trends.

It's not costume-y vintage, it's vintage-inspired.

That's the difference between looking cool and looking like you're wearing your mom's actual clothes from storage.

The Practical Crossbody Bag

Everyone's wearing small crossbody bags.

Because you need your hands free. Because you need your phone accessible. Because backpacks are hot.

Fringe crossbody bags were especially popular.

Cut-Off Denim Shorts (The Classic)

Can't have a Coachella roundup without mentioning denim shorts.

But people are getting creative with styling - super high-waisted with crop tops, low-rise with oversized shirts, frayed and destroyed for texture.

The denim short is eternal for a reason.

Shackets (Shirt + Jacket)

Those oversized button-downs that are too thick to be shirts but too thin to be jackets.

Perfect for desert temperature changes.

Worn open over crop tops and shorts, or buttoned as a dress.

The Unexpected Pop of Color

An all-neutral outfit with one bright element.

Hot pink boots with an all-white outfit. A bright yellow bag with all black. Neon green sunglasses with earth tones.

It's such an easy styling trick.

How to Actually Recreate These Looks

Okay so you've seen all these styles.

Now what?

Here's my actual advice: Start with what you have. Seriously.

That band tee in your closet? Style it differently. Those denim shorts? Pair them with something unexpected.

For new pieces, hit up high street stores first. You don't need designer anything to nail these looks.

Mix high and low. A thrifted vintage jacket with new jeans. An expensive bag with a basic outfit.

And honestly? Confidence is the main accessory. Wear what makes you feel good and you'll look better than someone uncomfortable in a "perfect" outfit.

The Real Talk Section

Look.

Festival fashion is fun but it's also kind of exhausting?

You don't need 50 different outfits. You don't need to follow every trend.

Pick 2-3 looks that actually resonate with your style and focus on those.

The best dressed people at Coachella aren't trying to do everything - they're doing one thing really well.

Also remember these photos are curated. You're seeing the best angles, the best lighting, the best moments.

Real festival fashion includes sweat, dust, and probably some questionable stains by day three.

So yeah, get inspired by these looks. But also be realistic about what you'll actually wear and feel comfortable in.

Because nothing kills a vibe faster than spending all day adjusting an outfit that doesn't quite work.

Which look are you trying first?