Music Festival – CollegeFashionista

How to Make the Most of Summer Music Festivals

One of my favorite aspects of summer is that it kicks off music festival season! I have always loved going to concerts whether I am seeing one of my all-time favorite artists or even someone I have never heard of. However, music festivals can easily be disastrous, so here are some of my tips for making the concert go smoothly while you have the time of your life!

1—A fanny pack. Wearing a fanny pack is going to be key for the festival. It is a hands-free way of holding what you need so there is less risk of losing anything. There are also many cute fanny packs out there that are very trendy.

2—Comfortable shoes and outfit. Most music festivals have multiple stages so expect a lot of moving around from stage to stage. Comfortable walking shoes can make your life a lot easier at a music festival. Being that it is a concert, you, of course, are going to want to dance. Make sure to wear shoes that do not have your feet exposed because they could be stepped on, and also, wear an outfit you can move around in easily.

3—Portable phone charger. This one is pretty simple. To ensure your phone does not die from all of the pictures you will be taking, bring a portable phone charger. Do not risk losing your friends with a dead phone or not being able to reach your parents or your ride. Plus, it fits right in your fanny pack!

4—Water. Before going to the concert, look up what you can and cannot bring into the concert. This ensures that you won’t end up throwing out something you thought you could bring. Most festivals allow a bottle of water or two to be brought in and refilled at stations throughout. Hydration is definitely key.

5—Ticket, ID, and money. These are three necessities because without your ticket you will not get in. Bringing your ID and money are precautions in case you need them for anything, just in case!

What are your tips for music festivals? Let me know in the comments below!

Festival Fashion—How to Keep it Cool and Comfortable

Music festivals have grown to be an extremely popular summer getaway with the millennial generation, and it seems that more and more are popping up around the world each year. However, these multi-day events have become more than just a gathering for music. Following in the footsteps of Coachella in Indio, CA, music festivals have become a fashion runway of their own. Attendees can dress out-of-the-box without judgment by mixing different styles, colors, and textures together. With the prime season for these concerts soon coming to an end, and the return of textbooks and exams slowly creeping on us, now is the last chance to catch one before they’re gone. That being said, here is how to turn heads at your next music festival and still beat the heat.

Although your inner-Fashionista might be piecing together crazy, sparkly outfits in your head, it’s important to make sure your outfit is two things: comfortable and cool. Though a great time, music festivals are hot, crowded places, so finding an outfit that keeps you cool and is moveable is crucial.

The best shoes to wear to a festival are closed-toe shoes like Converse, Vans, or other slip-on shoes to protect your feet from getting crushed or dirty in crowds. Though something lightweight like a sundress might seem like a good idea, it could actually end up restricting your movement during shows (what if you want to crowd surf, am I right?). If you still want to wear that dress, try putting shorts or spandex underneath. Try a mesh dress for an edgy but breathable look. As far as tops, anything goes (crop tops, bralettes, bikini tops, etc) as long as you’re comfortable. Shorts can be denim, soft, or any other texture you’d like; although the lighter the better.

When it comes to your accessories and makeup, go crazy. Festival-goers will use hair chalk, glitter, paint, hennas, jewelry, bandanas, body chains, and just about anything else to add more flair to their look. Sunglasses are a necessity to get through each day, so hunt for a fun and colorful pair to complete your outfit.

Music festivals are a one-of-a-kind experience filled with great music, new people, positive vibes, and amazing food, so it’s only appropriate to wear something just as unique. Step out of your comfort zone and try something different at your next summer festival, and I promise you’ll be glad that you did. However, don’t forget to keep hydrated and wear sunscreen!

How do you turn heads at summer concerts? Show us on social media by tagging @Cfashionista!

A Flare for Retro Visonaries

Festival season has arrived and you’re desperately scanning your closet to find the cutest outfit for your favorite slightly over budget music festival. Good news, you won’t have to look any further than your own closet or local thrift store. Take a page out of your mom’s college photo album, grab some vintage flare jeans, and turn it around to make the hottest boho chic throwback outfit. Take that, Vanessa!

Flare jeans have been out on the runway since spring 2015 after a long hiatus. I remember when they first came back in style. I never knew a pair of jeans could be such a taboo topic. People would talk about how they are not ready to put their skinny jeans in the back of the closet just yet. A year later, it became more mainstream. Every fashionable chick on the block was rocking a pair of flared jeans. Well, my friends, I am here to say that flare jeans are not over yet. I love the style so much I decided to bring back the flare for summer 2017. To style this look I am wearing American Eagle Outfitters flare jeans and a handmade crochet halter top from Etsy. It took me a while, but I finally said goodbye to skinny jeans and hello to a different kind of cut; flare jeans. These jeans allow for the breeze to ease the pain of being in the hot sun all day; there’s something your skinny jeans couldn’t do! Pair your flare jeans with a simple halter top keeping the ‘70s theme and you’re good to go! Watch as your retro style turns heads.

Now let’s talk accessories. Every festival look would be incomplete without the perfect accessories to go with it. I chose to pair my retro ‘70s look with a classic decade staple: tan leather. From the southern style double belt to the purse to the Michael Kors shoes, tan leather makes a comeback in my festival look. A gold layered bar pendant necklace, and a variety of Alex and Ani bracelets in gold and silver accentuate my look by adding a bit of contrast to the jeans and my crochet top. My black scrunchie gives me some ‘90s vibes, reminding me what decade I was actually born in. Seriously, ladies, scrunchies have saved my life at outdoor music festivals. Sunglasses are probably the most important fashion statement at a music festival so you want to make sure you’re wearing shades that will stand out in a crowd. These blue mirrored sunglasses cost me a total of $10 at a street stand in California. See, looking this cute can be affordable!

So before you head out and buy some ridiculously overpriced outfit to out beat Vanessa Hudgen’s look at your local Coachella-type fest, make sure you check to see what you have in the depths of your own closet first. You may have a hidden retro look you could pull off!

How do you wear your flare jeans? Sound off in the comments below!

Wearing Your Best at a Music Fest

Summer is the time for freedom, thrilling activities, and fun with friends. One activity fills all three of these elements: a music festival. Music festivals are a time to let your hair down and feel the music from artists on a whole new level, but with this comes a different and unique style that people look forward to seeing on others and wearing themselves. Add zest to your music fest wardrobe by following these simple steps.

1—Don’t be afraid to raid your mom’s closet.

Your parents were also at one point pretty hip (I know, hard to believe!) and grew up with some of the most iconic artists in music history. Look for any old band or logo T-shirts they may have saved or even some vintage patchwork or distressed denim they probably paired their old Morrissey T-shirt with. We normally get our body build from our parents, so odds are that your 19-year-old self will fit their once-19-year-old self. Take advantage of that and you will be sure to stand out and rock the true vintage look you are going for.

2—Find statement pieces.

Whether it be metallic pants, tassel earrings, or a skin showing crop top, make sure you add a piece to your outfit that draws the eye. This pulls the attention of anyone who passes you and makes your outfit interesting to look at. Not only will you feel like a trendsetter, but you will also catch the eye positively of everyone around you and make them say, “Wow.”

3—Keep things simple but interesting.

How do you do this you may ask? You pair solid colors with your statement pieces. Say you have a really intensely patterned vest (which is totally a statement piece). Grab a plain blouse and some solid colored shorts to pair it with. This makes the viewer attract their eyes to what you really want people to see: your statement piece! Not only are you balancing your outfit but you’re also keeping people from seeing your outfit as too overwhelming or nonsensical.

4—Add some interesting jewelry.

When it comes to jewelry, there are pretty interesting rings, earrings, and necklaces. Top your look off with a lacy choker, turquoise earrings, or even an intricate armband. Adding jewelry really pieces together your look and adds that perfect finishing touch.

By following these steps, your outfit is guaranteed to catch the eyes of those around you while jamming out to your favorite up-and-coming artists. Take these steps and choose pieces and outfits that represent you because that’s what fashion does after all. Let those around you be inspired by your sense of style and creativity and be a trendsetter for music fests to come!

How do you style yourself for a weekend full of rad music? Let me know in the comments below!

Music Festival Must-Haves

Summer is in full swing, and along with the warmer months comes an abundance of music festivals. Music festivals are a great way to connect with people, and they are definitely an excuse to go out of your comfort zone with fashion and try something new. Here are some essentials that will make your festival experience more enjoyable, memorable, and that can all conveniently fit in your trendy backpack or crossbody bag!

1—SPF. This may seem like an obvious essential for a festival and being out in the strong rays all day, but it is an important one. Festivals are predominantly outside with minimal shade. While you are jamming and dancing to your favorite band, the least of your worries should be getting sunburned, so apply and reapply that SPF to stay safe from the sun all day.

2—Disposable/Film Camera. This is a great way to capture moments in an inexpensive way. You can find either a disposable camera or a cheap film camera anywhere from Goodwill to Target. You don’t have to worry about losing or lugging around your big expensive camera or phone if you opt to go the disposable route. I think that disposable cameras are more fun anyway because they give the photos an old time feel, and it’s a nice surprise to relive the memories when you get them developed later on.

3—Sunglasses. This is a great way to spice up a festival outfit while also protecting your eyes. Sunglasses can be the statement piece of any outfit and make you stand out from the crowd. Sunglasses are a must-have to have an enjoyable day in the sun. Get a trendy pair of sunglasses to shade your eyes before heading to a music festival this summer.

4—Reusable Water Bottle

.At festivals, there are a bunch of water refill stations. Bringing a reusable water bottle is a great option so you stay hydrated in the sweltering heat of summer. Opt for an insulated water bottle to keep your water ice cold all day. You are going to be on the move, traveling from stage to stage in crowds of people, and it’s easy to get dehydrated. Bring a reusable water bottle to keep your body hydrated all festival long!

What are some of your music festival must-haves? Let me know in the comments below! Make sure to share your festival essentials on social media by always tagging @Cfashionista!

The Ultimate Festival Preparation Guide

Music festival season is, without a doubt, the best season! Between the live music, warm weather, being with friends, the outfits, and the overall energy, festivals are my favorite thing in the world. The proper preparation is key in order to make your festival experience nothing less than perfect. Here are some of my best tips and tricks (from personal experience) to make your festival experience easy, safe, and positive.

What to Wear

1—Outfit. The most important thing is that your outfit is comfortable. You don’t want to wear an outfit that restricts you from dancing, makes you overheat, or that you are worried about ruining. In this look that I will be wearing to Lollapalooza this year, I am wearing an Emory Park matching set from Pitaya. It makes me feel comfortable, confident, and I’m not worried if it gets dirty (because if you’re still clean after a music festival, you did it wrong).

2—Shoes. My go-to concert shoes are my Adidas Original Superstars. I don’t know how some people wear wedges and heels to festivals, but I recommend wearing shoes that you can stand walking miles in and dance around in all day and night!

3—Backpack. The most important thing at a music festival is hydration. So, why not make hydration stylish too? This holographic backpack is from Vibedration, and it contains a two-liter water bladder. Most festivals have free water filling stations, so this backpack is perfect to keep you stay hydrated and keep all of your belongings together.

4—Hair. My favorite hairstyle for music festivals is French braids. It keeps your hair together and out of your face. Plus, it looks good on everyone!

5—Makeup. Prime your eyeshadow with Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion and top your whole look with Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray. Use waterproof products like the Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner and Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara. By using these products, your makeup will survive any rainstorm or heatwave!

What to Bring

1—Sunscreen. Bring a small travel-sized bottle in your backpack to reapply throughout the day.

2—External phone charger. Don’t get stuck with a dead phone at a festival during your favorite headliner or if you lose your friends.

3—Extra cash. While many festivals now offer wristbands that you can connect to a credit card, you never know when your credit card will get declined or your wristband malfunctions (yes, this happened to me).

Other Tips

1—Use the festival app. Many festivals offer an app that includes a map of the grounds, festival updates, and the festival schedule with stages and set times.

2—Make your schedule beforehand. This will give you a general plan for your day and allow you to make sure that you don’t miss any of your favorite sets!

3—Assign a meeting place with your friends. In case your group gets separated, it is important to have a go-to place in the festival to meet up.

What are your tips for a successful music festival? Feel free to leave me a comment below. Tag @CFashionista to your music festival photos and show us your best festival looks!

Sounds of the Summer

‘Tis the season for music festivals and country concerts! Hearing the summer anthems in-person is the ultimate summer experience but, if you are anything like me, flannels and cowgirl boots just don’t cut it. As a Fashionista, looking your best while also dressing for the occasion can be a little challenging. I’m here to show you the perfect outfit for all the concerts and festivals you’ll attend this summer!

For a breezy, summery look that’ll keep you looking and feeling cool at the outdoor festivals, I chose this multi-patterned halter top. The patterns gave the outfit a more bohemian look—my go-to for outdoor country concerts. I paired the boho-esque top with distressed denim shorts to keep the country-chic style consistent. For shoes, I went with brown gladiator sandals—a style that’s both and trendy keep you cool during the concert.

What’s a perfect concert ensemble without accessories? To pull the outfit together, I opted for a few arm accessories, earrings, and midi rings. The arm bands complemented the grayish blue tone in the top, and brown, earthy tones throughout the ensemble. For a little extra detail, gold midi rings were the perfect accessory. The dangly, leaf-shaped earrings have the perfect rustic look to complete the country-chic outfit.

Finally, for true fest-ready hair, preparing for the hot summer sun at the country concert, with high-style and low-maintenance you can never go wrong with a low, messy bun (as demonstrated). You can never be too prepared or too stylish for an outdoor music festival or concert!

What’s your favorite festival look? Show me on social media, and be sure to tag @CFashionista!

Summer Music Festival Must-Haves

Summer concert season has finally arrived! Every fan is into something different when it comes to a music festival, but for me, it was a country music kind of night. This event is usually the highlight of my summer because what is better than seeing some of your favorite artists play live while enjoying it outside in the sun (hopefully) with your best friends? For occasions like this, it’s nice depending on what the temperature is to style your look with a kimono. I love this layer mostly because it is a super light and loose fitting robe that is easy to pair with any plain T-shirt or tank top.

This look definitely has more of a country vibe to it, so the cowboy boots were a must for this particular look tonight. Comfy but cute is my motto for shoes whenever I am at an event that requires a lot of walking. When I take the risk of wearing heels to something like this, I always regret it after the second hour.

Whenever you think something is missing from your outfit I always think that jewelry is the answer, even a simple gold necklace can do the trick. Some last final touches can also be a couple of gold rings that flow with the necklace, then, of course, some of your favorite bracelets to finally top it off. Oh, and you can’t forget to bring your favorite sunglasses.

If anyone has a music festival coming up, I hope this gave you some ideas for what your next adventure could look like.

What is a must for your summer festival outfit? Let me know in the comments below!

3 Bands You Need to See Live Now

If you’re anything like me, you love going to concerts and seeing how artists transform an album into a completely different experience for an audience. I’ve been to a good amount of concerts in my day and I have a running list of artists that left an amazing impression upon me. Here are my top three favorite performers, in ascending order, that I recommend you see as soon as you can, regardless of if you have even heard of them.

1—New Politics. New Politics, a “dance rock” band comprised of three male members, is a group that will definitely leave a lasting impression. The lead singer, David, has infinite amounts of energy and is known for standing on the crowd. Yes, you read that correctly. He goes into the crowd, pulls himself up to stand on the nearby outstretched hands, and continues to sing while, literally, being supported by his fans. Louis, the only member not from Denmark, is one of the best drummers I’ve ever seen. Søren is the guitarist and he supplies humor throughout the show. New Politics is currently on tour with 311 and The Skints.

2—Magic Giant. This indie-folk band from Los Angeles is a group that’s on the rise. What sets Magic Giant apart from any band I’ve ever seen perform is the love that radiates throughout the entire set. Not only do the three members dress like hippies, but they also are unable to stop showing love to the fans. At the show that I attended, the lead singer, Austin, went down into the crowd and started hugging people during the set and told everyone to hug one another. The positivity of all of the guys—Austin, Zang, and Zambricki—shows in the performances, and that’s something that just listening to an album may not portray.

3—Bishop Briggs. Bishop Briggs is my all-time favorite performer. She has the most incredible voice and hearing it live is a completely different experience than listening to her music at home. When Bishop comes on stage, all you see is a young girl (probably with either two braids or buns on her head) who is very shy and nervous. At the beginning of each song, however, her innocent smile fades away and a powerful, strong woman emerges who owns the stage, jumping around full of passion. Then, when the song ends, she’s back to the shy girl. I’ve never seen music transform a person’s disposition until I saw Bishop Briggs live. Her voice unleashes a totally different person. Not only is Bishop incredible, but her band is also a sight to behold. The band uses electronic instruments, and they are so passionate about the music. Every beat is accompanied with head bopping and swaying. I don’t think they look up from their instruments the entire show; they’re locked in. It’s intense. Bishop Briggs just wrapped up her first headlining tour, but I highly recommend buying a ticket for her next tour.

Who are your favorite performers? Let me know in the comments!

Staying True to Bonnaroo and Surviving It Too!

With summer comes free time, warm weather, and most importantly, music festivals. Because every festival is different, it is important to learn about the atmosphere to properly prepare yourself for one of the best weekends of your life. Although I have attended many music festivals, there is one I treasure more than all the others. Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester, Tennessee, brings together a diverse group of people for a truly unique experience. If thinking about attending this music festival, here are a few tips to keep in mind to make the most of your weekend!

1—Anything goes. When it comes to your festival attire, nothing is off limits. Styles range from complete comfort to full blown Coachella worthy designs to the bare minimum. Wear what makes you confident, comfortable, and content!

2—Make your shoes a priority. Your feet will thank you. A full day on the farm causes you to walk an average of ten miles a day, which can create some pain after an entire weekend. Choose your shoes based on durability, comfort, and support. Don’t forget that the ground will change from dust to mud depending on the weather, so they will get dirty!

3—Try something new. One of the most cliché pieces of advice ever to be given, but never more true than at Bonnaroo. On the 700-acre farm, there will always be things you have never seen, tasted, or heard. Although you will want to rest between acts, make time to try a new food truck, dance at the Silent Disco, or listen to the band no one has heard of.

4—Hydration is key. Mid-June in Tennessee leads to high temps and high humidity. Start hydrating a few days before the festival, and make it easily accessible with a water backpack or a refillable water bottle. Not only will this fuel you to make it through the long weekend, it will keep your skin looking healthy and hydrated.

5—Radiate Positivity. The motto all Bonnaroovians live by. Keeping a positive outlook, no matter the circumstance will make Bonnaroo (and life in general) better than you ever imagined!

What are some of your music festival tips? Let me know in the comments below!