After years of watching from a distance, I finally got to my first Coachella over the weekend, and yes, it was every bit as joyous as I had imagined, blisters aside. Highlights included Justin Bieber playing “Baby” during his set and, of course, taking in the sea of fringe and sequins, because everyone knows Coachella style is really in a league of its own. As a fashion writer, I couldn’t stop myself from keeping an eye on all the emerging festival fashion trends.
Some eye-catching looks stayed par for the course—suede fringe shoes and sleek hot pants among them. However, I did not see other people coming. Exhibit A: The bikini top worn in lieu of a shirt. So what better way to beat the heat in style? Meanwhile, the wave of low-rise denim got the nod early on, solidifying the silhouette as a defining trend for 2026.
With festival season well underway, scroll down for all the trends I spotted over Coachella weekend. Let them inspire your next festival look. Hello, Lollapalooza.
skull caps
Skullcaps were out in full force over the weekend, with many festival-goers completing their looks with crochet and sequin-adorned styles. They may not offer much protection from the scorching sun, but fitted hats definitely offer style, especially when paired with funky sunglasses and playful jewelry.
shop skullcaps
8 other reasons
hand crocheted beanie
just a little
Contrast Hem Skullcap
free people
Mila sequin disco cap
and other stories
Openwork Crochet Skullcap
low-rise denim
To the dismay of millennials, low-rise denim is here to stay – well, at least for the festive season. However, you don’t have to keep your entire stomach exposed. As shown above, wearing high-waist underwear under bottoms provides both coverage and a stylish edge.
Buy Low-Rise Denim
Sam Edelman
Low Rise Slouchy Girlfriend Jeans
Difference
Low Rise ’90s Loose Jeans
fringe shoes
Biggest takeaway from the weekend? There can be no compromise on comfortable shoes, as walking for miles is inevitable during the festival. Whereas While sneakers are the most practical option, flat shoes have emerged as the de facto choice – namely the suede fringe style. Clearly, Western-inspired fashion isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
buy fringe shoes
Minnetonka
Suede 5-Layer Fringe Boot
asos design
Cressida Pull On Fringe Flat Knee Boots
free people
Faith Fringe Western Boot
Steve Madden
Kinzie Fringe Chestnut Suede
ponchos
Low-rise denim wasn’t the only early out trend that reared its head. Ponchos were practically everywhere I went. Sparkly styles led the charge, followed by crochet versions. My prediction: This trend will extend far beyond festivals this summer.
shop poncho
Urban Outfitters
Shimmer Sheer Mesh Poncho
frankie’s bikinis
Sophie Crochet Poncho
preached
Fringe sequin crochet poncho
Ann Taylor
weekend crochet poncho
hot pants
There was no dearth of hot pants in the festival. Knit styles provided comfort, while leather micro shorts added edge to every look. Consider getting into a cheeky avatar for the warm days ahead.
buy hot pants
Improvement
Darla Cotton Micro Short
just a little
Rib Knit Button Shorts
Frankie’s Shop
Baileys Knitted Hot Pants
thick belt
buy thick belt
just a little
100% Leather Studded Waistband Belt
BP
angular studded leather belt
bikini top
It seems that bikini tops are no longer reserved for the beach. Over the weekend, a large number of attendees ditched shirts in favor of swimwear, keeping the sweat off. Don’t be surprised if this trend hits the streets.
buy bikini top
monday swimwear
palma top colorblock
H&M
Padded Triangle Bikini Top
stoud
Lido Triangle Bikini Top
Tropics of C
Equator Top in Hibiscus Bandana Eco Terry
