‘I’m a Stylist & These Polarizing Y2K Trends Will Be All the Rage at Coachella This Year’
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Festival season is upon us, with Coachella 2026 right around the corner. Whether you managed to snag passes to weekend 1 (April 10 through April 12), weekend 2 (April 17 through April 19), or are still looking for Coachella tickets (in that case, here’s how to get Coachella tickets, even though they’re technically sold out), your next step is figuring out what to wear to Coachella.
This is more than a music festival—it’s a moment for fashion, art, and self-expression. We tapped stylists to learn more about what is trending in festival fashion this year, and got some advice for planning our Coachella outfits, too.
What to Wear to Coachella, at a Glance
- Best Dress: Free People Raven Print Minidress, $128
- Best Pants: Free People Sun Dazed Cotton-Linen Striped Pants, $70
- Best Shorts: AGOLDE Parker Long High Waist Cutoff Denim Shorts, $158
- Best Skirt: Quince 100% Organic Cotton Poplin Tiered Maxi Skirt, $60
- Best Top: H&M Layered Jersey Top, $35
- Best Jacket: Lucky Brand Legend Barn Jacket, $145 (was $149)
- Best Vest: Free People Under The Sun Vest, $128
- Best Sandals: Dr. Martens Dunnet Flower Full Grain Leather Sandals, $160
- Best Sneakers: Steve Madden Mavis Wedge High Top Sneaker, $159
- Best Boots: Jeffrey Campbell Dagget Boot, $325
- Best Sunglasses: Von Dutch X Aire Bombshell Sunglasses, $69
- Best Hair Accessory: France Luxe Elodie Cuff Ponytail Holder, $18
- Best Belt: Urban Outfitters Strand Of Stars Chain Belt, $25 (was $30)
- Best Hat: Lack of Color Wylie Cowboy Hat, $189
Is There a Dress Code for Coachella?
Coachella doesn’t have an official dress code. However, there is a general festival aesthetic that many follow, and since it’s in the desert with more extreme temperatures, a functional approach will ensure comfort while exposed to sun, wind, and dust.
According to celebrity stylist Samantha Brown, Coachella 2026 will see a blend of nostalgia and newness. “Expect a lot of boho-meets-rave energy,” she explains, noting that airy crochet, mesh layers, metallic accents, and pieces that catch the light at sunset will take center stage. “Y2K influence is sticking around with low-rise bottoms and baby tees, while modern Western details, soft desert neutrals, and pops of holographic shine keep things feeling current.” Overall, Brown says you can expect that same theme of personal expression we see every year, with elements of comfort and effortlessness in pieces that “feel good in the heat and look amazing in photos.”
What’s the Weather Like at Coachella?
Coachella weather in April is a lot like East Coast weather in March—not the most reliable. Some years, it’s comfortably warm, and other years it’s unbearably hot. However, the temperature changes a lot throughout the day, so a layered festival outfit is nonnegotiable.
Indio, California, in springtime is usually hot and dry, and the festival grounds are infamously windy and dusty, too. Late spring usually brings more comfortable, consistently sunny daytime temperatures, ranging from low to high 80s, sometimes peaking into the 90s. If that’s the case, the temperature also drops significantly in the evenings—we’re talking a 20 to 30 degree difference—so you’ll want to plan for a layered festival look. It’s also worth bringing a bandana or incorporating it into your Coachella day 1, 2, and 3 looks to protect your face from the wind and dust.
In the event of a heat wave, you can expect higher temperature ranges that peak into the 100s midday before cooling down slightly at night.
Do People Still Dress Up for Coachella?
It wouldn’t be Coachella without the fashion, so people definitely still dress up. While it might not look like it did in its Millennial heyday, festival goers still lean into personal expression and come up with some incredibly cool outfits. Plus, Brown says there are subtle nods to the nostalgic bohemian festival looks we knew and loved, so this is a fun year to attend. Stylist Shelby Vert agrees, saying she has “a strong feeling we will see a lot of 2012 to 2016 Coachella styles.”
Coachella Style Rules
As far as fashion is concerned, Coachella’s rules are fairly relaxed. Chains, chain wallets, and high-visibility vests are prohibited; LED gloves are also a no-no. Aside from that, they allow non-clear bags and backpacks that are 18 x 13 x 8.5 inches or smaller, blankets and towels that are 50 x 70 inches or smaller, fanny packs, hip bags, earplugs (you need these concert-specific ones!), parasols, sunglasses, hats, and non-aerosol sunscreen.
Brown says prioritizing comfort should be a rule in and of itself when attending festivals like Coachella. “Comfortable shoes are essential because you’ll be walking, standing, and dancing for hours,” she remarks. “Broken-in sneakers, fashion boots with supportive soles, or sturdy platform sandals are ideal.” With the relaxed handbag policy, you have a lot of accessory options; however, a hands-free style is highly encouraged. “A small crossbody or belt bag keeps your essentials accessible without weighing you down,” says Brown.
You’ll also want to take the desert weather seriously in terms of sun and dust protection, with “sunglasses, a bandana or scarf, and a lightweight layer you can throw on at night when temperatures drop,” says Brown. She also recommends using breathable fabrics such as linen, jersey, and mesh. Open crochet and lightweight knits are also beneficial, but opt for cotton or wool, as both are more breathable and naturally temperature-regulating, unlike synthetic yarns.
What to Wear to Coachella: Dresses
What to Wear to Coachella: Bottoms
What to Wear to Coachella: Tops
What to Wear to Coachella: Layers
“This utility jacket is probably one of my most reached-for layers. I live in Los Angeles, and we have barely experienced winter weather this year, so this jacket is a great lightweight option that keeps me warm as the temperatures rise and drop throughout the day.”—Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster Contributing Writer
What to Wear to Coachella: Shoes
What to Wear to Coachella: Accessories
