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2023 Festival Fashion Guide: Alternative Clothing & Accessories

2023 Festival Fashion Guide: Alternative Clothing & Accessories

Welcome to the 2023 Festival Fashion Guide! We're here to help you find the perfect alternative clothing and accessories for your next festival. From bold prints to unique jewelry, we've put together a collection of stylish and eye-catching pieces to make sure you stand out from the crowd. So if you're looking to make a statement this season, read on and explore our top picks for 2023 festival fashion.

As the dates for Firefly, Warped Tour, Lollapalooza and many more draws near - it's time to start thinking about the outfits you'll wear to your favorite festivals! And if you're not lucky enough to be going to any fests this year, don't sweat it. Take this as some cool inspiration for your edgy summer wardrobe. 

From boho outfits, to festival necessities like bags and accessories, to classic rock looks - we've pulled together a collection of some of the season's must-haves. Keep reading for our best clothing and accessory picks for 2023 festival season!

Melting Point

Masha Sedgwick wears edgy melted leggings, perfect for alternative festival fashion
Source: Masha Sedgwick

Want a simple way to make your outfit a thousand times more interesting? Add graphic or patterned leggings underneath a unique skirt or shirt dress. I'm in love with these edgy leggings from blogger Masha Sedgwick- they almost look like dripping paint and they add so much character to her monochromatic look. 

If you're sticking with a monochromatic outfit for your festival attire, try adding some texture or color by way of an accessory- this can be anything from carrying a cute bag to rocking a cool summer pastel hair color!

And, of course, makeup is another great way to add some creativity to your look. Go all out with sequins and glitter- and attach them to your skin easily with some false eyelash glue. Or, you could opt for some cool temporary body art - cute metallic tattoos are perfect for the festival season!

Miss Matched

A blonde woman give the peace sign wearing a matching two-piece tank and shorts in aztec patterns, perfect for alternative festival fashion
Source: Adoreness

The matching trend is back for good reason! The best thing about it? There's no more wondering, "Does this go together?" Problem solved; no more need to try on five billion outfits before giving up and resorting to your trusted oversized t- shirt and favorite jeans.

Keep cool in the warm weather in a bralette top and edgy shorts combo. One of the (many) fun parts of dressing for festivals is that you can go as light or as heavy with the festival accessories as you want.

For a two- piece set, body chains and delicate layered necklaces take a cool bohemian look to the next level. Opt for a fringe tote bag to complete your look!

A hippie chick in a bandana wearing a matching two-piece crochet crop top and skirt

Source: Spell & The Gypsy
 

Yet another great example for the matching fashion trend; pair a long sleeved crop top and maxi skirt in bold patterns and colors for a match made in heaven. Rock this style with a pair of oversized sunglasses, or go full-on boho with a bandana. Just be sure to opt for minimal accessories with this one and let the striking patterns in your outfit shine!

To glam up this outfit, slip on a pair of platform sandal wedges or go casual with street style sneakers.

Vintage Rock

Alternative festival outfit with a vintage band tee, plaid shirt and denim shorts for a vintage rock style
 

When in doubt, go vintage! Thrift shopping can give you a ton of inspiration for a (usually) low cost. One of my favorite classic staples for festival outfits is a simple vintage band tee. You can pair it with jeans, cutoff shorts, an edgy mini skirt, or you can just wear a long band tee as a dress. Festivals don't have fashion rules, so why the hell not? 

If you choose the vintage route, try to pair your outfit with some accessories that have the same vintage fashion vibe. Feel free to get a bit crazy with accessories if you're opting for a t-shirt look. Fun shoes are a great way to add interest to your look without having to layer on the jewelry, or if your main aim is comfort then go for a slick pair of sneakers or even flat sandals

Maxed Out

A blonde woman at a music festival, wearing a floppy hat and split maxi dress with turquoise patterns and matching jewelry

Source: Spell & The Gypsy

Cut out any unnecessary fuss by going for a maxi dress- you literally don't need any other component to complete your outfit! 

Keep it easy to dance as much as you want by wearing casual sneakers with your dress. To stay warm when the sun goes down, pack up a leather jacket or bomber jacket to add an edge to your free- spirited outfit. Dramatic earrings, flower crowns, and layered rings go great with this boho- chic look!

Pack it Up

A tattooed woman at a festival wearing a tassled messenger bag and matching boho outfit

Source: Spell & The Gypsy

Water bottles, sunglasses, blankets, snacks, extra clothing... there's a lot you need to fit in your festival bag, especially if you're staying for longer than just one day! But your bag serves a bigger purpose than simply carrying your things - it's an extension of your outfit and a key part of your festival style.

Look out for a tote bag or messenger in a fun design with tassels and embroidery to be in-keeping with the boho festival fashion vibe. Or, if you have a trusty old festival bag already, why not get creative and embellishments to make it your own. You can breathe new life into an old backpack or tote by styling it with patches easily. You could even opt for cute pins instead of sewing on permanent fabric patches - this way you can switch up the pins to create multiple different looks. 

Which festivals are you going to this year? Let us know in the comments!

Suggested Posts:

Festival Season Necessities

Festival Fashion Favorites from Firefly 2016 

Title Image: Spell & The Gypsy

KF

About the Author

Kelsey Foster

Hey there! I'm currently a Fashion Business Management student at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. I love to read, write, and travel, and I love anything music and art related!