Festival fashion is known for its outlandish outfits, allowing attendees to mix and match their wildest pieces for an outfit that wouldn’t work anywhere else. What better decade to take inspiration from than the crazy fashion trends of the 2000s?
Image Credit: Rick Kern
Double Denim
Double denim was all the rage in the 2000s; Britney Spears, Victoria Beckham, and Paris and Nicole all rocked fully denim outfits. Whilst the jeans and jacket combo might be a bit hot for festival season, Kali Uchis rocks a denim corset top with a low-rise mini skirt and denim boots. Trade the denim boots for wellies, and you have yourself a very 2000s festival outfit!
Belts
Belt choices in the early 2000s were questionable to say the least. Bohemian ‘disc’ belts, low-rise belts that served no purpose, oversized waistband belts, and sequin scarf belts all had their moments. Bizarre belts have been making a comeback recently too, with Miu Miu showcasing double-belted skirts, Diesel’s literal belt miniskirt, and Rina Sawayama wearing belts in lieu of tops on the cover of Nylon magazine and at the Brits afterparty. The possibilities are endless, as Sita proves, layering a variety of styles to create this very risky belt dress.
Wellington Boots
Speaking of wellies, Kate Moss has proven to us time and time again that the boot your parents probably made you wear as a child does not have to be shunned. Whether pairing Hunter wellies with short-shorts and a waistcoat or a glittery dress and pointless belt, Kate embraces the harsh reality of a UK summer- clouds, rain, and mud everywhere!
Metallics
Metallic everything was huge in the 2000s, from blue and silver metallic eyeshadow, to metallic frosted lip gloss, to metallic mesh tops. This trend is definitely back, with influencers sporting metallic cowboy boots and Paco Rabanne’s coveted sequin skirt, while TikTokers apply gold and silver leaf to their favourite jeans. Metallic pieces are the perfect way to spice up a boring festival outfit!
H&M V Neck Sequin Dress
NAKD Silver Square Sequin Top
Lace
Lace can be perfect for a festival because it is super lightweight and breathable. It adds detail to an outfit and can be layered (think: Blake Lively Kids’ Choice Awards 2005). Sheer lace skirts and lace-edge tank tops are cute and easy to find in shops, and lace gloves are also becoming more and more popular. Practical for a festival? Probably not, but cute.
I Am Gia Vala Skirt
Cut Out Tops
Cut-out tops are a piece that can be dressed up or down, but dressed all the way up is the way to go for a festival. Go classic y2k with a bedazzled butterfly top, or keep it cool with a white star top like Emma Leger. These summery tops would look great with any early 2000s festival accessory — long bohemian necklaces, gold shiny tattoos, or feathers in your hair!
Terry Cloth
Terry cloth will keep you dry as you dance all night! And is super comfy and breathable which is essential for a hot sweaty festival. A staple in any early 2000s wardrobe, from Juicy Couture terry tracksuits to beach cover-up dresses, terry cloth is both fashionable and functional. Sophie Suchan has styled this Chanel co-ord with layered chain belts and a matching Chanel purse. So simple but so classic.
Coach Monogram
The Coach monogram had 2000s teenagers in a chokehold. Everyone wanted the little monogrammed clutch as their going-out bag after it was spotted on the arms of celebrities like Ashley Benson, Paris Hilton, and Ashley Tisdale. The resurgence of the y2k aesthetic meant Coach relaunched their old styles, including the classic monogram in different colours and even denim. Elsa Hosk opted for an elevated classics look, posing by a vintage car in a monogrammed bikini top with matching jeans. The coordinated patterns make this simple look seem tied together and are perfect for wanting to look good without the high maintenance at a festival.
Words by Lucy Walshe
Header Image by Darren Grant
