12 Cute Outfit Ideas for Coachella That Are Perfectly On-Trend

Apr 14, 2018

Coachella is upon us, which means you are probably asking yourself the age-old question, “What do I wear?” As people are getting ready to flock to the California desert, it’s getting even more apparent that these two weekends aren’t just about music; it’s also about fashion. And knowing what’s in and what’s out is key to finding the perfect outfit. While cute sunnies and fanny packs are going strong, you might be surprised to find that you won’t find many flower crowns this year. But here are some awesome ideas that will help you put together a signature ensemble.

Madewell Oversized Jean Jacket in Capstone Wash

According to Poshmark, the largest social marketplace for fashion, denim will be the most sought-after look this festival season, especially by brands like Levi’s and Madewell. And this slightly faded jacket is perfect for looking effortlessly cool during the day and keeping you warm at night. Remember, the desert gets chilly — so remember your mom’s advice and bring layers!

Sacred Hawk Embellished Baker Boy Hat

In place of the quintessential flower crown is the newsboy or baker boy hat. These cute caps will keep the sun off your face and complete your totally cool, ’90s rocker look.

Electric Mix Tape Sunglasses

Coachella is about color! Trendy and colorful sunnies have been trendy for a couple of years, and they’re still a festival staple. Everyone needs the perfect sunglasses, and this pair with melanin-infused lenses will help protect your eyes while you’re partying in the desert.

UO Velvet Hair Scrunchie Set

’90s trends are back and they’re everywhere. Coachella is no exception. If you’re feeling the desert heat, you can still keep your hair on-trend with a colorful scrunchie.

Rina Crocheted Crossbody Bag

WhoWhatWear senior news editor, Erin Fitzpatrick, told ABC News that you’ll see “plenty of straw bags” this year. They’re light and practical, so you can find one that fits all your essentials without weighing you down.

Lulu’s Day in the Sun Cream Striped Cover Up

Though the trends may change a little from year-to-year, you can still opt for a Coachella classic like a light, breathable dress in a neutral color. Dress it up with some accessories or wear a colorful bralette with it to make your outfit super unique. The best outfits are the ones that aren’t too overdone.

Free People Ginger Bodysuit

If you’re keeping it simple and comfortable, a bodysuit with denim jeans is perfect for the weekend. These lace-up details also add a cool, on-trend, rocker vibe that will take your look up a notch for this year.

adidas Originals Superstar Metallic Sneaker

Chunky sneakers are a popular (and comfortable) go-to for any fashion lover — and they’re especially great for Coachella 2018. The wide, chunky fit gives you a sporty, ’90s aesthetic, and your feet will thank you at the end of the day.

Lulu’s Wanderer Silver Layered Necklace

Being out in the hot desert can really take its toll on you and your statement jewelry. Instead of something big and heavy, lots of people are opting for pretty, stackable, and layered options that totally stand out but also keep you cool.

ASOS ABSOLUTE Wide Fit Suede Chelsea Ankle Boots

Coachella means desert. And desert means dust. If you’re serious about this weekend, ditch the heels and opt for some booties that protect your feet from the elements. Plus, according to celebrity stylist Dianne Garcia, Western wear is going to be a big trend this year.

UO Lily Belt Bag

If you’re not feeling the cross body bags or totes for your essential festival needs, the trusty, fashionable fanny pack (or belt bag) will come to your rescue. This studded, suede version is a perfect match for festival wear.

BDG Kick Flare High-Rise Cropped Jean

Since 2018 is all about denim, don’t overthink going for the full Canadian tuxedo. For an unexpected touch, a cropped, kick flare jean will update your look for the modern age and make you flawlessly festival-ready.

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4. Lending Money Is A Slippery Slope That Can Lead To Distrust And Resentment

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It's amazing how money can lead to a friendship breakup if boundaries aren't created or respected. "Money is a sneaky little devil who can push everyone’s buttons. It can cause resentment if one person feels taken advantage of or someone’s 'casual loan' becomes an epic saga of unpaid IOUs," West says. Not only that, but Dunlap knows "money can strain relationships between friends and family by highlighting differences in how we value it, expect to use it, or feel about sharing it."

Friends and family members shouldn't take each other's kindness for granted, but human nature is fickle at times. That's not an indicator that someone you love is a "bad" person, but they may feel like you owe them your time and money. However, Irwin says this isn't "de facto that that person is entitled." Still, Dunlap is more than aware how this can play out. "For example, it can lead to resentment if one person is always the one picking up the tab, while another might feel uncomfortable or indebted because they’ve been helped financially," she says.

On the other hand, it can show up a little differently in families. She adds, "Issues like unequal inheritance or constant requests for financial help can lead to deep emotional tension. Money can also become a tool for power imbalances, where one person feels in control and the other feels dependent, and that can mess with trust and respect."

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When certain negative patterns show up in relationships, it can make people decide to take a step back from being available. "And once distrust settles in, it’s hard to shake; nobody wants to be 'that friend' who’s forever dodging a Venmo request or getting side-eye from relatives at every family BBQ," West points out. How many times have you built up a wall with the people you love because of repeated unreliability or the expectation that you're supposed to help them whenever they ask? If you didn't hesitate to think of a moment, you're living proof that distrust can affect even the closest relationships.

Dunlap says, "When money becomes a main factor in a relationship, it can overshadow the connection, making it difficult to maintain genuine trust and understanding. You can avoid this by having open conversations with friends and family about your financial situation. Clear communication can help keep the focus on the relationship, not the money."

5. You Can Worry You're Not A Good Friend Or Family Member For Setting Money Boundaries

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Worrying about how other people feel can keep us from setting boundaries. There's a difference between being an empath and a people pleaser, but it's easy to blur the lines. You can absolutely empathize with someone's hardship while knowing you're not in the position to lend the amount they may be looking for. I'm a huge fan of saying that two things can be true at once — because they can.

Irwin says you need to "address the conversation head on" if a friend does ask you for a loan. Your response may depend on if their ask was "emotionally-charged or "in an uncomfortable environment," but Irwin doesn't recommend ignoring it. If you're not in the space to respond, here's what she suggests saying in a "timely" fashion:

"Hey, I need time to think about this. Let me get back to you."
"We can help you, but here are our boundaries."
"We see and understand you, but we're unable to help because we're trying to pay off debt or save for _______."

Yes, Financial Boundaries Are Essential

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Don't think you need to create financial boundaries for yourself and your friends? Think again. West says, "Establishing some ground rules is a lifesaver—think of it adding airbags to the friendship. Setting boundaries early on, like when you’re still in the happy, non-monetary part of the relationship, can protect both sides if things get sticky."

Here's how she advises you proceed with creating boundaries:

Keep it light and be honest; you’re not making a prenuptial agreement here, just letting them know you’d like to avoid “financial fireworks” later.
Say, “I’m your friend, not your ATM.” It’s funny but helps set the tone that your wallet isn’t a free-for-all.
Set a gift cap, such as, "I'm happy to chip in for brunch or a birthday, but let’s not get into home-loan territory.”
If you do lend, draw up a repayment plan. Think of it as adulting with a side of accountability to avoid “accidentally” becoming their financial fairy godmother.
Limit talk of big financial choices unless you’re genuinely invested together. After all, nobody needs to know how much their friend spends on avocado toast or scented candles, let alone home renos.
A little humor and some boundaries go a long way. You’ll save yourself a lot of awkwardness and keep the friendships intact, one “non-loaned” dollar at a time!

Alexander Grey/Unsplash

Tori says, "It's so important to have transparent conversations about money, set clear boundaries, and ensure that relationships are prioritized in any money exchange." Here are a few things you can try:

Communicate about your budget with a “gratitude sandwich.” Say you’re invited to an outing—a dinner, or a sports game—that isn’t within your budget right now. You can respond with the “gratitude sandwich.” The “pieces of bread” are positive, and the “meat” is the money thing you’re scared to say. Thank that person for the invite, let them know it’s not within budget right now, and then offer a cheaper alternative, reassuring them that you’d really love to see them. Offering an alternative reminds that person that declining their invitation isn’t about them, and you still care about them. In doing so, you prioritize your budget AND your relationship in the process.When in doubt, remember that no is a complete sentence. You don’t need to overcomplicate things, and sometimes a simple “no” is all you need.
Set expectations early. When planning trips with friends, discuss the budget and how costs will be split upfront. Having these conversations ensures that everyone is on the same page and helps avoid any misunderstandings. It creates a supportive, stress-free environment where everyone can enjoy the experience together without any added worries!

The Final Verdict:

Emil Kalibradov/Unsplash

Once you've weighed your options and considered what you need, you can decide to loan your friend money. However, Irwin wants you to consider being formal about it. "You can absolutely draft a promissory note or loan agreement so that your friend knows how serious you are about your boundaries. If you want, you can also put an interest rate on it," she says.

It's not to hurt your friend's feelings, but it is a boundary you can put in place so they think to themselves, "This is truly a loan because I'm borrowing money with the intent to pay it back," Irwin says. It could change the dynamics of your friendship, but it's more about being "purposeful about the language being used" so you and your friend can both move in the "right direction," according to Irwin.

If the idea of creating a 'loan agreement' sounds icky to you, Dunlap wants you to seriously consider it as "an extra bit of protection." She says all you need to do, again, is "try setting up a simple contract to outline repayment terms" because it "can help both of you stay on the same page and avoid misunderstandings down the road."

Her ultimate piece of advice? "Only lend what you're comfortable giving and potentially losing, and keep open communication to maintain trust and respect in the relationship."

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