$700 for a music festival may sound crazy, yet year after year thousands of people spend it to attend the iconic festival Coachella. After two years of waiting due to the pandemic, the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is back with headlining performances from Harry Styles, Billie Eilish and Swedish House Mafia. These two weekends of fun and excitement can turn into times of chaos and stress if you don’t come prepared, which is why I’m here with your 2022 Coachella survival guide.
Other than the music, of course, everyone knows that one of the most important parts of Coachella is having the best, most unique outfit. Luckily for you, I’ve got you covered on some of the best places to shop. Here is a list of my top five favorite places to shop for rave/festival wear:
1. EastnWest Label – EastnWest Label is the perfect brand for a boho meets festival type of look. Their clothes are definitely on the showier side, but who doesn’t like to show a little extra skin at a music festival? They are located at 765 Baker St. in Costa Mesa, but you can also shop online. If you’re willing to spend more money for a unique and exciting outfit, EastnWest Label is definitely the place to shop.
2. Dolls Kill – Whether you’re looking for a more hippy/boho look or a crazy rave outfit, Dolls Kill has it and everything in between. Located in Melrose and easy with online ordering, Dolls Kill is the go-to festival shop. From outfits to makeup to accessories, they’ve got you covered. Luckily for those who don’t want to spend too much, Dolls Kill always has sales and has pretty good prices overall.
3. Yung Reaper – Yung Reaper is a small brand with very few items, but what they do have will not let you down. In addition to their clothing selection, they do custom orders. For the custom orders, you are put in contact with a designer who will create your dream festival look. Since their clothes are so unique, they are also quite pricey, but if you’re willing to spend the money, Yung Reaper is worth every dollar.
4. IHeartRaves – If you’re looking for a fun and flashy rave outfit, definitely check out iHeartRaves. IHeartRaves has got you covered with affordable prices for whatever rave look you’re going for. To help narrow it down, I recommend shopping collections such as Wonderland, Rave Horoscope and Trippy.
5. Her Pony – Her Pony is another site that focuses on vintage, boho-style festival clothing. With a mix of sequins, Aztec prints and fringe, Her Pony has show-stopping pieces that will definitely make you stand out in the crowd.
Unfortunately, festival wear overall can be extremely expensive. For a guaranteed cheaper price, don’t turn your back to Amazon or Shein – you might be surprised by the quality.
Don’t worry boys, fun festival clothing isn’t just for girls. If you are looking to spice up your outfit with more than just a bandana and button-down or a jersey (nothing wrong with those options), ASOS, Dolls Kill and Fashion Nova are good places to start your search for inexpensive and unique festival options.
Best advice:
1. Pack smartly – Since you will likely be at the festival all day, it is important to bring all your necessities in a backpack or fanny pack. Since you don’t have much space, it is important to pack smartly. The most important things to have with you are:
- Sunscreen
- Water
- Cash
- Portable charger
- Rain poncho
- Concealer stick to touch up makeup
- Something to keep you warm at night
2. Stay hydrated – Hydration is the biggest mistake newcomers make at Coachella. Temperatures are usually in the upper 80s and 90s during the day in Coachella Valley, so dehydration becomes the biggest threat getting in the way of your weekend of fun. While they do sell water inside at a capped price, you can save yourself the trouble of paying and waiting in line by bringing an empty water bottle or CamelBak and filling it at water stations once inside.
3. Eat beforehand – Coachella is a long day of walking, dancing and having fun, which can take a lot of energy, especially in the heat of the valley. Save yourself the trouble of waiting in line and paying to eat overpriced (and mediocre) food by fueling yourself beforehand. Eat foods that give you energy and fill you up.
4. Dress right – Even though it can be in the 90s during the day, keep in mind that Coachella is in the middle of a desert. That means temperatures can drop to around 40-50 degrees at night, which can make choosing an outfit very difficult. In order to keep yourself comfortable throughout the day and at night, you can pack a lightweight jacket with you in your backpack. If you’re only packing in a fanny pack, bring hand warmers or an extra pair of socks to help with the low temperature at night.
5. Plan ahead – Music festivals are notorious for having terrible cell service. Plan meeting spots with your friends beforehand in case you get lost or split up and your phone dies. You can also write your friends’ numbers on you in case of an emergency.
6. Have fun!
