The Influence of Woodstock on Music Festival Fashion
The Influence of Woodstock on Music Festival Fashion
By Sophie Smith
Our calendars have flipped to spring, meaning music festival season is steadily approaching. The outfits worn to these festivals, which are usually as important to attendees as the festival itself, take a great deal of thought and preparation. The most monumental influence for festival style originated from Woodstock, where clothing, or lack thereof, symbolized rebellion. In recent years, festival-goers still mimic Woodstock’s hippie style with modern twists.
The Woodstock Music Festival began on August 15, 1969. Advertised as “three days of music and peace,” the event drew people from all across America to the city of Bethel, New York. America was on the brink of the counterculture movement, so the audience of Woodstock dressed the part. Fringe halter tops, Levi’s 501s, and bare feet were outfit staples, as well as handmade garments. Woodstock was a clothing-optional event, so everyone who sported clothes dressed freely.
Accessorizing was not taken lightly. People adorned themselves with avant-garde jewelry and headpieces like the iconic flower crown.
In the present day, the essence of Woodstock style remains prevalent at the world’s biggest music festivals: Coachella, Lollapalooza, Glastonbury, and Summerfest. Fashion trends throughout the decades have been showcased at these events. In 2005, Kate Moss caused a commotion in her Glastonbury Festival outfit, where she dressed in a long-sleeve, metallic gold mini dress paired with Hunter rain boots and a belt that read “Glastonbury Rocks.”
The model's outfit portrayed the punk chic trend of the early 2000s while representing practicality and personal style, as is the Woodstock way.
Beginning in 1999, Coachella was, and still is, held in Palm Springs, California, and has become a destination event for celebrities, influencers, and the general public. The rise of influencers at Coachella increased the hype of festival fashion. Many influencers obtain sponsorships from clothing brands with all expenses paid for their trips. At the 2023 Coachella festival, TikTok phenomenon Alix Earle was sponsored by GUESS and housed at the GUESS Compound for the three-day event.
Earle’s outfit included components seen at Woodstock, but with a 21st century twist: olive green bell bottoms, knit sleeves, and a belly chain.
When it comes to a music festival wardrobe, showing midriff and over-accessorizing never goes out of style. Many wholesale fashion brands have “festival wear” sections on their websites dedicated to resembling the carefree energy of music festivals past. Whatever you decide on wearing this festival season, showcase your personality, and if you are ever in doubt, ask yourself, “What was worn at Woodstock?”
For more fashion content, keep reading Square Magazine and follow us on Instagram @um.squaremagazine.
All photos belong to their respective owners.