Afropunk Festival Street Style
Photo Credit: Paras Griffin/Getty Images
We've created a guide that'll help you navigate what to wear to festivals like Coachella and Roots Picnic. Our festival clothing guide is equipped with Black-owned brands like Bricks & Wood, Hanifa, Phlemuns, Honor The Gift, and more.
I didn't go to my first music festival until 2014 when I was 24 years old. I had only lived in NYC for a month before my dream of going to Afropunk was finally a reality. I patiently awaited the end of my morning shift at Magnolia Bakery so I could escape to meet my friends ready to wear a meticulously crafted fit I stayed up the night before making. It was head-to-toe Forever 21: a flowy, floral skater dress, an oversized burgundy hat, brown combat boots, and gold costume jewelry were my take on festival clothing. I finished off the look with an African print boho backpack that I borrowed from my roommate and, of course, my afro. I even brought along a denim-like button-down just in case it got chilly later into the night. At the time, I thought the fit was amazing (it was peak Tumblr-era fashion, OK?). But in retrospect, I’ve come to see it as paying my embarrassing style dues.
To help you not make some of the same mistakes I did, here's a guide on what to wear for the biggest music festivals of the season. We’re breaking down each festival to give you a play-by-play on how to style both feminine and masculine fits, with every piece listed coming from Black-owned brands like Bricks & Wood, Brandon Blackwood, Phlemuns, and many others. Whether you’re in the desert for Coachella or NYC for Afropunk, these fits will make sure you not only look stylish but are comfy, too.
Coachella
Photo by Presley Ann/Getty Images
Women
From music to camping, the desert-based festival is the ideal oasis to take the coastal cowgirl trend for a spin. To pull off this relaxed, cowgirl-inspired feel, start off with these MCD cowboy boots which are just as comfortable as they are stylish. No matter what boots you choose, comfort is key. For denim, it all depends on your personal taste level, but these vintage-inspired cut offs from Good Americanare a safe choice. Buttery soft basics work to build around this trend, so investing in a high-quality cropped tee like this one from Re Ona is ideal. Tie the vision together with a pistachio bandana from Bricks & Woods, and seal together the entire look with Monrowe’s woven sun hat.
Men
Coachella’s electric atmosphere calls for bright color palettes. Opt for vivid sneakers from Superb Sportswear, and pair that with a logo graphic tee from the Okayplayer shop and flamboyant nylon shorts from Patta. Lastly, if you’re in need of something to hold your cash for the weekend, a sturdy card case from Armando Cabral will definitely do.
Lovers & Friends
Photo Credit: @justnjames_
Women
Lovers & Friends is an ode to the early ‘00s, with its roster filled with artists who topped the R&B charts during this era. Held in the Las Vegas desert, it’s wise to have a fit that’ll keep you cool during the day, and warm at night. So, start your fit with a graphic tee from Nichole Lynel. Next, shoes. You could always choose sneakers, but these open-toe sandals from Loza Maleombho are a recommended choice. They have a platform that mimics a performance shoe but still looks stylish. Then, bring it all together with a bright and practical tennis skirt, like this one from Solely Fit.
Men
Begin with patchwork denim shorts from Phlemuns, which are a touch fancier than normal cut-offs. Next, pick up an Honor The Gift knit button-up. This won’t only give your fit extra flavor, but it’ll keep you warm as the day gets cooler. To seal it all up, slip on Perry Co.’s mid-white sneakers with gum soles to keep it simple on the feet, and make sure you bring your tote bag from All Cap Studio to hold everything you’ll need.
Governors Ball Music Festival
Photo Credit: Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images
Women
“New York’s Biggest Party” will have a playful vibe in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, and the best way to enjoy it is by creating an optimal outfit. A mixed print dress like this one from Tier takes the hassle away of choosing a top and bottom, and clogs from Sincerely, Tommy are a more interesting option than an expected sneaker. Also, staying hands-free at a packed music festival is important. Telfar’s painter’s tape small shopper is a viable option.
Men
Block out the blazing sun with Who Decides Wars’ thorn-printed bucket hat. Then, grab a simple Black Circle T-shirt from Daily Paper (and their monochrome denim jacket to cover up with), and pair that with CBFF’s equally fun tie-dye, black and white shorts. On your feet should be these Nigerian-inspired Mowalowa x New Balance 1960 sneakers.
Roots Picnic
Photo Credit: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images
Women
Roots Picnic has always been a celebration of neo-soul talent, and its festival goers always reflect that in their style choices. The Philadelphia-based festival welcomes a Black-owned dress code.Start off with an African print top like this one from Lisa Folawiyo. It’s bold and busy enough to be the focal point of your outfit and also pairs well with Hanifa’s black Samaria skirt. To bring in an organic feel, grab a crochet belt bag by AAKS for a hands-free experience, and slip on Res Ipsa’s raffia sandals that are an earthy take on the Birkenstock sandal. To wrap it all up, a touch of gold is a great go-to, especially Omi Woods’ toggle anklet.
Men
Immediately add texture with woven runners from soleRebels. Follow that up with a two-toned t-shirt and tie-dye bucket hat from Nicholas Daley that’ll definitely bring the cool factor you’d want in a fit. Light shorts from Cross Colors will tie the earthy color scheme of this look together effortlessly, while a Cuban link bracelet from Jooel will add a subtle and suave touch.
ESSENCE Festival Of Culture
Photo Credit: Paras Griffin/Getty Images
Women
Hosted in Louisiana, Essence Festival tends to be a mix of indoor and outdoor performances, as well as events — all taking place during some of the hottest days of the summer. So, layering is key to being as comfortable as possible. Stand out in the Jama playsuit by Tongoro, and pair that with a cozy knit cardigan from Aliya Wanek. This combo will allow you to cover up in a chilly arena, and remove it just as quickly as you put it on to leave and go back into the sweltering Louisiana heat. Accessorize with stylish yet comfy slingback sandals from Zou Xou, and stuff your essentials into the summer-ready Elyse bag from Brandon Blackwood.
Men
Lean into streetwear pieces by beginning with running shoes from Enda. Complete the look with this ‘80s-inspired Whitney Houston shirt from the Okayplayer shop, and these Joe Fresh Goods shorts.
Broccoli City Festival
Photo Credit: @madenchynna
Women
Black-owned and community-focused, Broccoli City Festival provides a youthful and progressive atmosphere to turn up in. So, mixing prints is a good fit for this festival. First, Good American’s leather trucker jacket is a must, don’t let the rain catch you slipping. A neutral-toned skirt by Sammy B Designs paired with a basic cut-out crop top from the same brand combines two different elements. Lastly, bring it all together with a pair of luxe classic sneakers from Loci.
Men
If you plan to vibe out comfortably at this D.C.-based event, opt for a laidback matching short and shirt set like this one from Daily Paper. The camp collar shirt and shorts are both lightweight with a relaxed fit. Now that the hard work is out of the way, you can top your fit off with a Golf Wang textured snapback, and adorn your wrist with a sterling silver bracelet from Martine Ali. For the bottom half, tie in more color with pastel sneakers from SIA Collective. It usually pours down at Broccoli City, so be sure to also pick up a raincoat like this one by Fear of God Essentials.
Rolling Loud
Photo Credit: Rich Fury/Getty Images
Women
Wearing pink in Miami for the coastal Rolling Loud Festival just seems right. This taffy pink jumpsuit from Rielli allows for fun in the sun while staying dry. It’s made from a material that’s perfect for going in and out of the water, so you can go straight to the beach from the festival. Pastel, textured Air Force 1 Low kicks from Leaders 1354 are strong enough to withstand hours of concert-going. Top off the look with these chunky, gold hoops from BYCHARI, and make sure you stay hydrated during sets with a water bottle holder from GALERIE LA.
Men
To begin, choose a baseball jersey you can layer with to help you stay cool in the Miami heat like this one from Marathon Clothing. Follow that up with a coordinating pair of graphic, nylon shorts by Supervsn. Hardware is optional, but a Johnny Nelson chain will definitely edge up the look. As for kicks, select a comfy pair of performance sneakers from Brand Black. Complete the fit with a Free The Youth bucket hat to keep your neck cool, and you’ll be ready to go.
Afropunk
Photo Credit: Matthew Sperzel/Getty Images
Women
Although Afropunk has grown beyond its humble, grassy knolls of Brooklyn’s Commodore Barry Park (there are now iterations of it in Miami and Brazil), the OG festival is still where it’s at, and a big part of that is because attendees always show out. Bright colors and eye-catching silhouettes, intricate braid styles, and makeup looks — the fashion of Afropunk is just as important as the artists performing. Now, NYC’s late summer heat is brutal. So, if you want to leave an impression but be comfy, you’ve got to dress bold and breezy. Start with your standout piece and expand around that. A bright red Tia Adeola ruffle skort set is simple but elevated and will pair well with these turquoise kicks by Ninety Nine Products. Follow that up with an all-red ESR bag from Brandon Blackwood, and tie it all together with a gold, chunky choker from Oma The Label to make your blouse pop. Also, don’t forget to bring your shades from AOX Eyewear. You’ll need them.
Men
Keep it simple with a logo bucket hat from Walker Wear. A basic wife beater from Heron Preston will keep you cool up top, which means you can afford to wear longer bottoms like these cargo pants from Renowned LA. Custom MLK sneakers from NAGAST Footwear connect the pieces together, while this black onyx crystal beads bracelet from The Bead Culture adds a small but notable touch to it all. Lastly, make sure you get this holster from A-COLD-WALL* supplies storage for your festival essentials.
