Keeping Up With Coachella: Festival Styles to Keep the Vibe Going All Summer Long

If you can’t make the scene this festival season, there’s absolutely no reason you can’t have the festival come to you. Thanks to technology, fun and fashionable music festivals like Coachella are only a click away thanks to YouTube live streams (Mon Laferte was terrific!), Instagram Stories and of course miles of IG photos. Everybody, from the famous to the not-so-famous looked fresh, relaxed and ready for fun. It was almost impossible for me, tapped at a desk on the East Coast, not to want to grab a little piece of that desert vibe for myself.

I am really into some of the looks I saw at Coachella this year. They’re fun and cute without being silly or impractical. After many hours of watching and zooming in, I know just what my wardrobe needs right now.

Find some fringe

The first thing I know is that I need some fringe. When done properly, a roomy shoulder bag with a chorus of fringe at the bottom along with some boho chic accessories is a festival chic look with a definite Jane Birkin-Ali MacGraw ‘70s hippie vibe whether I’m at Coachella or the local coffee shop. To get the look, I could raid my mom’s closet (or my favorite consignment haunts) or get something fresh and new from Isabel Marant, whose fringed bags are classic but also work appropriate. On weekends, a Les Petits Joueurs drawstring style is perfect for a weekend of errands or get-togethers with friends.

Isabel Marant Teomia Bag ($800)

Les Petites Joueurs Beaded Fringe Shoulder Bag ($489)

3.1 Phillip Lim Hudson Fringed Sunglass Case ($450)

Pump it up with Neon

Neon was everywhere in the California desert, and the shocks of color looked terrific against the neutral desert landscape. There were shoulder bags, belt bags, backpacks and all kinds of neon accessories. For a pop of color with spring and summer’s light colored monotone suits, skirts and dresses, I might try one of Tory Burch’s new brights collection to catch the festival feeling, but for a night on the town or a rooftop cocktail party, nothing beats Chanel.

Chanel Neon Waist Bag ($2,000)

Tory Burch Fleming Convertible Bag ($428)

Make it a Mini Backpack

Nobody wants to look like a high school sophomore toting around an industrial strength backpack, but sometimes carrying a few of life’s necessities is necessary for work for a weekend of sun and fun. Coachella girls chose sleek and stylish mini backpacks to hold wallets, keys, water bottles, sunglasses, and party invites. And when they get home, the mini can hold a tablet or a magazine and save your back from aching at the end of the day. I know my back could use a break from my overstuffed shoulder bags and the mini Gucci backpack looks perfect for an afternoon or a weekend of stylish adventuring.

Gucci GG Marmont Quilted Velvet Backpack ($1,890)

Coach Parker Convertible Backpack ($325)

Louis Vuitton Clapton Backpack ($2,040)

Belt Your Bag

I admit the idea of wrapping a belt bag around my waist sounds a little weird, but almost every other photo I saw at Coachella featured somebody rocking a sleek beautiful bag around their waist, so maybe they’re worth another look. Belt bags come in all price ranges from luxe to budget and are ideal for easy access to things you always need at hand like keys, credit cards, phones, lipstick and a bit of pocket change. It might also be an excellent way for me to add a little street style to my summer wardrobe.

Prada Quilted Leather Belt Bag ($1,150)

Gucci Marmont Belt Bag ($1,150)

Adidas Originals National Belt Bag ($25)

Macrame is not just for hanging plants

Macrame, a knot tying technique that was also big in the ‘70s has made a stylish return in the last few years. Coachella was all about flowy dresses, floppy hats, natural materials & fibers with a playful nod to Stevie Nicks. I like the intricate knitted look so much I’ve even been thinking of taking classes. But in the meantime, I know I want a macrame bag for summer and to give a loving shout out to retro chic. You can splash out for a designer look, or chose a more budget-friendly option from a variety of sources and if you’re really artsy you could even design and make your own!

Anthropologie Amara Tote Bag ($78)

Sonia Rykiel Macrame Bag ($1,260)

Ulla Johnson Leia Leader Trimmed Wicker Bag ($425)

Vintage Vuitton Minis

There were so many fun looks at Coachella this year, but I shouldn’t be surprised that Gigi Hadid’s teeny tiny vintage Murakami for Vuitton mini bag made such an impression. Murakami is so adorable and fun, but still sophisticated enough to take almost anywhere. I love haunting flea markets for vintage bags & accessories, and while I hope I’ll get lucky and score a real vintage Murakami someday, current Vuitton and others have some whimsical options that will also work.

Louis Vuitton New Wave Chain Pochette ($1,710)

Louis Vuitton Vintage Murakami Bag ($440)