Dress For the Fest  Glitter, Sequins and Boho Details

 by Kerri Cooke 

In SWLA, nothing beats a good festival. And for women, what to wear to a festival is often just as important as attending the event itself. 

The one rule you need to follow when dressing for a festival is to have fun. Feel free to try something new—something you wouldn’t normally wear. Another big key to dressing for a festival is comfort, especially in the SWLA heat. Courtney Benton with Mill + Gray says, “from denim shorts and mini-skirts to fun printed tops and dresses to laidback silhouettes . . .  [these] styles will keep you cute and cool in the heat.” 

If you’re a conservative dresser, grab a pair of denim shorts or utility pants and a graphic t-shirt. Mia Mouton Rene, owner of Mia’s Downtown, says that Mia’s always sells tons of t-shirts, especially band tees. Whether it’s a Def Leppard or an Elvis Presley graphic tee, music-themed clothing is always a hot style, especially for local music festivals such as Downtown at Sundown or Chuck Fest.  

You can also dress for a festival as if you’re attending a Taylor Swift concert. In fact, fans dressing for stadium concerts take inspiration from big music festivals such as Coachella. The more glitter, sequins and metallic elements an outfit has, the better. Tina Ardinger, owner of Millie Mae’s in DeRidder, says anything to “add a bit more sparkle to your wardrobe” will be popular festival wear. A bedazzled denim jacket, a pink sequin bodysuit or a golden metallic dress will make you stand out in that festival crowd. 

Festival dressing has always had a boho element to it. The boho thread can be followed all the way back to the Woodstock festival in 1969. Bell bottoms, quirky floral prints, harem pants and clothing with crochet details are always in style for festivals. And it’s even easier to find flared pants in 2024, as this trend is circulating back into the mass market. The great thing about boho elements is they lend themselves to outfits that are relaxed and comfortable, whether you’re dancing all day or eating to your heart’s content, as we like to do in SWLA. 

You can always tailor your outfit to the particular festival you will be attending. For example, Mouton-Rene says that Mia’s will offer more nautical wear around the time of the Pirate Festival. She predicts striped shirts will be a big seller around that time. Ardinger says Millie Mae’s drops collections before big events and holidays. The store’s next big drop will be inspired by the Houston Rodeo. Brown fringe elements are perfect for a day spent with coyboys. 

Two-piece sets, also known as co-ords, are the real MVPs when it comes to dressing for style and comfort at local events. Two-piece sets eliminate the need to search for matching separates. Sets exude sleek vibes yet are extremely simple in nature. Visit any local store, and you’re sure to find an abundance of two-piece sets. A perfectly matching top and skirt set only needs proper accessorizing before you step out the door. Sets require little time and little effort, yet still have you looking like you spent an hour on your wardrobe. 

When all else fails, don’t forget mini-dresses. They can help you out in a pinch. A little black dress with some crochet detailing or an airy white linen dress to beat the heat are easy yet chic options if you’re struggling to find something to wear to Spring Art Walk. 

Add a Pop of Color 

Festival Accessories 

by Kerry Andersen 

Spring ushers in a vibrant festival season featuring a kaleidoscope of music, art, and culture. Known as the Festival Capital of America, Louisiana hosts more than 400 events statewide. Along with fun and culture, festivals also present a canvas for individual expression through fashion; a chance for you to flex your personal style in a free-spirited way. From eclectic to whimsical, here’s a roundup of fun ways to use color, accessories, and makeup to create a memorable festival ensemble. 

Shine Bright

 Embrace your inner artist with bold and vibrant eyeshadows in neon hues or metallic shades. Experiment with glitter, rhinestones, and metallic accents. Body glitter now comes in a myriad of different themed shapes (yes, even crawfish). You can also choose easy body glitter stickers in shapes that match the festival theme. Stick-on jewels are another popular festival look that can brighten up your face and create a memorable look. Or choose Spirit Sticks and face paint to add some whimsy. Many festivals use blacklights after dark so choosing glitter or face paint that glows can be a fun surprise when the lights dim. The key is self-expression – be bold and have fun! Fringe jackets, metallic skirts, or sequined shorts are another way to make your outfit shine. Pro tip: a sticky lint roller will remove all of the glitter from your face and body with a quick swipe!  

Accessories are an effortless way to amplify your festival look.  

• Shoelaces and tassel earrings in colors that match the theme – Example: green and red for the Watermelon Festival, green and shamrocks for St. Patrick’s Day.  
• Themed earrings (wine corks for Rouge et Blanc, musical notes for Jazz Fest). If you plan ahead, you can even order inexpensive laser cut glitter earrings on Etsy that spell out your festival theme (Rice, Blues, Jazz etc.).  
• Tights or socks that feature a whimsical festival reference. Example: crawfish, strawberries, musical notes.  
• Oversized sunglasses with colored lenses add a pop of fun!  
• Experiment with unconventional accessories such as LED light-up jewelry or glittering body chains that shimmer under the sun. Light up shoes are another popular festival choice after dark.  

Crowning Glory

Complete your festival look with a headpiece or hair treatment; and there are plenty to choose from! 

• Headbands with fun fabrics or stick-on adornments (red beans, oysters, rabbits) to match popular festivals. 
• Elaborate crowns featuring gemstones or feathers.  
• Wigs or temporary hair color hair.  
• Light up cowboy hats and fedoras – LEDs are lightweight and inexpensive so there are lots of bright options.  
• You can also hot glue flowers and other themed items onto hats for a one-of-a-kind accessory.  

Group Costumes

Matching outfits with your crew is a fun way to stand out in the crowd (or find your friends in a sea of people). This can be easily accomplished if everyone wears the same eye-catching graphic tees and matching accessories in a unified color.  

 Additional tips for a fun festival day: 

• Consider the temperature – don’t forget sunscreen, hats, and shades to block out the sun’s harsh rays. Choose long lasting makeup that will hold up in harsh temperatures.  
• Wear comfortable shoes – nothing ruins a fun time faster than sore feet!  
• Go hands free – choose a fanny pack or crossbody bag for your essentials and to keep your phone safe from theft or loss. Pro tip: pack individual wet wipes for easy cleanup on the go!  

Let your creativity and individuality shine and then dance, laugh, and make memories!