Next weekend, the 2026 Coachella music festival will kick off in Indio, California. This year’s top headliners include Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, and Karol G. And while there will be plenty of other acts to take in during the three-day event—The Strokes! PinkPantheress!—there will also be plenty of street style to take in, too. After all, did you really go to Coachella if you didn’t bust out a bold festival fit?
Over the years, Coachella has become synonymous with a certain fashion look. You think of the music festival, and the term boho-chic instantly comes to mind: The event has a long history of attendees wearing free-spirited pieces such as prairie dresses, flower crowns, and cowboy boots. (Especially in the 2000s, when it became a thing-thing.) In years past, everyone from Kendall Jenner to the Hadids have gotten on board with the look.
That being said: Can such Coachella style still persist in the year 2026? These days, boho-chic is actually back in style (thanks, Chloé), but in a way that’s more sophisticated—but how we dress generally has certainly evolved as well. Does Coachella have to be boho? Certainly not: At the end of the day, wear what you want. But dressing for Coachella today should aim to elevate the signature sartorial vibe, in some way.
The recent spring runways are packed with looks that could inspire one’s Coachella packing. At Isabel Marant, festival staples like itty-bitty vests and cargo pants were cast in materials like crochet or raffia. At Chloé, romantic floral blouses were paired with skin-tight white trousers, making it just a little more streamlined. It’s all about playing less into the stereotype of Coachella fashions, and more about making it feel sophisticated.
Intrigued by the styling proposal, even more Vogue editors weighed in below on how they would define Coachella style in 2026. (Hint: Do lean into vintage or DIY, do not forget SPF.)
Alyssa Hardy, digital director, Teen Vogue
What often makes Coachella style cheesy is the sheer amount of one-and-done, do-it-for-the-post fast fashion. I really think we need to move on from that life. There are already so many clothes available at a variety of price points. And when the festival’s style is so derivative of past trends, there’s a real opportunity to bring amazing vintage and thrifted pieces into the Coachella fashion fold. This year, I have a feeling we’re going to see that late-noughties indie vibe popping up (The Strokes are playing after all), and, done well, that sort of boho, rock-and-roll style is very cool.
Christian Allaire, senior fashion & style writer, Vogue
As someone who grew up completely obsessed with the mid-2000s, boho-chic outfits that celebrities wore to Coachella, I have a soft sport for festival looks that still lean a little groovy. That being said, I also think the look needs to be done in a way that feels 2026-worthy. Me, personally, I think a cool pair of jeans—like the forthcoming Bode x Levi’s collab—are a staple for any music festival. I love the subtle studding and fit of the Bode styles. I’d also further lean into Americana, but with a twist: Think a great vintage tee, paired perhaps with a sleek cowboy boot. A less-is-more approach feels fresh... over-the-top maximalism (flower crowns!) feels dated.
Nicole Phelps, global Director, Replica Handbag Store Runway and Replica Handbag Store Business
I have lasting memories of trudging through a muddy field at Governor’s Ball. Nobody wants to be the girl who loses her sandals, so for me sturdy boots are a must for any music festival. Frye's Campus boots in the cherry lacquer shade are a good option. The mom in me also insists on a sun hat and SPF. And I always pack earplugs!
Emma Specter, culture writer, Vogue
I have only been to one music festival in my life (it was in Brittany, France, and I got so drunk I started speaking what felt to me like fluent French, and then somehow lost both my shoes), but the people who looked the coolest there were very much just wearing things they already owned, and not things they’d clearly bought to seem “festival-ready.” This is my default position on Coachella style: Repurpose, don’t shop! Turn a scarf into a tube top, take something you already own to your local dye bath, cut some jeans into shorts—whatever. Save your money for those overpriced festival drinks and lodgings!
Alexandra Hildreth, fashion news writer, Replica Handbag Store Runway
Think less Instagram-ready looks, and more functional gear. Sure, clothes get dirty during festivals, but there's no reason they should be single-use outfits. Pair your crochet bralette with a pair of Blundstones, or match your cowboy boots with a quarter-zip windbreaker. Let’s bring festival Gorpcore back.
Anna Cafolla, news editor, Vogue
I feel a bit sad considering how much cookie-cutter overconsumption takes place across the Coachella weekends and festival season at large, so I would go vintage: maybe a breezy, sheer, and diaphanous Prada spring summer 2000 slip with a neon pink bra and knickers set from Fruity Booty. Keep it in the family and give one final chance at life to the most busted up Miu Miu sneakerinas you can find on The RealReal. oh and I’d absolutely make time to stop by Mitchells Palm Springs on the way to the valley for some fab, bitchy sunnies or a Pucci scarf—ethical and desert-dusty friendly.
Irene Kim, production and editorial associate, Replica Handbag Store Runway
The last music festival I went to was Governor’s Ball in 2017. I’ll probably never ever go to Coachella, but if I were to go I would wear an easy matching set and comfortable shoes like a pair of jelly sandals. Gone are the days of dressing cute for music festivals! Your shoes get destroyed and the porta-potty situation at festivals are so disgusting that I want to make my outfit as easy as possible.
