It might be thousands of miles away, but all fashion eyes were on the Coachella festival this week, widely considered by those in the know as the most style savvy festival on the circuit, and a good indicator of what the fash pack will wear to the UK’s forthcoming festivals.
Kate Bosworth, Diane Kruger and Vanessa Hudgens led the charge of the chic in boho styles teamed with sharp accessories. Styles were tomboyish and functional this year, prettied up with finer detailing. Much like here in the UK, the weather in California was wet, so celebs shelved the high heels and mini dresses of last year in favour of more practical styles, with many stepping out in low, flat ankle boots in cowgirl or biker chic styles.
Not only do they look cute when paired with floaty dresses or denim shorts, but they’re much easier to walk in than last year’s heeled sandals, so it’s a win/win for comfort and style.
Muted colours were the order of the day when it came to footwear so get your boots in black, brown or ‘greige’ (a grey/beige hybrid). Ideally get them second-hand or, if you’re buying them new, try wearing them in beforehand, as this style looks best when scuffed.
Print clash was big news at Coachella this year, and animal print in particular was a big winner for actress Emma Watson who wore an adorable tiger inspired dress by Mulberry. (Note the canny copy from Topshop pictured above, priced at a very reasonable £36!)
Aztec prints were also big news this year – pair yours with denims or clashing tribal inspired items for maximum impact. Fringing is also your friend this time around, but try to keep it to subtle details on ankle boots or a fringed cross-body handbag.
If you’re lucky enough to need sunnies, the only way is aviators. Not only do they add an element of hippy cool to any outfit, but they also suit most face shapes.
If there was one thing we learnt from Coachella this year, it’s that the coolest kids were comfortable as well as chic- don’t do a Paris Hilton and wear shoes you can’t walk in, or succumb to the Katy Perry curse of a sheer underwear-revealing dress that won’t keep out the cold!
