What to Wear: Coachella

Katie Speed (isn’t that the best name?) wrote in earlier this week with a tough shopping challenge:

I love, love your “What to Wear” posts so I decided to get some ideas for what to wear to a music festival coming up called Coachella. When planning an outfit for such an event, you must take into consideration the fact that it takes place in a VERY hot desert and lasts all day. It will be a challenging outfit to plan but I know you can do it. (please?)

I’m glad to help! In the interest of full disclosure, I should admit that this event is my personal idea of purgatory. Tons of people, blazing sun, no place to sit. I am getting heat stroke just thinking about it. Remind me to tell you sometime about the tortured 37 minutes Rob and I once spent at Live Oak Festival.

Lots and lots of people do like outdoor music festivals in the desert (around 100,000 people actually) and there are some amazing bands performing, so I shouldn’t be too judgmental. Here’s my recommendation for Katie:

Shirt – Cowboys know that the anti-sunburn benefit of a long sleeved shirt outweighs the coolness of a tank top. Find one in a light material and color. Pin some band buttons to it for a little extra flair.
Shorts – Even the most aggressive dust shouldn’t be able to stain these cute navy shorts from J.Crew.
Sweatshirt – Buy one at Coachella as a souvenir and night-time layer.
Hat – Your poor nose will fry without a hat. This version from Target is cheap and “indy.”
Shoes – Coachella will destroy your shoes. Cheap sneakers from Old Navy paired with light socks will at least be comfortable. It’s too bad that it won’t be muddy so you could wear wellies like Kate Moss.
Sunblock – Find the highest SPF available in lotion and lipgloss and apply frequently.

Have fun at Coachella Katie! Stay hydrated!