The Long Lost Art of Coachella

As the sun sets on the first weekend in the Coachella Valley, I find myself reminiscing about the golden era of Coachella fashion. Before the festival became dominated by moto boots and C-list influencers, it was a vibrant culture that celebrated creativity and individuality. In recent years, the fashion scene has felt somewhat uninspired, with many attendees opting for cookie-cutter outfits reminiscent of Pinterest boards. The 2010s, however, truly marked the golden age of Coachella style, where boho chic seamlessly blended with beachy vibes. During that time, flower crowns and Polaroid cameras were ubiquitous, capturing the essence of the festival. Vanessa Hudgens reigned as the undisputed queen of Coachella Valley, embodying the spirit of the era. You truly had to be there to appreciate the magic of it all.

Now, this doesn't imply that I completely dislike every single Coachella outfit I've encountered over the past few years. In fact, I believe there has been a revival of the boho chic aesthetic since 2020, evoking the essence of the original Coachella style. This past weekend showcased an array of chunky belts, flowing white skirts, and an abundance of leather and lace. However, I can't help but reminisce about a time when the vibe was more carefree and whimsical, embracing the most vibrant flower power ensembles.

This morning, while indulging in my usual TikTok scroll, I stumbled upon a video from @nottrebeca that sparked a glimmer of hope within me: the 2010s Coachella aesthetic might be making a triumphant return. Given the recent resurgence of Indie Sleaze, I can't help but feel optimistic that this iconic style will be prevalent at future Coachella festivals.

With all of this in mind I want to give you a glimpse into some of my favorite past Coachella looks that have stayed with me throughout the years.

1. Vanessa Hudgens Circa 2014

   
   

One remarkable aspect of Vanessa is her ability to consistently shine at Coachella every year. Throughout the 2010s, she was the reigning queen of the festival, captivating audiences and dominating Tumblr with her iconic presence. This particular look perfectly encapsulates the essence of what Coachella once represented: the flower crown, the bohemian sunglasses, and the stylish armband all come together in a harmonious blend of festival spirit.

I adore the way all the trendsetters embraced flowing tops and layered outerwear, creating an effortless yet chic vibe. The addition of the hemp backpack ties the entire ensemble together beautifully. In my heart, she will always remain the one and only queen of Coachella.

2. Bella Hadid 2013

I am certain that I recreated this iconic style at some point during my middle school years. The combination of Converse sneakers, a flannel tied around the waist, a lace bralette, and denim shorts epitomized the ultimate Coachella look of the 2010s. While Bella Hadid's fashion sense has undoubtedly evolved over the years, she has consistently remained a fashion icon. Nothing captures the essence of Coachella quite like a casually assembled outfit, perfectly complemented by a pair of chic black sunglasses.

3. Aubrey Plaza

I believe it's fair to say that Aubrey Plaza is everyone's favorite queen of deadpan humor. Her fashion choices continue to impress, showcasing her unique style. This Americana-inspired outfit, reminiscent of Lana Del Rey, is simply perfect for the moment. The pinstriped denim shorts, paired with a whimsical flower crown and heart-shaped sunglasses, create an absolutely stunning ensemble. This is a look I would love to see make a comeback—it exudes a carefree, whimsical vibe that captures the essence of the '70s.

4. Emma Chamberlain in 2018

I believe that the pinnacle of Coachella fashion had already passed before Emma Chamberlain made her entrance, but her iconic Coachella outfit truly transformed my perspective when I was just 15. This was around the time I began following her on YouTube, and it was her Coachella video that first introduced me to her vibrant world. It was also during the dramatic 2018 Dote trip, which, despite its ups and downs, showcased some remarkable looks. Emma has always been a trailblazer in the fashion realm, setting trends that defined the 2020s. She single-handedly revived the scrunchie trend during this period and continues to influence major fashion movements to this day. The combination of the lace top, metallic skirt, and Brandy Melville belt perfectly encapsulates the essence of 2018 fashion—an aesthetic I wish had lingered a bit longer.

5. Kendall and Kylie 2015

The hat, the glasses, and the jewelry all evoke the pre-King Kylie era. Everything about this photo feels like a distant memory now. During this time, Kendall and Kylie were captivating the Tumblr and the fashion world, inspiring countless outfits along the way. They had launched their fashion line at PacSun just a few years earlier, creating a buzz that left every girl eager to own a piece from the collection. These outfits are quintessentially 2010s, perfectly embodying the spirit of the era.

The wave of nostalgia inspired by these fashion trends has me yearning to slip into a pair of Doc Martens and high-waisted denim shorts. I hope this reflection has convinced you of the need to revive this iconic style at Coachella as soon as possible. Let’s bring back the essence of this era and celebrate its unique charm together!