Whether you're there for the music, the vibes, or the perfect Instagram shot, Coachella has become the runway of the desert.
It's where flower crowns reign, cowboy boots roam free, and mesh tops outnumber bottled water.
This year, festival-goers tapped into 2016 Coachella nostalgia, channeling its carefree, effortlessly boho energy, and inner Vanessa Hudgens. Cue Roses by The Chainsmokers ft ROZES.
It was also #bratchella and #gagachella and so many people brought their A-game with themed outfits that I was absolutely obsessed with.
Here are my top 10 outfits from Coachella weekend one and two in no particular order!
Estefania Q
A Gagachella look that I have to applaud. This dress, made by @ceezvr, was an ode to the iconic meat dress that Lady Gaga wore to the 2010 MTV Awards. It was the perfect tribute to one of her most provocative fashion moments and showed commitment, creativity, and a sense of humor, all wrapped into one unforgettable outfit.
In a crowd that dressed in desert chic outfits, no that’s not shade, this meat dress stood out as both a nostalgic nod and a fearless expression of fandom, capturing the spirit of Gaga herself.
Rickey Thompson
This Maximilian Raynor ‘The Fish Forager’ coat is insane, and I am obsessed with the detailing. Rickey is not only fashion forward, but being environmentally conscious, as this coat is a “zero waste neo-fur made from instrument waste British wool punchinella and wool scraps hand feathered through hours of cutting and knotting.”
I have seen this shirt both with and without shirts worn under it, and I definitely love the sexy “it’s too hot for a shirt while I wear a floor-length coat” contradictory vibe.
Destinee Wray
Head scarves were in this year, and I was so here for it. This was not a traditional one, but I loved how it accentuated her braids—almost framing them like part of the accessory itself. It added texture and personality in the most effortless way.
And then there were the layered belts that were the same color as her set, but they somehow made the whole look pop even more. They added just enough dimension and structure to break up the monochrome without taking away from the softness.
Carter Kench
As someone who spent three hours getting their body painted for my Halloween costume last year, I understand/appreciate when people fully commit to a theme. I loveddddd this. Like being a telephone for #gagachella is too good! I saw this getting a lot of flak on TikTok, but I think this is so original and I’m honestly shocked we didn’t see more people who full-sended like this.
Alexa Jay
I love a graphic/gag tea, so this was right up my alley. This was a prime example of how simplicity can go a long way because there’s nothing crazy about this outfit, yet the pose, the way the yellow complements her skin, the sunglasses, everything about this ate for me.
Kenzie Grace
Usually, I wouldn’t be a fan of fur in the desert, but I adored this set. I know that Tara Yummy wore the same top, but she had different bottoms, which is what through that look off for me because the matching bottoms add an additional layer of chic-ness. From her bangel to the sunglasses to the purse, I like how she stuck with the same shade range for the whole look.
Kristal Heredia
The Torrid girls ate down this trip and Kristal was no exception! If there’s anyone who’s excited about chunky turquoise jewelry making a comeback, it’s me. It reminds me of the weekly trips my mom and I would take to Michael’s, where I would always find myself drawn to the turquoise jewelry section. The vibrant blues and greens instantly brighten up any outfit, adding a touch of bohemian flair and vintage charm.
Leah Kateb
I audibly gasped when these pics hit my feed. She looked so good that people were making TikTok videos trying to find out what body shimmer she used. The outfit gave clean girl chic—sleek, minimal, effortlessly polished—combined with a 1950s/1960s baby doll nightie look that I couldn’t get enough of.
The Revolve baby yellow dress and Bottega stretch heel sandals are a match made in heaven. If you see me in this exact same look this summer, mind your business.
Black Willy Wonka
As a maximalist, this outfit spoke to me in a way that a lot of ways that most didn’t. Yes, we saw the layered belts, the stacked jewelry, but who had a matching Gucci cane, hat, tights, ascot, and top hat combo? Normally, mixing that many prints would totally throw me off—it can so easily look chaotic or forced—but in this case, it all just flowed.
Each piece had its own personality, but they worked together like a carefully curated collage. Everything felt intentional, not overwhelming. And the handlebar mustache? That was the cherry on top.
Ashton Ray
Cigarette sunglasses are you kidding me?!?!?! Also saw this one getting hate on social media, and to that I say: if you hate this, you don’t get a theme, and that’s on you. If you’re not familiar with Nicola Formichetti’s work nor seen the iconic “Telephone” music video, just say that! #Gagachella on top
Honorable mention to Ivan, who dyed his hair green for #bratchella!