Photos show how Coachella fashion has changed in the past decade

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Gabi Stevenson,Callie AhlgrimApr 27, 2022, 04:12 IST
Photos show how Coachella fashion has changed in the past decade

Coachella fashion in 2012, 2017, and 2022.Frazer Harrison/Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Coachella; Callie Ahlgrim/Insider

  • The Coachella music festival in Indio, California, is known for its distinct fashion.
  • Since 2012, dozens of different trends have come and gone on the festival circuit.
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Coachella fashion in 2012 was a lot more low-key than today's festival style.

Coachella fashion in 2012 was a lot more low-key than today's festival style.
Fashion at Coachella 2012 featured simple fashion with a bohemian or edgy twist.Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Coachella

At Coachella 10 years ago, the festival 'fits were a lot less elaborate. Many festivalgoers wore tiny denim shorts and low-rise skirts in an array of colors.

Those who wanted a more bohemian look often added fringe or a headband.

For an edgier look, attendees stomped around the grounds in combat boots.

Cropped shirts, bralettes, and bikini tops made a splash at Coachella in 2013.

Cropped shirts, bralettes, and bikini tops made a splash at Coachella in 2013.
The super-cropped top reigned supreme at Coachella 2013.Mark Davis/Getty Images for Coachella

Although the fashion was still relatively tame, a stand-out piece for the 2013 festival was the micro-top.

Bralettes, cropped shirts, and bikini tops were paired with anything from a full-length maxi skirt to daisy dukes.

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Although boho style was still at the forefront of Coachella style, some festivalgoers took more fashion risks in 2014.

Although boho style was still at the forefront of Coachella style, some festivalgoers took more fashion risks in 2014.
Attendees at Coachella 2014 showed more skin than in previous years.Matt Cowan/Getty Images for Coachella

Coachella 2014 saw style get more daring and intricate, with some festivalgoers showing some skin in crocheted and mesh materials.

You could even see some people wearing only swimsuits or skipping tops altogether.

Bohemian style and accessories took center stage at Coachella in 2015, with stars like Kendall Jenner and Paris Hilton hopping on the festival trend.

Bohemian style and accessories took center stage at Coachella in 2015, with stars like Kendall Jenner and Paris Hilton hopping on the festival trend.
Celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Paris Hilton piled on the accessories at Coachella 2015.Papjuice/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images; Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Coachella; Papjuice/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

Even bigger than bohemian clothes at Coachella 2015 were "bohemian" accessories. The flower crown was turning into a festival staple, but fashionistas also piled on other headpieces like cat ears, chunky jewelry, belts, sunglasses, and bags.

Big names like Jenner and Hilton both showed up to Coachella that year in hippie-inspired looks, proving that boho-mania was making a comeback on the festival circuit.

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Monochromatic looks were big at Coachella in 2016.

Monochromatic looks were big at Coachella in 2016.
Many attendees rocked black and white to the 2016 festival.Matt Cowan/Getty Images for Coachella

Coachella 2016 was the year of black-and-white looks for many attendees. Some went for all-white or all-black with their ensembles, while others mixed them together for contrast.

High-slit skirts, boots, and midriff-bearing sets also made strong appearances in 2016.

2017 saw a huge backlash against culturally appropriative trends in Coachella's past.

2017 saw a huge backlash against culturally appropriative trends in Coachella's past.
A pair of sunglasses is a festival staple.Matt Cowan/Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Coachella

Publications from Teen Vogue to Mic began publishing guides about "how to avoid cultural appropriation at Coachella," a problematic reputation that continues to this day.

Many festivalgoers simply wore toned-down versions of boho-chic trends, opting for layered necklaces, wide-brimmed hats, and funky sequin designs.

Pigtail braids and space buns were very popular among people with long hair.

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Gems, sparkles, and bright colors became synonymous with Coachella in 2018.

Gems, sparkles, and bright colors became synonymous with Coachella in 2018.
Rainbow sequins were a major trend.Frazer Harrison/Presley Ann/Getty Images for Coachella

Festivalgoers went all-out with skin-baring looks, which they frequently paired with sparkly accessories or bejeweled accents.

Vibrant colors were everywhere, especially when it came to hair.

Alongside the typical glitz, Y2K fashion started to make a comeback in 2019.

Alongside the typical glitz, Y2K fashion started to make a comeback in 2019.
Satin, leather, and mesh were popular textures.Presley Ann/Getty Images for Coachella

While sequins still reigned supreme at Coachella, 2019 bore the unmistakable air of shifting trends, with many fans wearing Y2K-era styles like slip dresses and low-slung pants.

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After two years of cancellations due to COVID-19, Coachella returned in 2022 with bold prints, fringe, and matching sets.

After two years of cancellations due to COVID-19, Coachella returned in 2022 with bold prints, fringe, and matching sets.
Many sets of friends seemed to coordinate their outfits.Callie Ahlgrim

Although some vestiges of old festival fashion remained in 2022, the overall vibe was more casual and cohesive.

As opposed to the maximalist trends of yesteryear, festivalgoers largely favored matching pieces and color coordination.

Oversized outfits and fringed dresses were popular styles, as were bold patterns like marble swirl and cow print. Cowboy boots and Dr. Martens were easily the most common footwear options, though many comfort-minded fans chose to wear sneakers.

Follow along with Insider's Coachella coverage here.

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