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I’ve Been to Coachella 4 Times, and I’m Still Shopping Urban Outfitters for Festival Looks—Here’s What I’d Buy Now

After the Meet Me @ UO Joshua Tree trip and seeing the brand’s latest styles IRL, I left inspired.

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urban outfitters festival fashion
Design by Khadija Horton

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Nowhere do I feel more like myself than at a music festival. The performances, the nonstop dancing, the 15-hour adrenaline-fueled chaos of it all—it’s basically my church. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the outfit matters just as much as everything else. With four Coachellas under my belt, festival dressing has become one of my strongest skills. So when I got invited to Urban Outfitters’ Meet Me @ UO experience in Joshua Tree, I knew it’d be my Super Bowl.

I mean, one of my favorite retailers hosting a mini ‘Chella (minus the crowds), 20,000 steps a day, and questionable porta-potty situations? Easy yes. The two-day event brought together creators from its Me@UO community , which spotlights emerging voices over massive followings, and it felt less like a typical, spon-con influencer trip and more like a gathering of creatives. Everyone showed up with their own take on festival style, and it was truly inspiring. It felt like stepping into a live mood board—and I was fully clocking looks as I saw Urban’s latest pieces styled in real time on real people.

It made me realize that Urban is the ultimate one-stop shop for the occasion. Whether you’re leaning boho, Y2K, whimsical and romantic, or biker girl, there’s something that fits the mood. Below is everything I’d be packing—from the trends I kept seeing to the pieces I actually wore (and would again!)—if you’re headed to Governors Ball, Lollapalooza, or any festival on your calendar.

I kept spotting this purse over and over on the trip, to the point where I made a mental note to buy it for myself the second I got home. The belt buckle detail and lace-up accents take it from a simple neutral shoulder bag to an accessory that instantly makes an outfit look cooler. And it holds all the essentials!

I was a poncho skeptic, but I’m sold on it for festival fashion now. It just works with the whole desert, vintage-inspired vibe, and the fringe on this one makes every outfit feel a little more fun and dynamic, especially when it moves while you’re walking or dancing!

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Animal print was everywhere at Joshua Tree, but this top in particular was a clear favorite, and I totally get why. It taps into so many current trends at once—from tiger print to the halter silhouette and corset detailing. Pair it with leather mini shorts and combat boots for a rocker-inspired vibe, or style it with a ruffled skirt and cowboy boots to be a little more free-spirited.

Cargo pants aren’t new to the style scene by any means, but the balloon silhouette is something different and gives them so much more personality—perfect for festival fashion. Style them with a sparkly crop top for a feminine contrast, or go full utilitarian with a camo top. I’d also add a belly chain to give the whole look a little extra something!

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Bye polka dots, and hello stripes! The print was all over the festival circuit—especially at Meet Me @ UO—in every direction, colorway, and silhouette imaginable. I wore this one with khaki jorts and a bandana for a street-style moment. FYI: It’s completely sheer, so I’d recommend layering a black bikini top (like I did) or a neutral lace bra underneath.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: belts are officially back, and in every form. I’m especially loving the metal belt trend, whether worn lower on the hips or higher up on the waist. From stars and hearts to bold hardware details, they add a playful, statement-making element that feels so much more exciting than a standard black or brown belt.

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When I say everyone was wearing a tall leather boot… many of them this exact style… I mean, everyone. And honestly, it makes perfect sense. It adds an edgy touch to a pair of shorts or a frilly dress or skirt, and it’ll protect your legs from all the dirt and dust clouds that music festivals have to offer. Plus, the neutral colorway makes it versatile enough to pair with both bolder looks and more toned-back ones.

As a festival veteran, a white boho skirt is a staple. It’ll never fail you! I love that this one is low-rise, if fully lined at the top, and has the asymmetrical hem that makes it stand out from all the others out there. I’m obsessed with mine!

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The studded detailing on this cowboy hat instantly elevates it and makes it feel way more styled. You can go full Western, or just throw it on with a simple outfit and let it be the moment. And beyond the aesthetic, it actually pulls double duty with solid sun protection!

Word on the street—at least according to fashion people—is that matcha green is the new butter yellow, and I’m all for it. This tube top makes the color feel really wearable: you can let it be the star of the show with simple basics, or lean all the way in and mix it with other bold colors to live out your maximalist dreams.

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If you don’t wanna do too much, but still want some flair: a white ruffle top is the move. The babydoll shape, ruffled hem, and scoop neckline keep it feeling light and easy. I’d really pile on the jewelry—layered necklaces, stacked rings, maybe some fun earrings—to lean into that effortless look.

Seen on runways and in the wild, cord necklaces are one of the hottest jewelry trends right now. They feel inherently festival-coded with their laidback, nostalgic feel. This black one is especially easy to wear thanks to its minimal design—it works well on its own or with other necklaces.

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You always need a solid pair of denim shorts in your rotation. A baggy fit is comfortable, easy to move in, and gives you that relaxed shape. And from Levi’s? Obviously.

Bandanas are always a go-to for me because I don’t have to stress too much about my hairstyle, they just look effortlessly cool, and I can take them off and use them as a face covering when the dust kicks in. I usually go for fun prints and colors to mix things up!

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Skinny black sunglasses are out, and oversized bug-eyed sunglasses are in. These ones have that chic, vintage feel.

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Megan Uy
Associate Shopping Editor

Megan Uy is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, where she searches for the best products in all things fashion, home, beauty, sex, gifts, and more, so you don’t have to. When she’s not writing for the site, she’s whipping up some cool and trendy content for the fashion section of the print magazine. She’s been with the brand since 2019 (when she was an itty-bitty editorial fellow), and she's also written for Delish, House Beautiful, and People. Follow her on Instagram to get some BTS of the editor life and chaotic NYC content. Also, feel free to hit her up if you ever wanna discuss the madness that is TikTok

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