As music-lovers flock to Grant Park, Chicago on August 2 for Lollapalooza, we’re more excited for all the fresh festival looks that will be flooding our Instagram feeds. We’re predicting plenty of enviable eyewear, the latest denim trends, and prints and patterns as bright and colorful as Lolla itself. With headliners like Bruno Mars, Jack White, and The Weeknd, and all the best eats Chicago has to offer, all that’s left is a wardrobe to match the summer festival vibes. But, that doesn’t mean your Lollapalooza ensembles have to cost a fortune—by building on the basics you already have in your closet, you can create tons of unique and Insta-worthy outfits mixing clothes you already own with statement pieces that are sure to turn heads. As you get ready to head to Chicago, check out all the best looks we’ve rounded up from the CF community to help inspire the perfect Lollapalooza outfits that incorporate your go-to basics.
Pair Your Go-To Halter With Flared and Printed Pants
Take the classic and endlessly versatile halter top and elevate it with a pair of printed pants that are guaranteed to make your outfit pop. Tuck your halter into a high-waisted pair with multi-colored vertical stripes for a legs-for-days look that’ll carry you from day to night.
Get This Look: Farrow Absalon Halter Top ($60), Le Specs Echo Cat-Eye Metal Sunglasses ($90), Urban Outfitters Marie Tassel Tie Striped Pant ($30)
Rebrand the Tube Top By Layering It With Sheer Long-Sleeves
On its own, the tube top is a just another basic, one-dimensional piece–but it’s also practically made to be part of a layered look. Worn under a sheer long-sleeved blouse, and paired with your favorite statement sunglasses, the tube top becomes the foundation of an intricate, multi-textured ‘fit.
Get This Look: Forever 21 Striped Smocked Tube Top in Sage ($12), Free People In Time Long Sleeve in Black ($48), Le Specs X Adam Selman The Last Lolita ($119)
Dust Off Your Checkered Vans and Beanie for a Fresh Take on the Classic Skater Girl Look
Find inspiration from Lollapalooza’s alternative and punk rock vibes and revive the skater girl style of the early 2000s with comfortable and classic checkered Vans and a colorful beanie. Complete the look with a pair of relaxed vintage washed jeans, and a sheer black top for an outfit made for jamming to the sets of All Time Low and Vampire Weekend.
Get This Look: Obey Vernon Beanie II ($22), Alo Mellow Short Sleeve Top ($59), BDG Mom Jean in Vintage Wash ($59), Vans Classic Slip-on in Black/White Check ($50)
Dress Down a Silk Button-Down With High-Waisted Jean Shorts
While a silk button-down might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of festival fashion, tucked into a pair of high-waisted jean shorts, this typically dressy basic completes a perfectly balanced ensemble. Roll up the sleeves and wear it off the shoulder for an effortlessly chic, two-piece outfit.
Get This Look: Everlane The Relaxed Silk Shirt in White ($88), Violeta By Mango Metal Buckle Belt in Black ($30), Urban Outfitters Vintage High-Rise Lee Denim Mom Short ($49)
Flashback to the Best '90s Trends With a Plaid Print and Crop Top
Channel your inner Cher Horowitz a la Clueless for a look reminiscent of the ’90s fashion we loved. Take a staple crop top to the next level by wearing it with a pair of bright plaid pants, a corduroy fisherman cap, and a festival-essential fanny pack.
Get This Look: Brixton Fiddler Unstructured Corduroy Fisherman Hat in Yellow ($32), Forever 21 Ribbed Crop Top in Ivory ($12), Forever 21 Faux Leather Fanny Pack in White ($18)
Contrast a Bright, Multi-Colored Crochet Dress With Lace-Up Black Booties
Your staple lace-up booties might be something you live in during the winter, but they can also be ideal footwear for trekking around between Lollapalooza’s eight different stages to catch all your favorite sets. Transition these go-to boots into a festival ensemble by unexpectedly sporting them with a colorful crocheted dress.
Get This Look: Mango Oval Sunglasses in Gold ($30), Dr. Martens Modern Classics Smooth 1460 8-Eye Boots ($148), UO Crochet High-Neck Mini Dress ($100)
Balance Out a Metallic Statement Skirt With Comfy and Classic White Sneakers
You know those sneakers that used to sit in your high school gym locker? Give them a second life by mixing them into your festival wardrobe as the comfortable and basic white tennis shoe you can wear with almost any outfit. Try contrasting the plain white sneakers with a shiny metallic skirt that will definitely stand out in a crowd.
Get This Look: Truly Madly Deeply Property of Nobody Tank ($15), Noisy May Metallic Skirt ($40), Nike Air Max 1 Women’s Premium Leather Sneakers ($130), Topshop Rectangle Sunglasses ($26)
Incorporate Your Favorite T-Shirt Into Your Lollapalooza Wardrobe
Keep your look simple by starting with your favorite graphic tee, dressing it up and adding texture with a ruffled skirt. Slip on some white sneakers and your shades and you’ve taken your comfy tee shirt from casual to festival chic.
Get This Look: Levi’s Repeat Logo Tee ($30), 1.State Ruffle-Trim Mini Skirt ($69), Le Specs Sub Dimension Sunglasses ($59)
Break Out Your Bike Shorts And Band Tees For A Look You Can Definitely Dance In
Really bring your Lollapalooza outfit back to the basics by putting together a look entirely from staple pieces you already own. Pair simple black bike shorts with a band tee of your choice, lace-up your sneakers, and you’ll be ready to dance your way through Grant Park all weekend long.
Get This Look: Zella Mia Vision High Waist Mesh Bike Shorts ($49), Junk Food Pink Floyd Dark Side Of The Moon Tee ($40), Vans Sk8–Hi Top Sneaker ($65)
Try out these looks or show us your own unique Lollapalooza outfits on Instagram by tagging @cfashionista!
Opening image by Hannah Fyfe.
