Every January, GoldenVoice, the company that puts on the Coachella Valley Music Festival, releases their lineup for the festival that happens during the month of April at the Empire Polo Fields in Indio, California. This year the lineup is phenomenal, including headliners such as Rage Against the Machine, Travis Scott, and Frank Ocean. I have been attending Coachella continuously for the past three years, but have gone to the festival four times. This year it will be my fifth year going to the desert! Which makes me believe that you can trust the do’s and don’ts I live by when attending Coachella.
Lineup
Going to Coachella just to go is not the move. Of course everyone deserves to experience Coachella once in your life if that’s your thing, but wait until the lineup is something you really love and appreciate.
DO go to Coachella if you love the Lineup.
DO see if there is at least more than eight artists or groups you like on the lineup; I believe then you are good to go and invest on this festival.
DO remember you may not see every artist you like on their because most of the time, many sets conflicts with timing.
DO write or note down which artists you want to see, from NEED to see to okay without seeing.
DON’T go to Coachella if you don’t care for the majority of the artists performing.
Outfits
As most people know, Coachella is the festival that fashion is a huge statement. Everyone dresses up and tries to find the cutest outfits to wear. This is definitely one of the biggest stresses that falls on it’s attendees. Throughout my years of going, I have definitely learned a few things along the way when it comes to what to wear and what not to wear.
DO wear comfortable shoes that you can walk around in for hours and don’t mind having dust possible permanently ruin them.
DO wear something that is easy to layer with because during the day it is blazing hot, but at night it does get pretty chilly.
DO wear pants or skirts that you know you don’t have any problems with. Make sure you can comfortably walk, dance, jump, and sit down in comfortably.
DO understand that if you wear a hat, that you’re going to have to hold or wear that hat for the rest of the day. So make sure you love it!
DO wear sunglasses, but maybe not your nicest pair depending on how careful you are with your things.
DO wear dresses! I have found them to be the most comfortable article of clothing to wear at Coachella because of how free it feels. It is also easier to find a cute dress rather than trying to find bottoms and a top!
DO wear clothes that you know you are confident wearing in pictures.
DO be careful with denim; sometimes it can be comfy and sometimes it can make you chafe like crazy!
DON’T wear boots or shoes that could possibly rub against your legs; I have gotten many blisters from wearing boots. They also tend to make your feet super sweaty and uncomfortable.
DON’T wear stuff that doesn’t fit properly, whether it be too loose or tight because it is going to bother you during the entire day. Even if it’s SUPER CUTE, just think about if it is worth it.
DON’T wear crazy tops that could possible leave terrible tan or sunburn lines.
DON’T get to wild with stacking lots of jewelry because it will get all tangled and it is not fun to deal with while trying to enjoy a music set.
DON’T wear white, or try to limit the white you wear, because DUST and GRASS will stain and ruin your outfit.
DON’T wear things that show sweat easily.
My last thing about outfits for Coachella is to be COMFORTABLE. Comfort over anything!! These are some outfits I’ve worn from the past years that have been my favorites!
Necessities
Being a woman means always being prepared for the unexpected! So having a full list of things you should bring with you to a festival is very helpful. I have learned from many trips to CVS or Target while being in the desert what items are necessary for a successful trip.
DO bring a backpack or side bag; it is important to have something you can carry all of your stuff in.
DO bring a bandana. This is a MUST when going to Coachella. It is a very dusty place and by the end of the festival you will find dust in a tissue every time you blow your nose.
DO bring chapstick, lip gloss, or lipstick.
DO bring tampons or pads even if you aren’t on your period; you could help out another girl in need!
DO bring baby wipes or any body sanitizing wipes you like.
DO bring hand sanitizer, just in case the portable sinks outside of the portable bathrooms run out of water or soap.
DO bring a portable charger and phone cord.
DO bring a disposable camera; it is such a fun way to capture those moments.
DO bring a small wallet, possibly just a card holder and a spot for cash.
DO bring gum, but unopened!!!
I hope this helps at least a little bit when figuring out how to navigate Coachella!