Did you know UF has its own homecoming musical festival? It’s called Gator Growl, and it’s the largest student-run pep rally in the nation. Popular for its annual concert that has showcased a range of well-known artists throughout the years, Gator Growl is a highly anticipated homecoming tradition. This year’s concert at Flavet Field on Friday, November 2 will feature Walk the Moon and rapper Ty Dolla $ign. Much like Coachella, Gator Growl will also present an array of food trucks, fashion venders, beer gardens and more. Half the fun of music festivals (and a large part of the hype) is deciding what to wear. It’s an ideal opportunity to try new styles and experiment with your wardrobe to create a unique festival look.
Get excited for Gator Growl — and inspired to rock your musical festival attire — with these insights and ideas from Gator Growl staff members!
1. Cute crochet
For a hippie-esque vibe, crochet tops are the perfect option. Sported at various festivals by Vanessa Hudgens, Bella Thorne, Chanel Iman and countless other celebrities, this boho trend is an ode to the Woodstock style of the 1970s. Delicate and soft, crochet is for the students aiming to avoid the sweaty heat of a festival crowd. This style can be fashionably paired with denim bottoms and gladiator sandals. Crochet tops can easily be found at shops like Forever 21.
2. Flawless fringe
The fun part of fringe attire is that it can be worn on virtually any item: cardigans, tops, bottoms, shoes, purses or jewelry. This second boho-inspired style also looks great in a wide range of colors. Gigi Hadid, Kate Bosworth and Jourdan Dunn have all rocked their own fringe takes while attending music festivals, displaying the power even a touch of this style can have on taking your outfit from plain to festival-ready. If headed to downtown Gainesville, stop by thrift store Flashbacks, or shop online at Tobi to find your fringe look.
3. Rad rompers and two-pieces
I’ve always been a believer that you can never go wrong with a romper. A casual and chic two-piece or romper is comfortable enough to “Shut Up and Dance” in (while still rocking a stylish look). Since Gator Growl is held in Flavet Field, pairing a romper or two-piece with cute booties or sneakers avoids getting grass on your feet — and your outfit will still pop. Celebrities who have been spotted in this look at festivals like Coachella and Lollapalooza include Julianne Hough, Alexa Chung and Eiza Gonzalez. Inexpensive and trendy rompers/two-pieces can be easily bought at stores like Charlotte Russe.
4. Fun patterns and vibrant colors
Rocking bright colors (especially orange and blue) are a great way to show your Gator spirit while remaining stylish at Gator Growl. In a huge crowd of more than 1,000 students, alumni and Gainesville residents, bright colors help set you apart from the crowd. Festive rompers, two-piece outfits, or jumpsuits with eye-catching patterns are the perfect fit for this occasion, combining typical music festival style with your passion for UF. Creative tribal, floral or tie-dye patterns also spruce up an outfit and add a hippie-esque element to the festival-like vibe. Stars like Sarah Hyland, AnnaSophia Robb and Alessandra Ambrosio are known for attending music festivals in fun colors and trendy patterns. Shop bright, unique designs (and fun accessories) at Copper Closet.
Gator Growl is sure to be an entertaining night filled with music, food, and good people. Purchase your tickets here, and dance to Walk the Moon and Ty Dolla $ign in one of these styles fit for the biggest music festival at UF.