21 Festival Season Essentials, From Face Gems to Cowboy Boots

Every editorial product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission.

For some, festival season style essentials like crop tops and vintage denim are kept at the ready all year long. But for spring and summer 2024 in particular, it's no surprise that '90s fashion is heavily influencing shopping habits. Fans of the fashion era have a newfound affinity for baggy cargo pants, oversize jeans, naked dresses, and — of course — corsets. Y2K-inspired looks are also trickling into the festival realm, so if classic bohemian staples like cowboy boots, fringe, and crochet aren't for you, you have slightly more contemporary options.

We scoured many of our favorite labels known for festivalwear to see what's selling ahead of the concerts to come and can confirm that wardrobes are skewing more and more toward personal taste, whether it's decorative makeup products and face gems or the best sneakers for getting around. That being said, there are plenty of universally versatile essentials such as face SPF, affordable, hands-free bags, collapsible water bottles, and even handheld fans that you simply can't go without when you're hitting up a music festival in the sweltering heat.

Ahead, check out some of our go-to products for festival season, some of which have been recently rated and reviewed by our editors, then shop the best Levi's jeans and sunglasses if you need to round out your wardrobe even more.

Corset
nordstrom.com

Corset

Miaou Campbell Corset Top ($245)

The corset routinely gets reinterpreted for festival season each year, whether it's updated with splashy florals, animal print, or part of a miniskirt set. We love the lace orange effect of this top, which can be teamed with everything from denim cutoffs to cargo pants and a pair of tough-looking combat boots.

Face Gems
amazon.com

Face Gems

Teenitor Self Adhesive Face Gems and Pearls For Makeup ($6)

This pack of face jewels comes with two sheets of rhinestone stickers, one sheet of hair pearls, and one sheet of multicolor gemstones. Once your skin is prepped with makeup, you can add these to your look to achieve a beauty moment that's even more done up. These face gems are made from high quality ABS material without odor, and they don't irritate your skin.

Water Bottle
amazon.com

Water Bottle

Special Made Collapsible Water Bottle ($8)

You've probably been spotting these trendy collapsible water bottles everywhere. During festival season, they're perfect for stowing away in your waist bag or tote until you get a chance for a refill. The leakproof valve means you won't dampen the rest of the belongings in your bag. Plus, you can shop from plenty of different colorways to match your outfit.

Belt Bag
amazon.com

Belt Bag

Packism Clear Fanny Pack ($10)

Going hands-free at a festival is a reasonable preference, but while '80s-inspired waist bags were popular in previous years, a slightly more functional crossbody that's a little larger will likely feel more secure while you're walking around. This one is also a top pick on Amazon, and it's clear, which is helpful for stages that require see-through bags.

Colored Lashes
ulta.com

Colored Lashes

Lilly Lashes Multicolored Individual Faux Mink Lash Flares ($11, originally $14)

Get creative with your beauty look this festival season and decorate your eyes with accent lashes, blending them with your shadow for a prismatic effect. While you might not expect it, these are reusable up to three times with proper care, but they come with a whopping total of 32 clusters, so they should keep you occupied for all of the concerts you've got on the agenda.

Packable Deodorant
POPSUGAR Photography | Anvita Reddy

Packable Deodorant

Billie AHA pH Adjusting Deodorant Gel ($12, originally $13)

This roll-on AHA deodorant is getting plenty of hype for its promising formula that works to exfoliate the skin, unclog pores, block odor-causing bacteria, and even out the skin's texture and tone. Available in three different scents, it's perfect for those with sensitive skin on the go.

Our editor gave it four stars in her Billie AHA Deodorant review, writing, "From workouts to stuffy subways, or anything that typically makes me break a sweat, I still can't smell any trace of my body odor. Plus, the formula goes on clear and dries quickly, so you don't need to worry about staining clothes or getting the gel everywhere."

Mini Fan
amazon.com

Mini Fan

Jisulife Handheld Mini Fan ($15)

This small pocket fan will come in handy when you're out all day in the sweltering heat. It's rechargeable with an accompanying power bank, and it even doubles as a flashlight when the sun goes down. Shop it in five different trendy colors and get up to 19 hours of cooling time.

Drink Mixers
amazon.com

Drink Mixers

Craftmix Variety Pack Skinny Cocktail Mixers ($15)

With all the trendy beverages currently on the market, we suggest you trying blending up a cocktail or mocktail of your own with this vegan, low-sugar variety pack. The recommended recipe is to add one ounce of liquor and three ounces of soda or sparkling water. Plus, these are easy to pack just in case you don't like what's available at the music festival bar.

Lip Oil
sephora.com

Lip Oil

Ami Colé Hydrating Lip Treatment Oil ($20)

This lip oil is formulated with baobab-seed oil, camellia-seed oil, passion-fruit-seed oil, and vitamin E to deliver antioxidants and deep hydration on the lips. Available in six unique shades to fit whatever vibe you're going for, the look is supposed to be mostly sheer, with a subtle tint.

Our editor rated the product four stars, explaining, "At first, it may seem like the product is just sitting on your lips topically, but within minutes, the hydration penetrates, slowly softening the lips for a healthier, nonsticky feel. Because of its thicker texture, the hydration is actually pretty long-lasting — I can go a few hours without reapplying." Read more in her review of Ami Colé's Hydrating Lip Treatment Oil.

Sunglasses
tjmaxx.tjx.com

Sunglasses

Quay 57mm Heartbreaker Sunglasses ($25)

A pair of heart sunglasses makes for the perfect outfit accoutrement, especially in a neutral, rose gold shade. These also come with a soft pouch, which is perfect for stowing away in a smaller bag while you're at the festival. Quay Australia is an affordable designer favorite, and these come with the recognizable brand logo on the lens.

Bandana
freepeople.com

Bandana

Free People Marigold Dot Bandana ($30)

Whether you tie yours into a top, wear it in your hair, or wrap it around your arm, a bandana is a go-to festival accoutrement. Consider this affordable option from Free People, which comes in five different colorways and plenty of styling inspiration on the product page.

Graphic Tee
nordstrom.com

Graphic Tee

Merch Traffic Aaliyah One in a Million Cotton Graphic T-Shirt ($35)

Vintage-inspired graphic tees are selling at an all-time high this festival season, but we especially love styles with prints that speak to our favorite artists. After all, that just makes your look so much more special — especially when the shirt can be considered a collectible.

Hot Pants
amazon.com

Hot Pants

Uratot Cotton Sports Shorts ($36)

Jump on the hot pants trend with this perfect pack of seven mixed-color shorts, each pair replete with white piping for a sporty vibe. The material is breathable and sweat-absorbent, ideal for when you're in the summer heat at a music festival.

Face Sunscreen
POPSUGAR Photography | Jessica Harrington

Face Sunscreen

Kosas DreamBeam Silicone-Free Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40 ($40)

This mineral formula face sunscreen with non-nano zinc oxide provides SPF 40 protection and features ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and peptides to moisturize and soothe the skin. It blends easily with makeup, if you're going that route for your music festival, but the Sunlit shade also provides a natural bronze if you choose to wear it alone.

"I've tried countless face sunscreen formulas over the years, but the ones that make it into my skin-care routine long-term have to feel good on my skin (not greasy or heavy) and layer well under makeup," our editor wrote, rating the product four stars. Read more in her Kosas DreamBeam SPF 40 review.

Onesie
abercrombie.com

Onesie

YPB SculptLUX Full-Length Cinch-Front Sweetheart Onesie ($55, originally $110)

If you prefer to shop for a movable one-and-done romper, onesie, or jumpsuit for festival season, you just might fall in love with Abercrombie's activewear line, YPB, which offers this bestselling cutout sweetheart onesie. It happens to be on clearance, and you can easily tie a sweatshirt around your waist to jazz it up and give it something extra.

Our editor rated it four stars in our review of Abercrombie & Fitch's YPB activewear, writing, "I loved the onesie's adjustable sleeves and flattering design, especially the cinched neckline and cutout detail, but I might've felt even more snatched in a size down." Keep her size recommendation in mind if you do choose to make the purchase.

Bucket Hat
urbanoutfitters.com

Bucket Hat

Gunes Recycled Nylon Bucket Hat ($70)

Bucket hats are truly the best for making a style statement at a music festival, while shielding you from harmful sun rays. This striped version comes in bubblegum or mocha, and it's sustainably made from recycled nylon. You can also wash it in the machine after you wear it, so it's entirely ready for the next concert on your list.

Bralette
zara.com

Bralette

Zara Beaded Bralette ($70)

While it may not make for the type of street style trend you wear for the rest of the year, a midriff-baring top like this embellished bralette is a trusty choice for festival season, especially when paired with a heavyweight cargo pant and utility boot. If you're headed into very hot weather, try wearing it with airy crochet palazzo pants instead.

Platform Sneakers
nordstrom.com

Platform Sneakers

Adidas Gazelle Bold Platform Sneaker ($120)

A pair of platform sneakers is practically an essential during festival season. Opt for a pair in neutral colors so that they can be worn with multiple outfits. The elevated height during a concert doesn't hurt, but in a trusty shoe like the Adidas Gazelle, you can rest assured you'll stay comfortable while walking from stage to stage.

Denim Shorts
nordstrom.com

Denim Shorts

Good American Good '90s Cutoff Denim Shorts ($129)

Denim shorts are a festival season staple because they're comfy and go with literally anything, from distressed tees to floral blouses. Get playful with different washes to find a look tailored to your style. The distressed details on these shorts, which are offered in regular and plus sizes, make for a lived-in '90s feel.

Fringe Poncho
revolve.com

Fringe Poncho

Luli Fama Here Comes The Sun Long Poncho ($187)

Whether you wear fringe from head to toe or on a single statement piece is up to you. For festivals, something like this tie-waist poncho offers a lot of mileage and is a trusty staple to keep nearby when it gets cooler at night. Being that it comprises so many different colors, it should wear well with everything from your cutoffs to cowboy boots.

Cowboy Boots
freepeople.com

Cowboy Boots

Jeffrey Campbell Finn Tall Western Boots ($358)

With the release of Beyoncé's album Cowboy Carter, the Western aesthetic is more inspired and relevant than ever. You'll want a trusty pair of cowboy boots to take you through festival season, and we love the classic details of this tall Jeffrey Campbell silhouette, which is also available in silver crackle, washed black, gray, light blue metallic, and dark blue. They're a top-rated style at Free People, so shop them quickly before they sell out.

_


Sarah Wasilak is the associate director of commerce at POPSUGAR. With plenty of experience in the shopping market, a keen interest in SEO, and 10 years as an editor at the brand, she enjoys writing across the lifestyle and health-and-fitness categories. She has bylines at POPSUGAR, InStyle, Elle, Refinery29, Who What Wear, Elite Daily, Byrdie, and The Quality Edit and aims to amplify minority voices in all her work.