Ponchos! Skullcaps! Fringe Boots! Here Are the Biggest Trends I Spotted at Coachella 2026
Festival style at its finest.
After years of watching from afar, I finally made it to my first Coachella over the weekend, and yes, it was every bit as joy sparking as I'd imagined, blisters aside. Major highlights included belting out "Baby" during Justin Bieber's set and, of course, taking in the sea of fringe and sequins, because everyone knows Coachella style is truly in a league of its own. As a fashion writer, I couldn't help but clock all the emerging festival fashion trends.
Some buzzy looks felt par for the course—suede fringe boots and cheeky hot pants among them. Others, however, I didn't quite see coming. Exhibit A: bikini tops worn in lieu of shirts. Then again, what better way to beat the heat in style? Meanwhile, a wave of low-rise denim nodded to the early aughts, cementing the silhouette as a defining trend for 2026.
With festival season well underway, scroll below for all the trends I spotted at Coachella weekend one. Let them inspire your next festival look. Hello, Lollapalooza.
Skullcaps
Skullcaps were out in full force over the weekend, with many festivalgoers topping off their looks with crochet and sequin-adorned styles. They may not have offered much protection from the intense sun, but the fitted hats certainly delivered on style, especially when paired with funky sunglasses and playful jewelry.
Shop Skullcaps
Low-Rise Denim
Much to the dismay of millennials, low-rise denim is here to stay—well, at least for festival season. However, you don't necessarily need to bare your whole stomach. As exhibited above, wearing high-waisted underwear underneath the bottoms adds both coverage and a stylish edge.
Shop Low-Rise Denim
Fringe Boots
The biggest takeaway from the weekend? Comfortable shoes are nonnegotiable, as walking miles is unavoidable during the festival. While sneakers are the most practical option, flat boots emerged as the de facto choice—namely suede fringe styles. Clearly, Western-inspired fashion isn't going anywhere anytime soon.
Shop Fringe Boots
Ponchos
Low-rise denim wasn't the only early aughts trend to rear its head. Ponchos were practically everywhere I turned. Sparkly styles led the charge, followed by crochet versions. My prediction: The trend will extend well beyond festivals this summer.
Shop Ponchos
Hot Pants
There was no shortage of hot pants at the festival. Knit styles offered comfort, while leather micro shorts added edge to every look. Consider slipping into the cheeky silhouette on the sweltering days ahead.
Shop Hot Pants
Thick Belts
Belts have been having a major moment as of late, and at Coachella, thick styles took over the festival grounds. Some layered the accents over breezy dresses, and others paired them with leg-baring miniskirts.
Shop Thick Belts
Bikini Tops
It seems bikini tops are no longer reserved for the beach. Over the weekend, a slew of attendees ditched shirts in favor of the swimwear, keeping sweat at bay. Don't be surprised if the trend makes its way to the streets.
Shop Bikini Tops
