The Outside Festival in Denver recently showcased not just a range of musical talent but also an eclectic display of fashion choices among attendees.
From impulsive festival-goers to conscientious shoppers, each individual expressed their comfort and creativity through unique outfits, often sourced from thrift stores or borrowed from friends.
Ross Kullman, 30, from Westchester, Pennsylvania, sported a Marine Layer outfit complemented by borrowed shoes and accessories.
Despite spending around $250 on his clothing, Kullman claims he does not consider himself particularly fashion-conscious.
His previous festival attire comprised rubber boots and a vest from Walmart—striking a balance between functionality and spontaneity.
“I’m kind of impulsive,” he shared.
“If I see something I’m like, ‘Oh, I would definitely wear that to a festival.’”
Across the festival grounds, Lee Knight and Leslie Herod presented distinctly different styles tailored to their individual preferences.
Knight emphasized functionality and comfort while staying budget-focused, rejecting trends that do not resonate with their personal style.
“I avoid anything trending,” Knight said, explaining that confidence in one’s clothing comes from personal choice.
Conversely, Herod favored breathable fabrics for her festival attire, which included pieces sourced from various retailers.
While Knight mentioned a growing awareness of brand practices, particularly regarding inclusivity, both attendees highlighted the importance of clothing that encourages personal expression.
Carly Nixon, 32, from Minneapolis, proudly showcased her playful style with a plaid outfit from Princess Polly, paired with Converse sneakers and borrowed accessories.
Nixon adopted the concept of “dopamine dressing”—an approach that prioritizes joyful clothing choices.
“I bought the set four years ago, before I knew what fast fashion was,” she admitted, reflecting on her evolving shopping habits.
Today, Nixon focuses on investing in long-lasting pieces, especially jewelry, to maintain a more sustainable wardrobe.
Skaiste Stundziaite, another festival attendee from Chicago, embraced vibrant fashion choices with a floral corset and accessories collected over time.
Stundziaite’s budget-conscious shopping approach often means she opts for items she might wear only once, a reality faced by many in the rave culture.
“I try to recycle some clothes for shows,” she explained, acknowledging the challenge of balancing sustainability and affordability.
Paola Silva, 20, and her partner Daniel Garcia, 26, took a similar approach to fashion, bringing together items collected over time that express their authenticity.
Silva’s eclectic outfit included her partner’s father’s shirt and handmade jewelry, while Garcia sported thrifted clothing that highlights his personal taste.
Collectively, they emphasize a conscious approach to consumerism, aiming to move towards natural fibers in the future and considering creating their own garments.
“We seek out the way we express ourselves,” Silva stated.
“I hope to move forward with more natural fibers instead of polyester and acrylics.”
Angie Dekruif, 29, of Denver, showcased a striking red outfit from ThredUp, combining budget consciousness with a desire for vibrant style.
Her approach to fashion involved spending just $9 on the entire ensemble, showcasing that thrift shopping can be both economical and fashionable.
“Online thrift stores like ThredUp and Poshmark are an economical, sustainable alternative,” she remarked, acknowledging the prevalent fast fashion issue.
Reva Green, another festival-goer from Denver, committed herself to purchasing second-hand clothing.
Green proudly wore an overlay from Poshmark, along with vintage pieces she has nurtured over the years.
“I try my best to buy second hand or vintage,” she said, emphasizing the value of vintage stores and thrift shopping in her fashion choices.
“I actually made a pact for myself when I turned 30 that I would only buy second hand.”
At the festival, Sophie Goodwin, 25, and her best friend Elise Trankina, also 25, demonstrated a creative approach to their outfits by crocheting their own shawls.
The pair expressed their unique, flowing styles that resonated with their shared love for hippie and fairy aesthetics.
“We thrift, we crochet a lot, we support individual sellers on Instagram or Etsy,” said Goodwin, underlining their commitment to supporting small businesses.
The festival was not only a celebration of music but also a vibrant showcase of diverse fashion expressions that reflect attendees’ values, creativity, and attitudes towards sustainable consumerism.
As individuals navigate their style, they are increasingly aware of the implications of their clothing choices, demonstrating a powerful connection between fashion, identity, and values in the modern world.
image source from：coloradosun
