The Outside Festival in Denver attracted a vibrant crowd, showcasing a wide array of fashion choices and personal styles, reflecting an evolving awareness of sustainability and individuality among attendees.
Ross Kullman, 30, from Westchester, Pennsylvania, was spotted sporting a Marine Layer outfit complemented by Adidas socks and borrowed accessories.
Despite spending approximately $250 on his Marine Layer ensemble, Kullman described himself as neither brand-loyal nor particularly fashion-conscious.
“Last year we went to Walmart to pick our outfits. We had rubber boots and a vest. It turned out to be awesome,” he reminisced.
Kullman’s approach to fashion is impulsive.
“If I see something I’m like, ‘Oh, I would definitely wear that to a festival,'” he explained, highlighting how spontaneity plays a role in his shopping decisions.
In stark contrast, Lee Knight, along with Leslie Herod, presented a more curated look at the festival.
Knight prioritized functionality and comfort in their choice of waterproof combat boots from Naglev, paired with a denim jacket from a thrift store and a uniquely sourced necklace from Austin, Texas.
Herod, on the other hand, opted for a stylish farmers market button-up from Urban Outfitters and a canvas skirt from The Black Dog, accessorized with jewelry that was gifted to her.
While they expressed a non-loyalty to brands, Knight’s consciousness about social issues stood out.
“I care about brands in terms of how they treat BIPOC folks and the queer community,” they mentioned, emphasizing a trend towards ethical consumerism.
Carly Nixon, 32, from Minneapolis, brought a burst of color with her green and white plaid set from Princess Polly, a borrowed hat, and white Converse.
Her joyful presence was further highlighted by her “dopamine dressing” philosophy, which focuses on wearing clothing that boosts one’s mood.
Although Nixon acknowledged the fast fashion label of Princess Polly, she reflected on her past shopping habits and showcased a shift towards investing in higher quality pieces, especially jewelry.
“Consumption is a thing to be conscious of,” she stated, underlining the importance of mindful shopping in today’s fashion landscape.
Skaiste Stundziaite, 30, from Chicago, showcased a dramatic flower corset and various thrifted items, signaling an adaptable approach to concert fashion.
“I figured, ‘Oh, Outdoor Fest,’ so I picked the floral top and curated the rest around that piece,” Stundziaite shared.
Yet, as a budget-conscious shopper, she revealed the pressures surrounding affordability in the face of rising living costs.
“It’s definitely easy to get something you’re only going to wear for one show and then throw it away,” she commented on the fast fashion prevalence in rave culture.
In a more unique style narrative, Paola Silva, 20, from Kansas City, harmonized with her partner Daniel Garcia, 26, by embracing a mix of thrifted and gifted clothing.
Silva humorously noted her bone and crystal necklaces, claiming, “I like to say they’re the collected teeth of my enemies,” demonstrating a playful twist to her fashion philosophy.
For the couple, artistic expression plays a pivotal role in their wardrobe, with Garcia expressing an affinity for thrift shopping that combines economy with aesthetics.
“What motivates me? Clothes that make me feel authentic and comfortable with my physical and emotional body,” he explained.
Silva aims for sustainability in her wardrobe choices, aspiring to a future where she prioritizes natural fibers in clothing production.
Angie Dekruif, 29, from Denver, was another festival-goer signaling the need for thoughtful spending in fashion.
She donned a bright red outfit from ThredUp, highlighting her commitment to both budget and sustainability values.
“It’s my first festival of the season and I thought the red was bright and vibrant for the bands,” she explained as she discussed the meticulous effort it took to find her outfit online.
Online thrift stores like ThredUp and Poshmark emerged as popular alternatives for Dekruif, as they allow her to indulge in her fashion vision without contributing to fast fashion.
Reva Green, 30, from Denver, proudly displayed a handmade top from Poshmark and vintage pants she had owned for a decade.
Her commitment to second-hand shopping stemmed from a personal pact to focus solely on used clothing upon reaching 30.
“I try my best to buy second-hand or vintage,” Green affirmed, revealing her joy in discovering unique pieces through diverse retail avenues.
Sophie Goodwin, 25, from Sarasota, Florida, and her best friend Elise Trankina, also 25, were a dynamic duo embodying creativity through their festival outfits.
Goodwin sported a set of flowy pants and a self-crocheted shawl, while Trankina flaunted a matching fashion selection with another crocheted piece.
Together, they recounted the fun of creating their outfits, explaining, “We like to dress like hippies and fairies. We like to wear flowy and comfy things.”
Collectively, the festival attendees highlighted a blend of styles, trends, and values, demonstrating an evolving fashion landscape that prioritizes individuality and mindful consumerism.
From budget-friendly thrifting to impulsive shopping sprees, every participant had their unique approach while weaving sustainability into their fashion narratives at the festival.
As festivals rise in popularity, the manner in which attendees express their wardrobes reveals a story of both personal identity and consciousness about the broader implications of their fashion choices.
image source from：coloradosun
