You better believe I was streaming Bieberchella — both weekends — on two separate devices. For those of us not picked for a Rhode brand trip to Indio, thank goodness Sun God is upon us with its free tickets, dorm proximity, and stellar lineup.
If you’re hoping to have your Wattpad-Y/N-in-the-crowd moment with a certain Florida-born rapper, you’ll obviously need a stellar outfit, mysterious book, and disinterested gaze. Geisel Library’s got you for the book, I have your back for the outfit, but your aura is out of my hands. From my hours analyzing festival trends — seething with jealousy at festival-goers’ Instagram posts — I am basically a walking “2026 festival looks” encyclopedia. Here are the top Coachella trends to pull inspiration from for Sun God this year:
Under the ‘never-ending (desert) sun’: Zara Larsson has officially banished the “clean girl” aesthetic with her iconic Y2K-inspired makeup looks by Sophia Sinot and her “Barbie in a Mermaid Tale”-esque outfits. For a fun splash of color straight from the “Symphony” dolphin meme, replicate her makeup by experimenting with pigmented eye looks, gems everywhere, and high-contrast blush. Lean into bright pastel colors, beaded fabrics, and add beachy accents such as boho netting or hibiscus flowers, modeled by influencers Tabitha Swatosh, Florence, and Madeline White.
Coachella 2016 is #4eva: In the famous words of Kendall Jenner: “This was the vibe at the time.” I’d argue that Coachella 2016 is the vibe forever. I mean, Victoria Justice spotted with a flip phone on the festival grounds? Blythe Beardsley rocking turquoise bangles, a statement choker, and a paisley top cinched with a chunky belt? I can practically taste the Unicorn Frappuccino and see everything in Rio de Janeiro. Throw it back to a better time at Sun God and accessorize with flower crowns, chunky lace accents, hand-cut T-shirts, and maybe even a Sharpie mustache on your finger. Darianka’s chevron-pattern turquoise shorts take the cake this year for “most 2016.”
Make a statement: “Future Mrs. Bieber” statement tees were seen all over festival grounds this year. The real Mrs. Hailey Bieber – one of my favorite looks was her vintage 1998 Christian Dior slip dress – is better than me for letting that slide. If you’re the future Mr. or Mrs. Fike, now is the time to let the world know! Consider DIY-ing your own lettered tee with fabric markers or fabric paint. If you aren’t handy with a fabric marker, take a look at local thrift stores or Depop for a throwback piece like Daniela Dib, who rocked a Justin Bieber dog tag necklace, headband, and graphic tee.
Layers aren’t just for cakes anymore: I spent last weekend refreshing the TikTok page of the queen of Coachella fashion, Zoi Lerma. She didn’t disappoint, sporting a mini skirt layered with patterned fabrics, feathers, and long fringe paired with a delicate blood orange top. Consider layering belts, feathers, fringe, scarves, and anything with sequins to achieve an effortlessly put-together festival look. Add a more minimalist top or shoes so as not to overwhelm your outfit, and accessorize with long necklaces and chunky belts — anything to add a couple more layers!
