The 20 Best Outfits of Coachella 2023

A look at the best outfits of the first weekend of Coachella '23; has Coachella style changed and which trends stand out as the most stylish

Coachella is known for its extreme and skimpy looks. If you look at pictures of the California festival you are bound to see an excess of skin, cowboy hats, hot pants, bikini tops, cowboy boots, mini skirts and face gems. It's also received its fair share of criticism in the past with a number of festival goers being accused of cultural appropriation. However, #coachella 2023 seems to have featured less insensitive fashion choices than previous years. Also, many attendees have shown a positive step away from the costume like attire that has been typical during previous years. Whilst people will always want to have fun and be creative for a festival, a balanced combination of style and practicality is apparent in the Coachella 2023 outfits shared below. I've spent ages looking through images of the first weekend of Coachella 2023 on Instagram so you don't have to; here are my favourite outfits of Coachella 2023 so far: (all images are linked to the relevant Instagram account)

Camila Coelho wearing a denim corset top with a camel coloured skirt and cowboy boots.

Bebe Rexha wore a cute, figure hugging double denim combo to day one of Coachella on 14th April 2023.

Model and content creator Madeleine White wearing silver eyeshadow, a cool belt bustier top and a pleated mini skirt.

Isabella Montoya stood out in a black bralette and midi skirt with a sheer silver crop top and illustrated yellow jacket.

Jenna Ortega kept it simple and cool wearing denim shorts, a black bralette, sheer crop top and round sunglasses.

Olivia Culpa looked beautiful in an all white ensemble. This look fits with a classic Coachella aesthetic.

Model Irina Shayk wearing a multicoloured skirt with a matching crop top.

Camila Morrone with Suki Waterhouse at Revolve Festival wearing double denim with a simple white tee.

Digital creator Toni Mutausbruche wearing a black mini skirt, printed top, round hat and Dr. Martens combo.

Musician Mikayla Geier wearing a cute and comfortable double denim combo.

Christina Bischof looked cool and casual in cream cargo trousers and a white bralette.

Pingkee Chan looked chic in printed high waisted flares and a blue crop top.

Rapper GloRilla wore a classic Tommy Jeans outfit.

Giorgia Malerba looked boho in a printed dress with brown cowboy boots.

Emma Chamberlain wore a denim mini with a white bumbag and cute red footwear.

Brittany Xavier teamed a white summer dress with black cowboy boots. I love the cute coordinating white bows in her hair.

Madison Pettis looked vivacious in bright orange and cowboy boots.

I love this combination of a crop top, maxi skirt with a split and thigh boots worn by Talea Jackson.

@girlborntotravel on Instagram wore a simple but cute pink crop top, white boho skirt and chain belt.

Musician Rosalia wearing black leather look trousers, a black bralette and a pale pink sheer 'jellyfish' style top.

Let me know what you think of the outfits I've shared and Coachella #festivalwear in the comments. If you've been to Coachella comment what you wore, and if you are going to a festival this summer I'd love to know what you plan to wear.

Non Linked Image Sources

https://wwd.com/pop-culture/celebrity-news/rosalia-coachella-2023-performance-1235615046/

The Controversy & Appeal of Double Denim

Double denim can be a risky fashion move. Let's look at what has and hasn't worked over the years

Opinions on #doubledenim are divided, Glamour have described it as "considered a huge faux pas" (glamourmagazine.co.uk, 2023) and Harpers Bazaar as something that has "often been considered a cardinal sin in the fashion world". (harpersbazaar.com, 2018)

However, regardless of it's reputation, double denim is still favoured by celebrities and fashion designers. It has appeared repeatedly in both S/S and A/W 2023 fashion shows. Let's look into why double denim is a prevailing style: what looks cool and what crosses the line when wearing double denim?

A wide range of double denim styles occupied the S/S '23 catwalks, and full-length denim skirts are a focus in A/W '23 collections. According to Vogue Scandinavia, "Floor-sweeping denim is key to elevating your wardrobe this season". (voguescandinavia.com, March 2023)

Below are my favourite of the recent high fashion double denim designs:

A model on the Annakiki S/S '23 runway wearing a cool denim corset with jeans. I love the mix of the black denim with acid wash grey. Also, I like the details (at first I thought they looked like safety pins but they might be rivets). They add detail in an understated way. (sourcingjournal.com)

A model wearing a laid-back, mismatched double denim look on the Bally S/S '23 catwalk. (sourcingjournal.com)

A model wearing a Karl Lagerfeld S/S '23 double denim jacket and jeans with orange details. (sourcingjournal.com)

A model looking smart in (what appears to be) a denim jumpsuit and matching jacket. Part of the Sara Battaglia S/S '23 collection. (sarabattaglia.com)

Another example of the mix of chic and casual that comes with wearing double denim with jewellery and sunglasses. A model wearing a denim jacket and jeans from the Schiaparelli S/S '23 collection. (sourcingjournal.com)

A double denim maxi skirt and shirt combo at the Ganni A/W 2023 show. (voguescandinavia.com)

Another double denim look featuring a long skirt at the Zimmermann A/W 2023 show. (voguescandinavia.com)

The double denim catwalk styles that stand out to me have a laid-back but chic look. I actually thought I didn't like blue double denim until I saw a picture of Debbie Harry, in the late 1970s, wearing the look onstage. For me, she epitomises how to wear double denim. She has an effortless appeal; she looks like she's just thrown on some random, casual denim clothes and looks amazing in them.

Debbie Harry wearing double denim onstage in 1978. (elle.com)

In the past, denim has been associated with Western movies, rebellion, freedom and bridging the gap between the dressing styles of social classes. Appreciating the comfort and practicality of denim aligns with the history of the material; known for it's resilience, denim is a strong, reinforced material in which "the weft passes under two or more warp threads". (bragvintage.com, 2022) After receiving a patent for 'blue jeans' in 1873 (levistrauss.com), Levi Strauss opened a denim store in San Francisco at a time when most men in the area were miners. They needed resilient, comfortable workwear, and this sparked the popularity of denim as a practical option. Also, the outer warp threads of the first denim created were dyed blue or indigo. (bragvintage.com, 2022) Therefore, blue denim outfits often have a classic, effortless and almost sporty look to them. I really like the iconic vintage examples below:

Marilyn Monroe in blue double denim on the set of the Western Noir movie 'The Misfits' in 1960. ( classiq.me)

Elvis wearing double denim in the 1962 movie 'Follow That Dream'. (m.imdb.com)

George Harrison looking cool in double denim in 1969 during a photograph session for the album 'Abbey Road'. (gupmagazine.com)

Brooke Shields wearing Calvin Klein in 1985. (elle.com)

Shania Twain wearing double denim onstage in 1995. (people.com)

Also a wearer of double denim in the 1980s, Madonna wore double denim with high heels in 1998 for her 'Ray of Light' music video. (harpersbazaar.com)

There are a wide range of denim styles and so those discussed in this post aren't exhaustive. However, I've picked out some of the double denim trends that particularly stand out to me:

00's Multi-Denim

As someone who prefers a laid-back denim look, the number one double denim offence (and the reason why I once thought I didn't like the style at all) is Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake's excessive 2001 matching look. To be fair, Justin Timberlake is wearing triple denim including a denim cowboy hat. It can't be unseen. I really like Britney and she looks beautiful, but the mixing of diamante jewellery and a silver chain belt with a denim dress looks mismatched. It doesn't elevate the practical, patchwork material into a glamorous look and doesn't work for the red carpet.

Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake wearing coordinated denim outfits in 2001 at the American Music Awards. (elle.com)

Surprisingly, Camila Cabello brought back early 00's style, in April 2022, for a performance of her latest album in New York. Triple denim has also repeatedly appeared in S/S '23 collections including Chloe and GCDS. To me, it looks excessive and takes away from the effortless style that can be achieved with double denim.

Camila Cabello in April 2022 bringing back 00's fashion with an excessive multi denim look. (gofugyourself.com)

A model wearing a triple denim look on the Chloe S/S '23 catwalk. (sourcingjournal.com)

A triple denim look including a mini skirt on the GCDS S/S '23 catwalk. (sourcingjournal.com)

Over-Embellished

Shining, sparkling embellishments on denim, including studs and diamante, were popular in the 90s and 00s. Again, for me these "glitzy" and purely decorative features take away from the cool, casualness of denim. Also, if featured on double denim, embellishments are twice the excess. Of course, this is just my personal taste and opinion and you should wear what you choose. Shining embellishments are another example of an 00's denim trend that has reappeared on 2023 catwalks. Below are some visual examples where I think this look has been taken too far:

Model wearing jeans covered with gold buttons. Chanel A/W '91. (tatler.com)

A denim jacket heavily embellished with gold studs on the Bluemarine S/S '23 catwalk. (sourcingjournal.com)

Double denim with gold embellishments on the Alessandra Rich autumn/winter '23 catwalk. (voguescandinavia.com)

Dolce & Gabbana denim jacket with rhinestone details. £8,750. (dolcegabbana.com)

Dolce & Gabbana jeans with rhinestone details. £6,800. (dolcegabbana.com)

90's Pink Denim

On the other hand, a double denim match that has a place in my heart is the pairing of pink denim pieces. I wore a bright pink denim skirt with a matching jacket as a child in the 90s. My cousin had the same outfit and we'd wear them at the same time. I distinctly remember wearing this outfit at the park and I felt so stylish. So to me, pink double denim reminds me of fun and carefree, sunny days.

90's pink double denim. A model in October 1992 at the Chanel Ready to Wear show. Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 1992-1993. (wmagazine.com)

I love the the pink double denim outfit Gigi Hadid wore in the 2023 second season of Netflix's 'Next in Fashion'. It's from the limited edition Balmain x Barbie 2022 collection, and I also included it in my post on the subject of #barbiecore, 'The Evolution of Barbie & the Uplifting World of Barbiecore'.

Gigi Hadid wearing bright pink Balmain x Barbie double denim on season 2 of 'Next in Fashion'. (preview.ph)

Printed Denim

Another style of denim I like is printed. Grazia have called it "a fun designer denim trend" and I agree. (graziadaily.co.uk, February 2023) It looks unusual and creative without the "flashiness" of shining embellishments.

Penelope Cruz in Venice for Venice Film Festival wearing all Chanel including printed jeans. September 2022. (glamour.com, 2022)

Ashley Roberts, a celebrity who has repeatedly worn double denim, in London in March 2023. She is wearing a cute double printed denim outfit by Fiorruchi. (glamourmagazine.co.uk)

Smart Trouser Suits

Whilst my favourite double denim style is the casual, late 1970's Debbie Harry look, I do also like smart, tailored denim trouser suits. I really like the flared jeans and 1970's style of the two examples below:

A young woman wearing a beautiful tailored denim suit. I love the high waist and shoulder pads. (glamourmagazine.co.uk)

Actress Claire Foy in N.Y.C in 2022 wearing a smart denim suit with a stylish waist cinching denim belt. (graziamagazine.com)

Another denim style that I really like, and that works for double denim, is reformed. I plan to share a blog post about reformed denim, its style and sustainability in the near future. I'd love to know what you think of double denim and which styles work/don't work in the comments at the bottom of the page. Below, I've shared a selection of aesthetically pleasing denim items to mix and match.

I love this Stradivarius long denim comfortable skirt. It's available in four colours and costs £29.99. Click image for link.

Stradivarius denim bustier top. £22.99. Click image for link.

Tommy Jeans mom ultra high rise tapered jeans. £110. Click image for link.

Lipsy blue distressed denim shorts. £35. Click image for link.

Levi's plus size high rise flared jeans in light wash blue. Reduced from £110 to £77. Click image for link.

Gap denim western shirt. £45. Click image for link.

Stradivarius cropped twill overshirt in pink. Also available in white. £29.99. Click image for link.

Stradivarius pink long denim skirt with a high waist. £29.99. Click image for link.

Levi's vintage denim waistcoat in mid wash blue. £75. Click image for link.

River Island blue high waisted 'bum sculpt' flared jeans. I always really like the style of River Island flared jeans. I'd pair these with the waistcoat shown above. £49. Click image for link.

Levi's noughties boot cut distressed jeans in mid wash blue. £120. Click image for link.

Levi's 90's trucker jacket. Available in four colours. £120. Click image for link.

Levi's plus size Dorsey western shirt in blue. £75. Click image for link.

Veronica Beard Naira Dickey jacket. £‌597. Click image for link.

Veronica Beard Amika vest. £400. Click image for link.

Veronica Beard Royce pant. £365. Click image for link.

Philosophy Di Lorenzo Serafini denim midi skirt. £462. Click image for link.

Calvin Klein high rise denim maxi skirt. £110. Click image for link.

Writing Sources

https://bragvintage.com/history/brief-history-of-denim#:~:text=Denim%20was%20invented%20in%20the,in%20the%20original%20white%20colour.

Article by Georgia Trodd for Glamour. 28th March 2023.

https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/gallery/double-denim-fashion-trend

Article by Harriet Davey. 16th February 2023. https://graziadaily.co.uk/fashion/shopping/printed-denim-trend/

Article by Josefin Forsberg for Vogue Scandinavia. 7th March 2023.

https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/fashion/style-files/g22735944/madonna-iconic-fashion-moments/?slide=11

https://www.levistrauss.com/levis-history/

https://www.voguescandinavia.com/articles/floor-sweeping-denim-is-the-key-to-elevate-your-wardrobe-this-season

Unlinked Image Sources

http://classiq.me/marilyn-monroes-tomboyish-style-in-the-misfits

https://www.dolcegabbana.com/en/fashion/women/clothing/coats-and-jackets/denim-jacket-with-rhinestone-details-multicolor-F9M85ZG8FM2S8400.html?_gl=1*3tknzx*_up*MQ..&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIw6Oaguqu_gIVCertCh1khQDPEAQYByABEgLdxvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

https://www.dolcegabbana.com/en/fashion/women/clothing/denim/jeans-with-rhinestone-details-multicolor-FTCGNZGEZB0S8400.html?_gl=1*8kkze*_up*MQ..&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIw6Oaguqu_gIVCertCh1khQDPEAQYByABEgLdxvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

https://www.elle.com/uk/fashion/trends/articles/g2967/denim-style-icons-debbi-harry-kate-moss-kurt-cobain-marilyn-monroe-elvis-britney-spears-justin-timberlake-jeans-jacket-shirt/?epik=dj0yJnU9ZmRTVTM2YWdoVHNvTkxxRG5raTRTOWMtem1PUEFDZDAmcD0wJm49Ny1MM1c4NkRjTWd0YTZOWTVsWl9hdyZ0PUFBQUFBR1E3QklZ&slide=12

https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/gallery/double-denim-fashion-trend?epik=dj0yJnU9ekFYWXhQQ3ViRGw4MF91ZTEzM0dYX080Z0RnaF9kRV8mcD0wJm49ZFo0MWJnQ2Z2OXhOV0oxRllNUkRlUSZ0PUFBQUFBR1E4V1dN

https://www.glamour.com/story/penelope-cruz-chanel-denim

https://www.gofugyourself.com/i-decided-this-look-on-camila-cabello-is-homage-to-britney-04-2022

https://graziamagazine.com/us/articles/celebrity-fashion-trend-denim/

https://gupmagazine.com/events/linda-mccartney-retrospective-ballarat-international-foto-biennale/

https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/fashion/style-files/g22735944/madonna-iconic-fashion-moments/?slide=11

https://m.imdb.com/title/tt0055992/mediaviewer/rm487564289/

https://people.com/style/these-shania-twain-throwback-photos-prove-she-has-always-been-a-style-icon/

https://www.preview.ph/fashion/gigi-hadid-next-in-fashion-season-2-designer-outfits-a2229-20230310

https://sarabattaglia.com/pages/ss22

https://sourcingjournal.com/gallery/denim/denim-trends/spring-summer-2023-denim-london-milan-paris-slideshow-377087/azfactory-rtwss23-011/

https://www.tatler.com/gallery/the-best-denim-pieces-to-buy-now

https://www.voguescandinavia.com/articles/floor-sweeping-denim-is-the-key-to-elevate-your-wardrobe-this-season

https://www.wmagazine.com/gallery/chanel-nineties-runway-supermodel-kate-moss-cindy-crawford

5 Things I Learned in My 20s

Some things I've learned so far when navigating the pressures of young adulthood

1. The Dangers of Comparison

Remembering that we all have our own path and timeframe is one of the most essential keys to peace of mind and happiness. However, it's also only human to slip-up and compare your life to that of a celebrity, or see someone's Instagram post and think 'Why don't I have that too?'. The important thing is not getting lost in this negative frame of mind. Let go of any societal pressures regarding what you ought to have achieved and by when; they are small-minded and outdated. Remind yourself regularly that everyone's life is complex and unique. We all have different things to cherish and appreciate and different lessons to learn. Life is messy, it's likely it won't play out as you expect, and there is beauty in the mess. Also, gratitude is such a freeing feeling when you remember to count your blessings.

Comparison is something that we all do, but don't get lost in it. (stylist.co.uk)

2. It's the Little Things

I wish I could buy a beautiful, spacious house with a swimming pool and go on a trip to Hawaii. However, I also realise that life is made of moments and some things can't be bought. When I look back on the years of my life so far, the happy moments spent with the people and animals I love have a far deeper place in my heart than any scenic views I saw in Italy. Also, if you pass hours by wishing for big, exciting things that you don't have in your life, you might forget to appreciate (or even notice) the smaller things. I recently read the book Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert. The central character, Emma Bovary, becomes so consumed with desire for wealth, opulence and excitement that she disregards and rejects the people who care about her. Madame Bovary is an extreme example, but it's also a reminder to see the beauty in the little joys that are right in front of you.

Illustration showing some of the small joys in life by @theself_carekit on Instagram. (instagram.com)

3. Friendship is Complicated

Sometimes a friendship will run it's course and that's ok. Don't feel like a failure if a friendship that you thought would last forever doesn't. Friendship is complicated because life and people are complex too. People's interests and concerns may change with time and you might not be as compatible with another person as you once thought. In basic terms, I am saying that it is important for your well-being that you have acceptance.

In the 21st century, with the influence of the internet, friendship has become more complex than ever before. According to the Independent, "Around one in five of 18 to 34-year-olds say they have one or no close friends, triple the number of people who said the same in 2011 and 2012". (independent.co.uk, 2021) People spend much less time nowadays communicating face-to-face, with it reported in 2022 that "the typical internet user now spends more than 40 percent of their waking life online" and "2 hours and 27 minutes per day" on social media. (datareportal.com, 2021) Also, on top of this, there is the issue of (often short and spontaneous) written messages, such as text and email, having the potential to be misinterpreted.

With the internet such an integral part of people's lives, I've found that a realistic way of getting to know new people is through the app Bumble. It isn't ideal and I would prefer it if people/social groups could feel more open when in public. However, it is a way of meeting people with similar interests who also want to widen their circle. I've used the app a few times, and as in any situation, you aren't going to become life-long pals with every person you meet. Nevertheless, if you approach it as something fun and as an experience you might make a new friend. It can be difficult to persevere in life and remain positive, but making new friends is another thing that requires a hopeful, positive outlook. Also, remember that if you feel isolated/insecure you aren't alone in these feelings as a lot of people feel the same way.

Good things lie ahead. Friendship quote from @emotions_therapy on Instagram.

4. The Power of Your Inner Voice

Becoming aware of the power of self-criticism is important in order to be kind to yourself. For example, when I was younger I would do something wrong and think/say 'I'm so stupid' and not realise it was damaging to my self-esteem. A few words, thought in a half-joking way, might not seem significant. However, once I began making an effort to only think kind words about myself I realised how much lighter it feels. I emphasise the term 'making an effort', because quieting a negative inner monologue isn't easy and requires ongoing acknowledgement. Again, it's important to have an awareness of such habits even if you can't keep them 100% at bay.

A joke illustration by artist Gemma Correll (@gemmacorrell on Instagram)

5. You Won't Have it all Figured Out

It takes time to know who you are and what you want from life. We are pressured as teenagers to decide what we want to do with our futures but most of us need more time. Just to illustrate this point, in 2020 The Mirror reported that in the UK, "Sixth form and college students feel 'pressured' to go to university and a massive 65 per cent of those already studying for a degree admit having regrets about their academic choice." (mirror.co.uk, 2020) My point isn't that you shouldn't take chances or fully commit to decisions. My point is that you should be aware that the high level of pressure being placed on you might not be for your own benefit. Sometimes taking a step back and allowing yourself more time is an option that you have the right to take.

Also, don't put pressure on yourself to know exactly what you want from life overnight. Sometimes trying experiences that aren't the right fit for you and/or making mistakes can give you a better insight into what would be right. Again, life is messy and many experiences are valuable lessons. As an example, according to Zippia, "The average person changes jobs 12 times in their lifetime, according to the latest available public survey data (2019)." (zippia.com, 2023)

Another type of pressure I put on myself in my 20s was the idea that I should be having the time of my life. Although, looking back, the pressure definitely came from outside sources. I was told "make sure you enjoy yourself while you're young, life goes by fast" and "your 20s should be the time of your life". I was even told by a man (while at work in an office at the age of 22) that I was in my "prime". Whilst I think such messages come from a good place, I don't think it's necessarily a healthy message that a short period of your life, when you are just starting out, should be a crucial, carefree and exciting adventure. Not everyone's life is On the Road by Jack Kerouac. I didn't know if such pressure is widespread or something only I had felt. However, Rainsford Stauffer's 2021 article on the subject is clearly expressed, "This decade is supposed to simultaneously be a golden age of rootless freedom and fearless exploration and, somewhat contradictorily, the time when you’re meant to figure out your career, your relationships, and your life goals. That’s a lot of pressure." (Rainesford Stauffer, theatlantic.com, 2021) Yes, you should appreciate your youth and enjoy it when you can but don't think of fun and excitement as having a deadline. Life has ups and downs, we are all unique and for all you know your 30s, 40s or beyond may be the 'time of your life'.

Quote about learning who you are by @emotions_therapy on Instagram.

Just keep swimming. Positive quote from @fullspiritquotes on Instagram.

Whilst some of the points I have raised may seem cliché, I think it's healthy to be reminded of them. I often fall into the trap of negative thinking and have to remind myself of these truths. Let me know in the comments which ideas stand out to you the most and why. Also, let me know of any life lessons that you've learned and would like to add. Thank you for reading, Gina.

River illustration from 'Pocahontas'. 1995. (wallpapersafari)

Writing sources

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/06/your-20s-dont-have-to-be-the-best-time-of-your-life/619187/

https://datareportal.com/reports/digital-2022-time-spent-with-connected-tech

https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/adults-under-35-friends-loneliness-b1881019.html

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/brit-students-feel-pressured-go-21438538

https://www.zippia.com/advice/average-number-jobs-in-lifetime/

Image Sources

https://www.instagram.com/emotions_therapy/?hl=en

https://www.instagram.com/fullspiritquotes/?hl=en

https://www.instagram.com/gemmacorrell/?hl=en

https://www.instagram.com/theself_carekit/?hl=en

https://www.stylist.co.uk/life/comparing-ourselves-to-others-comparison-culture-research-self-esteem-instagram-social-media-success-careers-fitness-relationships/345725

https://wallpapersafari.com/w/rKA8Fb