Outdated Trends You Don't Want To Be Caught Wearing At Coachella 2025

In addition to the obvious music draw, Coachella has long been a destination for fashion lovers and the intrepid — even daring — style aficionados around the world. The music festival, held in Indio, California, draws crowds who are eager to experiment with the ever-changing definition of festival wear. Some years, it leans heavily into the Bohemian; other years, it's inspired by florals and fringe. Then there's the undercurrent of cowboy and western influence, too. It all melds together in the desert.

Founded in 1993 with a concert thrown by Pearl Jam at the Indio's Empire Polo Club, Coachella quickly became a global destination for artists, music lovers, celebrities, and those seeking an escape that offered free vibes and a distinct aesthetic. That particular aesthetic that defined Coachella has evolved over the years, and this is precisely what we're exploring. Certain, distinct looks that were hardcore Coachella trends in the early aughts and 2010s are now completely outdated, to say nothing of the frequent issues of cultural appropriation that came from attendees wearing Native American-inspired feathered headdresses or bindis. Thankfully, due to a larger, cultural conversation around these insensitive choices, festival guests have opted for other forms of adornment. However, these different – and arguably less harmful – decorative elements have a shelf-life of their own, and there are many things that are too passé to wear to Coachella 2025.

Flower crowns had their moment, and that moment is gone. The little headpiece, evocative of the hippie and flower power eras, became one of the most iconic Coachella looks around 2011. If you were at Coachella at that time, you were in a flower crown. At the very least, you were seeing them everywhere. Unfortunately, the blooming headpiece peaked around 2013, and has yet to make a revival. On the other hand, corset tops are solidifying themselves as a Coachella staple and remain chic. There are countless ways to style the trendy corset because the chic piece isn't going anywhere. So ditch the flower crown and go for something a little more current. 

There was another era of Coachella where guests couldn't get enough of wearing tassels. We saw the fringy detailing on vests, sheer tops, long dresses, backpacks, jackets, and any other piece of clothing that could be yassified by tassels. Frequently, these would be featured with other dated accessories, like headbands and the circular sunglasses à la John Lennon. It all comes together to create a time capsule of things past. Just because you've seen it before at Coachella doesn't mean you should bring it back. The energy for 2025 at Coachella is sleeker and less bohemian, so leave your tassels at home. 

Ah, oversized belts. These were another favorite, not just at Coachella, but everywhere during the 2000s. People could literally not get a belt wide enough to scratch this itch. However, styling the extra large accessory can be tricky. A giant belt can easily overpower your outfit and due to its complex hardware, actually add unwanted bulk to the waist area. For these reasons, it's best to leave big belts at home for Coachella 2025. The same goes for gladiator sandals, which have also had their day. Instead, comfort is the new priority. Birkenstock sandals are especially chic for the summer, particularly those with a suede material that tap into the western aesthetic trend dominating 2025. Wear those instead and, should you want a belt, something sleek is better. 

The Boho, braided headband that went right across the forehead is a particular monstrosity that no longer has a place amongst the chic at Coachella. The thin, leather hair piece had its heyday in 2009, with festival goers moving in droves across the grounds, in styles that ranged from simple braided strings to those adorned with jewels and flowers. Pair this accessory with a bralette and denim cutoffs, and the whole look is a vibe that's long gone. Frankly, what would be much better than a skinny headband in the California desert in April is a sunhat. This is because you need more than sunscreen to protect your skin against summer's UV rays. So let your outfit take care of you, by offering some protection for your complexion. That little headband probably wasn't doing anything other than giving you a compression headache. 

As specific as it might seem, the cat ear headband was a huge accessory trend at Coachella during the 2010s, perhaps due to the rise in animal-themed Snapchat filters. Paris Hilton wore three different kinds of animal ear headbands to the festival in 2015 alone later doing the same in 2017, and again in 2019. It felt like the fad was never going to end. But, just as most of us have outgrown the social media filters, it's time to leave the animal ears in the past. Crochet micro-tops are another minor note on our list of undesirable Coachella trends, but not nearly as outdated as the cat ears. While Coachella is a time for self-expression and sartorial experimentation, it's also outdoors in the desert; focus first and foremost on dressing for comfort and sun protection, and let inspiration come from there.