A Look Back at Coachella

terrible but like...inevitable?

Not spoken as an expert at all but I do feel like, as a bystander, Coachella has lost its ✨luster✨ over the years. Much to Vanessa Hudgens’ chagrin, I’m sure, the pandemic definitely killed its momentum and Coachella, while still a *thing* has never truly recovered.

I’d say in terms of my interest, Coachella kinda peaked around…2015-2019. Basically post-Covid, I think Coachella has careened rapidly into commercialization. Celebrities are no longer traipsing through the desert, but rather showing up to the Revolve tent, hawking cheap clothing, and then leaving. It’s just not fun to people watch anymore. So, here’s a look back at all what I consider to be iconic celebrity looks. I just don’t think we’ll ever reach these heights again.

Vanessa Hudgens

Queen of Coachella. As far as I’m aware, she never went back after her Instagram snafu (edit: nvm she went in 2022). To be fair, she got married and is now a mother, but I’m also not sure how you show your face after that. I think her outfits were so cute yet functional. Also very easy to recreate.

Nobody does effortless boho like her. And this was in 2011! Like 50 years from now, people will be looking back at Vanessa Hudgens at Coachella like we do with Woodstock. I mean we already are kind of doing that. And a true testament to her influence is how this is not my style at all yet I, back in 2011, definitely wanted to emulate this. The acid wash shorts…the fringe bag…the FEATHERS. I got hair feathers my senior year of high school. They were really fun.

That flower crown is enviable. But the bindi lol.

Free People is scared of her. Also, hello Austin Butler.

Selena Gomez

She had a brief stint as a Coachella princess. Does anyone else remember when she was randomly friends with Kendall and Kylie?

I absolutely LOVE this dress and the neck scarf is adorable too. Actually, she had very few style misses when she was dating The Weeknd (I specifically think of this Isabel Marant dress often).

Like girl what were you doing? This outfit is like very stereotypical for Coachella, I feel. The Free People lace dress, the floppy hat, the fucking bindi. Ahh simpler times. Also yes, hello Kylie Jenner. As it goes, apparently Selena thought they were really friends but the whole Kardashian/Jenner family has a dicey history with Justin so the friendship ended quite quickly.

It’s just funny.

Kendall Jenner

I think this is her best look. Coachella fashion actually peaked with 2016 I think. It was just so fun to see what Free People and Anthropologie combos the girlies were going to come up with. I also really like the space buns.

The body chain, the belt, the snakeskin boots, the headband??? Please. Oh and can’t forget your fringe bag. And the sheer skirt!!

Not a single college girl’s closet was safe from those pants in 2015/2016. Also yes I do believe that’s Sofia Richie behind her.

Random People

Headband ✅ Booties ✅ Chain ✅ Layered necklaces ✅ Fringe vest ✅ Bralette ✅

Without checking the date I’m going to guess…2015? (Edit: Yes.)

I mean looking at it now…this was objectively horrible but what are you going to do about it.

Also the disappointment I felt when you reported this jacket was Calvin Harris merch.

I’d like this dress, please, Karlie.

This isn’t entirely fair since she was perfoming but the vintage mini Roberto Cavalli dress with lace-up Christian Louboutin’s…please. She must’ve done so well in her past life.

Obviously. OBVIOUSLY.

Now post-Covid, a new trend emerged: nonchalance. Outside of the branded tents, celebs are just showing up in just plainclothes. It was no longer cool to look like you put any thought into your outfit at all. Boho chic is dead. But, one influencer emerged and I look forward to her Coachella content every year.

Madeleine White

I don’t have much to say about her but just look at some of the looks she’s done:

Like come on.

Anyways, that’s it.