Coachella fails to impress as guests arrive in casual outfitsCoachella made its return to the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California this past April. After a three-year hiatus, the festival did not disappoint, showcasing many memorable performances and iconic fashion looks. 

Coachella originated as a two-day festival in 1999, and has been held almost every year since, until it was forced to shut down due to the pandemic. The music festival has expanded to six days, spread out across two weekends. Featuring artists both old and new, Coachella attracts about 125,000 people each day. 

Arriving on stage in a sparkly jumpsuit and fur coat, Harry Styles was one of many fan favorites this year. During both of his performances, he brought out a surprise guest: Shania Twain during Weekend 1 and Lizzo during Weekend 2. He also debuted two songs, “Late Night Talking” and “Boyfriends,” from his latest album Harry’s House, which had yet to be released at the time. 

Other popular performances included Billie Eilish, the youngest artist to ever headline the festival, as well as The Weeknd, who closed out Coachella alongside Swedish House Mafia. 

The festival is widely known for fashion, arguably more so than it is for music, and is used as an outlet to express the latest clothing trends. 

Classic boho styles from years prior, as well as more current trends, such as bold patterns and matching sets, all made an appearance at Coachella 2022. The attire worn at the festival this year was generally more relaxed, according to Insider. Outfits included cowboy boots, crocheted pieces, and bucket hats.

This unconventional approach was controversial due to the lack of elaborate clothing that the festival has a reputation for. Junior Jessica Skolnick of Hazlet provided her thoughts on the absence.

“It definitely seemed a little bit more laid back this year, which was still kind of fun, but I would’ve wanted to see some crazy outfits,” Skolnick said.

One of the most vibrant celebrity outfits was Vanessa Hudgens’ monochromatic two-piece pink bikini top and palazzo pants. Emma Chamberlain took an alternative approach, sporting a casual white tank top and gray sweatpants. 

COVID-19 was not an obstacle for artists or attendees at Coachella this year, as there were no vaccination, testing or masking requirements. After two years of cancellation, the event returned with the same ambience it once had.

Along with Coachella, there were a significant number of other music events called off during the pandemic, such as Lollapalooza and Stagecoach. Other festivals, including SXSW, chose to host their shows virtually.

Nonetheless, in-person music events have finally returned and reinstated a sense of normalcy. 

Freshman Katelyn Sandvik of Manalapan is one of many who are glad to be experiencing concerts and festivals again. 

“I feel good that [concerts] are opening back up again,” Sandvik said. “I’ve been to a couple and they were all really safe.”

Skolnick shares a similar perspective. 

“I think it’s safe, especially if it has the right precautions, and it’s just a fun thing to get to restart,” Skolnick said.