Outfits can really make a statement, and where better to make a statement than the iconic three-day-long, world renowned party that you’ve probably been hearing about for months? That’s right, the Ultra Music Festival is back on March 25, and while you are jamming out to the live performances and electronic music, you might be on the search for the perfect outfit to match that energy.
Take 60 seconds to yourself to observe your surroundings and describe to yourself the first stranger you see at first glance. I’m going to guess that the stranger’s outfit was part of your description. While this may seem superficial or even shallow, this goes to show that clothing can say a lot about a person.
People say a picture is worth a thousand words, and in this case, the picture is you. Your whole appearance, clothing included, can give others an idea of your values and personality. This being said, making yourself stand out at a music festival like Ultra seems to come down to just being yourself!
So, if you haven’t started planning your outfit, what are you waiting for? Feeling confident and like a total goddess in an event like this is crucial. There’s so much pressure, so much competition…Where to even start? Let me try to make it easier for you.
Comfortable and Chic
Claudia Zuleta, a Miami fashion stylist and designer said that it is important to consider all the dancing you will be doing, so you need a comfortable outfit to match. “Your outfit must be comfortable, with stretch fabrics, light fabrics such as tulle, transparent mesh fabrics, Lycra fabric, or synthetic fabrics of beats,” Zuleta said.
I think one of the worst mistakes you can make is focusing solely on your appearance. It might be okay during the first few hours, but you are going to regret it sooner or later. Three days is no joke. Dress to your convenience.
Zuleta said the worst mistake is, “Knowing that you are going to dance and wearing denim outfits, either as jeans, skirts, or shorts. This type of fabric is extremely hard and not very comfortable.” Consider it a fair warning.
Zuleta specifically recommended wearing bikinis with short skirts in lycra fabric, tulle, or see-through mesh to wear over it. She also suggested using lycra leggings or shorts with some cuts, giving it a unique style, and wearing them with crop tops or a bikini top.
Geraldine Martel, a social media influencer known for her style, agreed with Zuleta on the comfort aspect. “Don’t just think about how you are going to look and not about your comfort, we’re talking about hours on your feet, and it is key to be comfortable!” Martel said.
Apart from keeping it adequate, I recommend you mentalize yourself to know that anything can happen. If you’re not willing to risk the outfit, it might not be the smartest move.
Maria Laura Luna, a fashion model in Venezuela, said to be yourself and have something to say with your look. “Electronic festivals are spaces to express yourself however you want, so my tip would be to wear an artistic outfit, perhaps something striking if you wish, but at the same time comfortable,” Luna said. “Wear shorts, boots or any comfortable shoes that you are willing to get wet or dirty. Regarding tops, basically choose light clothing so as not to get too hot. I would recommend wearing a cap, hat, or sunglasses.”
Luka Magat, a fashion student and designer at Esmod, a French fashion school in Paris, reinforced this idea. “Do not wear outfits with designer or luxury brands because for this kind of event, the outfit can quickly get dirty,” Magat said.
Martina Chicki, a marketing student at the University of Miami, who’s also a fashion and lifestyle content creator, said she looks at the trends. “For the style of clothing, I love to look at trends to see what festival wear is “hot” now. I have seen a lot of cargo type cut out pants as well as knit cut out tops with sequins hemmed into them and even sparkly two-piece mesh sets. I also think one-piece sets will be big this year as well as see through pullover clothing,” Chicki said.
What Color Should You Wear?
Zuleta said to use neon colors combined with solids or brightly-colored prints. “Do not forget that you want to attract attention with your look, so let yourself be carried away by your imagination and wear colors that perhaps you would never use in your day to day,” she said.
Chicki also seemed on board with the neon vibe. “Because the Ultra is very different from other festivals, like Coachella, and is electronic dance music, I always lean towards bright neon colors,” Chicki said. “Especially with ultra being in spring and these new spring trends including bright colors, it’s perfect. I would say a vibrant pink, green, blue, or purple is what I would lean towards.”
Martel recommended wearing the colors white, black, neon, gold, or silver. She describes her personal style as well-defined and mentioned that she does not take many risks. “I would go with a crop top, shorts and some combat boots,” she said.
Magat, on the other hand, mentioned that this is not Fashion Week, and he would keep it casual. He said his perfect choice of outfit for this festival is a relaxed style in black or white.“I think the ideal outfit is to wear an oversized shirt or t-shirt for style and to wear converse to complete the outfit.”
Hair and Makeup
Now that you’ve got your perfect outfit with your on-trend color, let’s finish off your glamorous look with some hair and makeup.
Martel said that hair and makeup depends on the person. “If you want to attract attention you must come up with something different to stand out!! I would leave my hair down with longer extensions and a very natural makeup but with a lot of glow,” Martel said.
Zuleta advocated for a dramatic look. “Makeup in neon colors and make it strike. Glitter makeup and hair with braids, tails with colored hairpieces, colored hooks, large eyelashes, and stickers for the face with some of your favorite shapes: stars, hearts… that is up to your imagination,” Zuleta said.
Remember that exposure to the sun affects your makeup. You should use products that are long lasting and even waterproof. Luna had some recommendations for dealing with the heat.
“My advice would be to wear your hair up, a hairstyle with braids. Regarding makeup, it could be a shiny look but not too loaded. Use a lightweight foundation that won’t crack or crease from sweat or heat”, said Luna.
3 Days = 3 Times the Style!
Don’t forget, the Ultra festival lasts for three days. This means that you have three opportunities to let your imagination flow and build the perfect outfit. Zuleta said to pick different styles for each day.
“Pick different styles for each day. If one day you wear a skirt, for the second day choose a lycra jumpsuit, shorts, or leggings and so on. The idea behind this is for you to feel comfortable, confident,” Zuleta said.
Chicki emphasized the importance of keeping it on trend.
“When I attended Ultra back in 2019 I wore fishnet tights and I feel like we are slowly moving away towards that type of look and going more for a mesh look or knee-high boots instead,” she said.
This year, she said she plans on wearing a bright pink, blue, or purple two-piece set with mesh and sparkles hemmed into it and trendy black cowboy boots. “I am aware that I would be on my feet all day, but I actually find them comfortable,” Zuleta said.
Takeaways
Our ideas of the perfect outfit might be completely different. Display your personality and be as risky as you would like. These three days are meant for you to zone out, distract yourself, and dance all night.
Everything is set so that this experience becomes memorable. So whether you are going all-out dancing the days away or hanging in the back in a more reserved fit, make sure you feel gorgeous doing it!
words_valeria palladino. photo_reynier carl on unsplash.