These 11 Coachella Trends We Actively Ignored Are Actually Great On Over-40 Women
We know you’re skeptical. Hear us out.
by The Candidly Team
Ok, in fairness, we’d only wear about 87% of outfits we see at Coachella in one of those nightmares where we show up to a job interview in something terrifying.
Some looks remind us of the best of Penny Lane, but a lot of it looks like it came from an Urban Outfitters landfill haul.
But isn’t that sort of the point? The free-spiritedness of it all. The overdoing. The costume. The camp.
But if you scale it back just a little bit, add an inch or two to a hemline, there’s something there that us over-40 women sometimes overlook but really shouldn’t.
Perhaps, it’s the romance of boho. The 70s use of denim. The little lace moments. The brands we stride past at the mall because we assume they’re “for the kids.” The daring to dress more interesting.
We know we haven’t convinced you with all these vague descriptors. So let’s see if we can do it with the clothes.
Here are 12 festival trends that we all should immediately add to our closet as over-40 women.
1. The Perfect Little Patterned Layering Piece
Magic Dance Border Print Duster
We’re not saying we have to “cover up” just because we’re not 25 anymore, but there is something about a light, little boho outer layer like this Free People kimono that just eases us into any fitted outfit underneath. We get a whisper of, yes, coverage, but we also look more tied together and more interesting at the same time. This one comes in a bunch of gorgeous colors, some which look like they could have been lifted from the suitcase of Jaclyn from season 3 of The White Lotus, which incidentally, is precisely how we will be dressing on our next vacation (minus the $1k+ designer pieces).
Price: $58
2. The Lace Tank That Exudes Loveliness
Old Navy Tie-Waist Lace-Trim Top
There are versions of this Coachella prairie gal top that cost upwards of $100. This one is $25, comes in some very pretty, soft colors, and sizes up to 4X. Apart from being a more romantic, “styled” thing to wear with jeans and skirts, it is supremely flattering round our bellies. And it isn’t tight, which is a reeeeally nice thing when the weather is hot and we’re forced to wear less clothes.
Price: $25
3. The (Not-Too Short) Short Shorts
Many, many long shorts are going to read grandma goes on a cruise. But denim shorts that aren’t too short do not. The trick is to find that medium length that covers all the way down to where your legs start to narrow, so the effect is elongating. And look for the little bit of A-line at the bottom. The look ends up cool and classic and flattering at all ages. Trust us. It’s all about the fit. And this pair is just right.
Price: $148
4. The Warm-Weather Crochet Sweater
Z Supply Blossom Floral Sweater
Another piece that works as a lovely layer in the heat. Crochet has such a playfully chic, beachy 70s nod that will always spark joy. And this “sweater” looks good on everyone. We wear it over a nude cami with jeans and toss it on over swimsuits whenever we’re near a body of water.
Price: $79
5. The Shorts Set
Lordree Boho Graffiti Shorts Set
Festivals have some kind of gravitational pull for colorful sets like this one, and all we can say is … smart. We looooove something lazy that requires zero thought and makes us look like our cutest selves. Sets are such a simple solution. And a flattering shorts set that makes a statement while feeling like we’re in pajamas might be our favorite summer thing.
Price: $20
6. The Gauzy Barrel Pant
Gap Crinkle Gauze Easy Barrel Pants
Don’t mistake this for just another pair of black pants. These are a gauzy, airy, festival-friendly barrel pant that we will be living in until September. More than one color is clearly necessary. But which one?
Price: $50
7. The Fringe Bag That's Far From A Bore
Madewell The Sculptural Buckle Crossbody Bag
We probably should talk about the shirt here first, because it is also quite pretty and quite Coachella and can be found HERE. However, throw this bag on over a plain, white tee and your everyday jeans and suddenly, who are you? Chic with a lightly western edge. Fringe is just magic that way, and when done in thoughtful, subtle ways as with this gorj bag, it really elevates anything you wear it with.
P.S. This trend may be Coachella-born, but it also works equally well at the Cowboy Carter tour. Just sayin.’
Price: $178
8. The Gorj Boho Maxi Skirt
FP One Brynn Printed Maxi Skirt
We keep trying to tell you exactly why a maxi skirt is such an overlooked gem in a woman’s over-40 wardrobe. It’s feminine, fits beautifully over curvy hips, butts, or a belly pooch. It makes legs look longer, waists look nipped, and it’s one of few things we can wear in the sweltering summer that feels breezy but covers our legs. Wear any of the 3 colors this skirt comes in with THIS $19 tank and THESE perfect minimalist sandals, and poof, you are a swirly, hourglassy, flower-childy vizzzssssion.
Price: $148
9. The Nipping Denim Vest
Aritzia Denim Forum The '90s Mia Denim Vest
We all know the powers of a jean jacket, correct? If not, please go HERE and allow us to persuade you/ tell you about our favorites after trying 247. But a vest isn’t something you think about. When we first saw it in Coachella photos, we have to say we wanted in on the flattering, tailored look that reminded us of Gap commercials in the 90s (the best). Sure, we’ll be wearing ours with high-waisted, drapey, wide-leg trousers or a maxi skirt and NOT booty shorts or mini skirts, but still, we’re deeply on board for this one. Try one on. You’ll be shocked at how good you look.
Price: $110
10. The Crochet Maxi Dress
Playa Fleur Crochet Midi Dress
Again, crochet. But this time lined and in the chicest, maxi dress silhouette. We’re dying to wear it to dinner on vacation, dressing it up with jewelry from THIS brand.
Price: $119
11. The Accessories
The Statementish Belt: As perfect over dresses as it is with jeans. Also, why does that little waterfalling tie look sooooo good over our lower bellies?
The Flawless Festival Hat: We all need that one, perfect hat that looks great on us. They eliminate bad hair day woes and protect from the sun, which is 90% of what ages us.
The Headscarf: Yes, you could choose to tie it to your tote instead, but just look closely at the pattern of this one. It makes everything we wear … better.
The Ankle Bangle: Nothing so boho has ever been this minimalist and chic.
At The Candidly, we try a lot of stuff so you don’t have to. We only recommend things we truly love, and that we think you’ll love, too. All products are chosen independently by our creative team, and all details reflect the price and availability of products at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to, The Candidly may earn a commission.
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