What to Wear to Lollapalooza: Your Ultimate Chicago Music Festival Fashion Guide
photo by:moy-caro
Living in Chicago since 2010, I've seen firsthand how Lollapalooza differs from other music festivals like Coachella. While Coachella is a blend of music and high fashion—so much so that the fashion often overshadows the music—Lollapalooza is truly for the music lovers. The fashion at Lollapalooza is more about comfort and practicality, with people often wearing their everyday clothes. But if you're someone who loves looking your absolute best and want to stand out at Grant Park, this blog post is for you.
This guide is here to help you find stylish, comfortable, and practical outfits for Lollapalooza. From festival vibes to essential accessories, we've got you covered with the best Lollapalooza outfit ideas. Festival fashion is our thing here so feel free to explore a our entire festival fashion guide series here.
Lollapalooza 2024 Lineup
Photo:thamyres-silva
Lollapalooza 2024 is bringing an incredible lineup to Grant Park, with headliners that will ensure an unforgettable festival experience. The festival will be headlined by SZA, Tyler, The Creator, Blink-182, The Killers, Future X Metro Boomin, Hozier, Stray Kids, Melanie Martinez, and Skrillex. In total, more than 170 artists will take to eight stages over the four-day event (Culture) (Songkick).
High-Waisted Denim Shorts with Crop Top
For the hot sun of Grant Park, high-waisted denim shorts paired with a crop top are a perfect outfit. This combo is not only stylish but also incredibly practical for a music festival. High-waisted shorts provide a flattering silhouette and keep you cool. Pair them with a trendy crop top featuring bright colors or festival-themed graphics to nail the perfect Lollapalooza fashion. Add a fanny pack for convenience, and complete the look with comfortable sneakers or strappy sandals.
Abercrombie
High Rise Loose Short
$70
Abercrombie
Cotton-Blend Seamless Fabric Squareneck Cropped Top
$29
Sporty Biker Shorts and Oversized Tee
Biker shorts have made a huge comeback and are a great option for Lollapalooza. They’re comfortable, breathable, and perfect for a day filled with walking and dancing. Pair them with an oversized band tee—think something cool like a Red Hot Chili Peppers or Billie Eilish shirt. This look is both stylish and practical, offering ease of movement while keeping you on-trend. Don't forget your water bottle to stay hydrated in the hot August sun.
Urban Outfitters
Blink 182 T-Shirt Dress
$42.00
VICTORIA'S SECRET
VS Essential High-Rise Pocket 7" Bike Shorts
$29.95
Neon Bodysuit and High-Waisted Shorts
Stand out in the crowd with a neon bodysuit and high-waisted shorts. This outfit is perfect for making a statement and staying cool. Neon colors are trending on social media and will give you those essential style points. Pair the bralette with beef x Lollapalooza terry shorts for a cohesive and trendy festival vibe. Complete the look with comfortable sneakers and a small crossbody bag to keep your essentials close.
Skims
Cami Bodysuit
$60
Jcrew
Remi short in stretch linen blend
$98
Two-Piece Matching Set
A two-piece matching set is a trendy and effortless option for Lollapalooza. Opt for a set in a lightweight fabric to stay cool in the hot sun. Look for sets in bright colors or fun patterns to capture that festival vibe. This look is perfect for staying comfortable and stylish all day. Accessorize with a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun while adding a chic touch to your outfit.
Check out our complete guide to matching sets on Amazon all under $50
Amazon
2 Piece Summer Lounge Sets
$27.99
Mini Dress and Comfortable Sandals
For a more feminine touch, a mini dress paired with comfortable sandals is a great choice. Choose a dress in a lightweight, breathable fabric to stay cool. Opt for vibrant colors or bold prints to stand out. This outfit is easy to move in and perfect for transitioning from day to night. Add a pair of stylish sunglasses and a small bag to complete the look.
Amazon
Pleated Summer Mini Dress
$37.99
Amazon
Soft Memory Foam Padded Platform Wedges
$38.99
Tube Top and Cargo Pants
Combine comfort and style with a tube top and cargo pants. This outfit is perfect for those who want to look fashionable without sacrificing practicality. The tube top keeps you cool, while the cargo pants offer plenty of pockets for your essentials. Pair with comfortable sneakers and accessorize with layered necklaces for added style points.
Amazon
2 Piece Tube Tops
$25.99
Amazon
Baggy Fit Cargo Pants with Pockets
$31.99
Best Shoes to Wear to Lollapalooza
photo: wesleydavi
A lot of people are going to have questions: what are the best shoes to wear to Lollapalooza? Comfort is key, as you'll be on your feet all day, walking, dancing, and standing. Here are some specific shoe ideas that combine style and comfort, perfect for the festival season.
Comfortable Tennis Shoes
Nike Air Max 270
Known for their superior cushioning and trendy design, these shoes will keep your feet comfortable throughout the day.
Finish Line
Women’s Nike Air Max 270 Casual Shoes
$160.00
Adidas Ultraboost
These sneakers offer excellent support and breathability, making them ideal for long days in the hot sun.
Adidas
Ultraboost 1.0 Shoes
$190
Vans Old Skool
A classic choice that provides both style and comfort. The padded collars add extra support for all-day wear.
Footlocker
Vans Old Skool
$59.99
The Best Sandals To Wear To Lollapalooza
Teva Original Universal Sandals
These sandals are both stylish and practical, with great arch support and adjustable straps for a secure fit.
TEVA
Women's Original Universal Sandals
$55
Birkenstock Arizona
Known for their contoured cork footbed, these sandals offer excellent comfort and support, perfect for festival-goers.
Birkenstock
Birko-Flor
$112
The Best Boots To Wear To A Music Festival
Dr. Martens 1460
These boots offer both style and comfort, with cushioned soles and sturdy construction.
Dr. Martens
1460 WOMEN'S SMOOTH LEATHER LACE UP BOOTS
$170
What Other Options Should I Bring to Lollapalooza?
photo:alipazani
Attending Lollapalooza in Chicago means being prepared for a lot of walking and enjoying various activities both inside and outside the festival. Here are some essential items to bring along to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Essentials for the Festival
Reusable Water Bottle - Staying hydrated is crucial, especially in the hot August sun. Bring a refillable water bottle to keep cool and refreshed throughout the day.
Portable Phone Charger - With all the social media posts and taking photos, your phone battery can drain quickly. A portable charger ensures you stay connected and can capture every moment.
Sunscreen - Protect your skin from harmful UV rays by applying sunscreen regularly. Opt for a sweat-proof formula for lasting protection.
Hat and Sunglasses - Shield yourself from the sun with a stylish hat and a good pair of sunglasses. This not only protects you but also adds a fashionable touch to your outfit.
Lightweight Blanket or Towel - Perfect for sitting on the grass in Grant Park while enjoying the music. It’s a great way to take a break and relax comfortably.
photo:luiz-rodriguez
Practical Extras
Small Backpack or Fanny Pack - Keep your hands free and your belongings secure with a compact backpack or fanny pack. These are ideal for carrying essentials like your wallet, phone, and sunscreen.
Snacks - Bring some easy-to-carry snacks like granola bars or trail mix to keep your energy levels up without having to spend too much time in food lines.
Rain Poncho -The weather here can be unpredictable, so having a lightweight rain poncho can save you from getting drenched if a sudden shower hits.
Exploring Chicago
Comfortable Walking Shoes - Beyond the festival, there’s plenty to explore in Chicago. Comfortable walking shoes will keep you going as you visit attractions like Millennium Park, The Art Institute of Chicago, and Navy Pier.
Public Transport Pass - Chicago has a great public transportation system. Consider getting a transit pass for easy and cost-effective travel around the city.
Bag Policy for Lollapalooza 2024
photo:wesleydavi
When attending Lollapalooza, it's essential to be aware of the festival's bag policy to ensure a smooth entry process. Here’s what you need to know:
Bag Sizes and Types Allowed:
Small Clutch Purses and Fanny Packs: These can be no larger than 6" x 9". They do not need to be clear but can have no more than one pocket.
Larger Bags: Any bags larger than 6" x 9" must be smaller than 12" x 6" x 12" and must be clear. These bags are allowed to have multiple pockets.
Bag Search Policy:
All bags will be thoroughly searched upon entry to ensure the safety and security of all attendees. Make sure to adhere to these guidelines to avoid any delays or issues at the gates.
Prohibited Items:
Backpacks, large purses, and any bag exceeding the allowed dimensions that are not clear will not be permitted.
Tips for Packing Your Bag:
Opt for a small fanny pack or clutch to carry your essentials like your phone, wallet, and sunscreen.
If you need to bring more items, consider using a clear tote or a clear backpack within the size limits.
Staying within these guidelines will help you get through security quickly, so you can enjoy all the amazing performances without any hassle. For more details, you can always check the official Lollapalooza website.
