Chicago may not be thought of as a fashion capital compared to greats like Paris and New York, but for three days each summer we morph into an undeniable festival fashion mecca during Lollapalooza. The three-day music festival is one of the biggest in the U.S. With headliners like Florence + the Machine, Tyler the Creator, Kid Cudi, A$AP Rocky, The Weeknd, and even Paul McCartney, it goes without saying that the diversity of the music is reflected in the style of the crowd. What trends didn’t surprise me? Crop tops, denim cut off shorts, and fedoras. What was surprising? Fanny packs are back. Yes. Fanny packs.
Here I’ve gathered my favorite looks and asked folks about their style inspiration and which performers they were excited to see most of all.
See also: AAHH! Fest Street Style
As in years past, fedoras and big brim hats were the go-to for chic chicks avoiding sun burn. I cannot get over the details of this outfit, from the gold sandals to the scarf wrapped around her bag – and the sunnies. Perfection!
See also: AAHH! Fest Street Style
Again with the killer details! Notice the scarf wrapped around her arm and the jewel tones throughout her entire look. Completely effortless!
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Although my fixation is on this black and yellow bag, I love the feel good spirit emanating from these two friends.
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It’s not easy rocking black in the summer but these girls are acing the hot hue. I especially am in love with the gold hardware on the backpack, earrings, and belt.
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Twins! Okay, aside from their total adorableness, these sisters are doing a great job of embodying everything that’s right about Lolla – carefree style and gorgeous charm.
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With the temp each day reaching above 90 degrees, I loved seeing girls tuck their hair under creatively wrapped scarves. Chicago’s own style expert, The Sassy Peach, kept her perfectly purple locks under her signature Porkpie for a great festival look.
See also: AAHH! Fest Street Style
Hair wasn’t always in hiding this weekend. Big hair made a big appearance in bright colors and varied textures. How cute is this blonde ‘fro?!
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Fresh faced and free-flowing! The definition of effortless.
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“I can’t wait to see A$AP and Odesza! As far as my style goes, I wear what’s comfortable. That’s important to me more than anything else.”
I’m a huge fan of dresses for any occasion. I love Brya’s denim colored dress with matching sneakers. Comfy but cute!
See also: AAHH! Fest Street Style
Another dressed in all black, this girl has the perfect coif and a full, sincere smile! Everyone she passed, I’m sure, smiled a little bigger because of her.
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Just because the air was muggy and the ground was filthy didn’t mean ladies took the day off. Check out this doll’s braid complimenting her flowy frock and ballet slippers. Yes ma’am!
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“I’m inspired by the style of other girls. We usually dress for each other, don’t we? Not the boys.”
Sun-kissed and glowing, Naima looks as if she stepped right out of a magazine.
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“I have a vision in my head and I just pull it all together on the spot.”
Fana looks like the type of girl who spends weeks planning outfits in advance, but nope! That couldn’t be farther from the truth.
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Maybe black in the summer isn’t such a hard look to pull off – if you know what you’re doing. This girl definitely knows what she’s doing in a casual dress and fest apropos boots.
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Headwear is here to stay but Lollapalooza proved that the big feathered (and possibly inappropriate) trend is fading. Instead, style mavens opted for pieces that rang true to their personal style. I love this girl’s simple headpiece…
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… and I will always be a fan of cat ears and a confident stance.
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Another festival fashion staple are denim cutoffs. Get into this fanny pack, not to mention the most amazing socks I’ve ever seen! Love it!
See also: AAHH! Fest Street Style
“I always just try to be myself.” – Leigh (right)
“If it makes me happy, I wear it. I like to be different.” – Roshell (left)
Spied these girls each day of the festival – amazing personal style!
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Lovely tendrils and pastel nails. The juxtaposition of sweet and edgy here is wonderful!
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Speaking of sweet and edgy, this girl’s platinum pin curls stood out for all the right reasons! Grace and grit executed to perfection!
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Big pockets, a button down front, I’m not one for denim shorts but this skirt was right up my alley!
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Another skirted sister, rocking black and white.
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“I’m most excited to see Elle King!”
Can we get into the killer braids and twists found in Chicago Lolla weekend? I love the hair, sunflower shorts, and flats complimented by heavy hardware here.
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Grey hair? Yes, please!!
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Now for the sunnies! Round, aviator, or square, shades were a necessity. How cute are these green glasses next to the small orange flower in her hair?
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“I was definitely excited to see Paul McCartney. Black Pistol Fire and Alabama Shakes were incredible too. When Paul brought out Brittany Howard (lead singer of Alabama Shakes) that was an amazing moment.”
Chicago’s beauty and natural hair queen, Afrobella came through in a oversize pair of olive squares.
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Mirrored aviators were everywhere but these girls found a way to make it their own with uniquely shaped frames.
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I’m actually here for the romper but the shades are super cute too!
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Wearing your heart on your sleeve is so last year. Wear two hearts on your face for 2015.
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See you next year, Lolla! Muah!