So, you’ve snagged your Lollapalooza tickets, booked your hotel, and rallied your festival crew. Now comes the real question: what are you actually going to wear? It’s about looking good in the crowd, staying cool in the Chicago heat, and being comfortable enough to dance from the first set to the last encore.

Whether you’re into boho fringe, neon rave clothes, or something in between, there’s a vibe for everyone at Lolla. But if you’re not sure where to start, don’t stress. Just like the lineup, festival fashion is all about mixing genres, standing out, and doing your own thing.

So, what’s everyone wearing to Lolla this year? Let’s break it down.

Is There a Dress Code at Lollapalooza?

Technically? No. But socially? Definitely. There’s nothing official stopping you from showing up in gym shorts and a T-shirt, but you’d be wildly underdressed compared to everyone else. Lollapalooza doesn’t hand out rules about what to wear, but when you step into Grant Park, it’s clear: people came to make a statement.

It’s one of those festivals where outfit planning is half the event. Some go the casual route — graphic tees, denim shorts, sneakers. Others go full throttle with matching sets, sheer layers, and outfits that look more like they were built for a runway than a four-day outdoor music marathon. The point is, there’s no dress code, but there is an unspoken expectation that you’ve at least thought about it.

If you’re stressing, don’t. You don’t need to look like an influencer or bring five costume changes. Just wear something that shows a little personality and can hold up through long days, unpredictable weather, and a whole lot of walking. Comfort + intention = the unofficial Lolla formula.

Speaking of the Weather …

Here’s the part people forget when they’re planning outfits in their air-conditioned bedrooms: Chicago weather is chaos. One minute it’s full sun and 92 degrees, the next it’s a torrential downpour that turns Grant Park into a mud pit. And unlike some festivals with desert predictability, Lolla has no shame in throwing all four seasons at you in one weekend.

That means your outfit needs to do more than look good in a mirror. It has to survive sweat, rain, and hours of standing on grass that will absolutely betray you. Breathable fabrics are a must. Anything heavy, tight, or prone to showing every drop of sweat? You’ll regret it by hour two. And shoes? Please don’t bring anything suede, strappy, or with a heel taller than your tolerance. You’ll be walking a ton, dancing even more, and dodging spilled drinks and mystery puddles the entire time.

Pack a light layer for nighttime when it finally cools off, and maybe even a foldable poncho if you’re trying to be the one person who doesn’t panic when the rain hits. Cute is great. Dry and cute? Even better.

But What About Comfort?

Okay, so you’ve got something that can handle surprise storms and 10,000 steps, but how does it feel? Because let’s be real: even the best-looking outfit can turn on you when you’re six hours deep into Day 2, sweating in a crowd, and trying to sit on patchy grass during a set break.

The best Lolla outfits hold up. That crop top might look amazing in a selfie, but is it digging into your ribs? Are your shorts riding up every five seconds? Did you wear something that looked cute while standing still but turned into a nightmare once you started walking? These are the questions.

The trick is to test-drive your fit ahead of time. Walk around your house, sit down, jump around, whatever. If you’re adjusting it constantly or are already annoyed by it after 10 minutes, pick something else. And don’t underestimate the power of breathable underlayers, chafe-proof shorts, or even a fanny pack to stash lip balm, sunscreen, and a snack. 

Accessories?

Once you’ve got your base outfit figured out, accessories are where you can really make it feel like you. Sunglasses are a must (duh), but swap the basic black frames for something fun, like color-tinted lenses, 90s shapes, or rhinestones if you’re feeling bold. Add a belt bag or crossbody to keep your hands free for dancing and snacking. 

And don’t forget the little extras that pull it all together: bandanas, face gems, body chains, arm cuffs, or even a signature hat. Accessories take a simple outfit from “cute” to “see you on the Lolla carousel cam.”

Final Fit Check

There’s no one way to dress for Lollapalooza — just your way. Whether you’re layering mesh, rocking denim, or keeping it chill in sneakers and a tee, your outfit should work for you, not against you. Dress for the chaos, accessorize with confidence, and whatever you do, test it out before Day 1.