Festival Fashion Tips: What (Not) to Wear to Midi, Strawberry and Music Valley

For once, we’re aiming to spend the entire long weekend in Beijing. Why, you ask? See here, here, here and here – need we say more?

Our Music Editor has been doing a fine job prepping us on what to expect from the music festivals. This year we can choose from Midi, Strawberry or Music Valley – or hit up all three, since they each take place over the span of three days (April 30-May 2).

Once you've settled on the lineups of your liking, however, you still face another dilemma: finding the perfect outfit.

Some of you may not have drawn the connection between music and fashion. In fact, music festivals draw out a very distinct aesthetic, one that will require some groundwork in getting right.

The key is to capture the essence of the ‘70s: a celebration of free-spiritedness, love and sensual tunes. After all, what do you plan on doing at the festival? Hopefully sunbathing, daytime drinking and rocking out. That calls for a get-up that will be low-fuss, skin-baring yet still quirkily stylish. The final results should be eclectic, ranging from feathered headdresses and crochet knit tops to suede fringe vests and maxi skirts.

Just take a look at a few of our favorite ensembles from Coachella, one of California’s biggest music festivals of the year.

Actresses Isabel Lucas and Kate Bosworth kept it simple, playing up their long dresses with messy locks and heaps of accessories. Their boytoys Angus Stone and Alexander Skarsgard stuck to plain pants and long sleeves. Props to Stone for keeping in line with the hippie vibe and daring to wear floral.

Meanwhile, designer/TV actress Nicole Richie and model Alessandra Ambrosio (note: photo from Coachella 2010) both donned denim cut-offs. Ritchie, per usual, nailed the bohemian look; her silk feather-print blouse adds a whimsical touch to an otherwise minimalist outfit. Ambrosio's standout pieces – the colorful headscarf and the slouchy cropped tee – scream effortless chic. If only we could see her shoes.

According to www.weather.com, this weekend in Beijing we'll be stuck with slightly cooler temps than the guys and gals at Coachella. Shorts may be less practical, unless paired with furry jackets or padded sweaters. We're envisioning wide-leg pants, John Lennon sunglasses, ankle boots, wraparound headbands, cut-off tanks, eyelet dresses, floppy hats, and layers and layers of bracelets and necklaces.

What to avoid? Clunky heels, skin-tight anything, carefully primped hair and expensive baubles. Remember, you've got to look and feel low-maintenance, while staying true to personal taste. If you've got photos, send 'em to us. We'll see you on the field.