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Feathers, fronds, and full-on chaos: Bonnaroo fashion shows up in force

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During the 20th Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, one staple of the festival has shown up and shown out despite the oppressive heat: the unbeatable, vibrant fashion.

Some trends remained the same as previous years: acid-washed fabrics and fans mixed with gasoline — spills of vibrant colors — all reminiscent of the hazy heat laying over the Farm, topped with pashmina scarves to hide from the heat.

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But alongside the tried-and true staples, new trends could be sweeping the festival. Disco balls — while not nearly a new phenomenon — took on new life in the form of earrings, jumpsuits, and even full helmets, casting the entire campground in glinting lights.

Matching shirt and short sets amongst groups were also a trend, with checkered or floral patterns marking friend groups apart from each other like species of migrating birds.

Sunglasses — while a vital accessory to withstand the 2024 festival, which saw some of the highest average temperatures seen at Bonnaroo in over ten years — also became their own fashion staple, with attendees rocking third eye lenses, lenses framed by intricate vines, tassels and even ones with wings extending to the side.

Stephanie Collins, who danced her way through the Pride Parade between a winged dancer and a stilt walker, beamed as she adjusted her gold-encrusted sunglasses with vines, mushrooms and butterflies winding their way around the frame.

“I love these glasses!” she said. “The artists here are amazing. They never disappoint.”

Further away in the camp, past the medical tents steadily treating heat-related illnesses, Chris Corley, of Nashville, made a colorful character in his embroidered parasol and glittering, rainbow-dyed beard. A long-time attendee, he said his outfits have gotten increasingly outlandish as the years went by.

“It’s my sixth Bonnaroo, and by my second one, I just wanted to buy the most obnoxious thing I could find,” he said, gesturing to his galaxy t-shirt emblazoned with a disco-dancing kitten. “The glitter beard has just evolved over time.”

When asked if the glitter would stay despite the heat, Corley laughed.

“I sure hope so,” he said. “I used a lot of hairspray.”

One prized accessory amongst every attendee: the sprouts, a plant clip crafted by attendees camping in the Outeroo campgrounds that embodies the free-trade spirit of Bonnaroo.

Attendees adhere to a give-one take-one policy at the festival, and this year’s prized token adorned many people’s hats, hair, parasols and bags in a cheery green contrast to the dusty atmosphere.

Have a story to tell? Reach Angele Latham by email at alatham@gannett.com, by phone at 931-623-9485, or follow her on Twitter at @angele_latham

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