Across the board, everyone agrees that one of the most unique parts about EDM festivals is the rave outfits. If you can imagine an outfit, you’ll probably see it! But like everything, the outfits have to start somewhere. Someone had to think, “I’m going to create this, and I’m going to make it look awesome.” Everything is Do-It-Yourself (DIY) before it becomes mainstream!
In this article, discover what your next DIY rave outfit will be. See our tips on creating a complete outfit, and wow every person you walk by.
Tip 1: Research Trending Rave Styles
Before you can think about putting something together, it’s best to plan out what you’re going for. If you just end up buying bits and pieces of different rave styles before seeing how they all go together, you can end up with a confusing mixture of neons, pastels, steampunk, and glitter.
Also think about if you want to go with one style the whole festival, or if you’re looking for a different vibe each day. Your appearance is only limited by your imagination! Here are some good starting points of research.
Search by Rave Themes:
- Alien Rave Outfits
- Galaxy Rave Outfits
- Tie Dye Rave Outfits
- Psychedelic Rave Outfits
- Neon Rave Outfits
- Kandi Kid Outfits
- Halloween Rave Outfits
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Search by Rave Fashion:
- Bohemian Festival Clothing
- Steampunk Festival Clothing
- Cybergoth Festival Clothing
- EDM Festival Clothing
- Retro Festival Clothing
Find thousand of different ideas and combinations, whether that be scrolling through Pinterest or searching through Google!
Tip 2: DIY Projects
Now, “standing out” certainly can mean drawing attention to yourself, but it doesn’t have to mean that. Think about what style is going to fit your personality the best. Make sure to wear something that makes you feel outstanding, confident, and happy, even if it’s something that you don’t normally wear!
Maybe you’re an expert at finding your style. You’ve been to so many festivals, you know exactly what you always wear. If so, why not change it up a bit? If you usually go drenched in all types of Kandi, try going for something tie-dye, or even steampunk.
Here are some unique, at-home ideas to make your festival outfit unlike anything else.
Paint Your Clothing
Have an old pair of shorts lying around? Maybe some old, muddy sneakers? This is the perfect opportunity to add a pop of color!
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Get creative, and don’t be afraid to go big! You don’t have to be an artist to create something awesome.
Eyewear
Eyewear is a perfect accessory that can complete the perfect DIY outfit.
Goggles are a cool way to go, especially if you’re a lover of head-banging and shuffling. Your eyewear will never fall off! Look for goggles with eye pads and adjustable straps. Otherwise, you may become uncomfortable and want to take them off half way through the day.
Sometimes a regular pair of shades is all you need to enhance your outfit. Take it a step further with diffraction or kaleidoscope lenses!
During the day, you can walk around and be the star of the crowd. So many people come up to glasses like these, and when conversations start, friends are made! At night, you can watch the fantastic, prismatic light show of your favorite EDM artists. Sit back and let yourself experience the light!
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Another piece of eyewear to consider is colored contacts. Contacts that alter the appearance of your eyes could be perfect for completing your look. Maybe you’re going for a dark, mysterious style. You could wear black, white, red, or even glow in the dark contacts!
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There are also lots of unconventional eyewear that don’t quite fall into any category. For example, looking for an alien theme? Try a visor! They look sleek and totally interstellar!
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Sewing
Don’t get scared! We’re not telling you to craft a beautiful gown all on your own. With projects likes these, sewing is easy to learn.
In this case, it wouldn’t be sewing an outfit, but rather sewing items onto an existing article of clothing. You can go simple and sew a few flowers onto a bralette to give it an earthy feel.
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Many ravers have taken pieces of leather and haphazardly sew them onto a jacket or shirt. Because it is made to look messy, a bad job at sewing is ideal! This will give a grungy, biker, or even prehistoric look. Depending on what accessories you add, you could become anything!
For a more skilled seamstress, you always have the option to sew and glue together a glittering spectacle.
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If you go this route, make sure you have enough time and resources available. It’s the worst when you realize you ran out of studded diamonds and have to run to the store. Or realize that your sewing capabilities are not what you thought the were and the project takes hours longer than you planned.
As with every DIY project you try, stay patient! Sometimes things aren’t going to turn out perfect the first attempt. You need room to practice and learn.
Tip 3: Get Lit
We all know that once the sun goes down at an EDM festival, that’s when the light shows start. Videos on stage, spotlights, glowing buildings, bulbs in trees… Even some venues have light-up flooring!
But luminescence doesn’t have to stop there. There are so many ways to incorporate LEDs into DIY rave outfits, and nothing completes an outfit like a pop of light. Some of the more unique rave outfits we’ve seen incorporate EL Wire, (electroluminescent wire).
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This can be an awesome route to take for your outfit. Once night falls, you could be the brightest audience member! They can be used as a necklace, bracelet, or even a belt. Don’t be afraid to mix and match colors to coordinate with your clothes underneath.
Get EL Wire HERE.
You could also opt for some light up glasses or goggles! From a spectator’s point of view, luminescent eyewear is mesmerizing, especially when all you can see in the dark, dense crowd are a pair of floating eyes!
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Get the glasses above HERE.
Tip 4: Hair Styles
Raves can be pretty hardcore. Yes, maybe because of the music, but also because you’re on your feet and outside for so long. You want to look great, but you want to be comfortable. When do you sacrifice practicality for style? And to take it a step further, how can you style your hair while still keeping everything DIY? Here are some ideas.
Braids
Braids are universal and will always be stylish. It’s simple, yet elegant. Makes a statement, yet is practical. If you are a dancer, braids are the perfect way to elevate your outfit while still being able to get the hair out of your face.
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And the best part? Tight braids will stay put all night, no matter what adventures you’re a part of! Pair them with some goggles like the look above to finish the outfit.
Is it an off day to wash your hair? Leave your braids in overnight. Recycle them for the next day or even take them out after a night’s rest. Braid waves add tons of body to your hair for a completely different look than the night before.
Are your baby hairs bothering you? Try gelling them down in a beautiful pattern. It adds a unique flair to your hairdo and is still practical! Don’t let the flyaways bother you.
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Space Buns
This is another great, simple hairdo that will stay put all day. This style is just two ponytails wrapped up into little buns!
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Have shorter hair? Try doing a half-up space bun. The bottom of your hair will be loose, but the top section will stay out of your eyes and still look great all day. And maybe you’re still looking for something different. Try braids and space buns together!
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The do above is just an upside down French braid, but WOW does it look stellar!
Some DIY Final Thoughts
Here are some last minute ideas to take your DIY outfit to the next level:
- Fish Nets
- Custom-Made Kandi
- Face Masks
- Jewelry
- Henna/Fake Tattoos
- Bold Makeup
- Tie-Dyed Clothing
- Bandanna Bras
- Cut Shirts
- Added Feathers
Creating a truly unique rave outfit can be hard, and if you’re trying to pull off something tricky, it can be frustrating. Just remember always have fun creating your outfit, and don’t take the process too seriously! At raves, people aren’t going to fixate on an outfit you’re not satisfied with. You are your worst critic! You stand out when you are confident and happy. Good luck finding your perfect DIY outfit for your next festival! Remember, the possibilities are endless.
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