For some students, spring in Athens means one thing: Fest Season. Just like clockwork each weekend, houses on different streets in Athens host day parties that students can attend.
Fests draw in students from all over campus, creating a strong sense of community for Bobcats. Fest Season can offer a fun spring activity for students, but it can also allow them to express their personal style.
Fest fashion differs from normal going-out outfits because the parties are outside and during the day, meaning whatever someone wears is more visible. This allows students to express more creativity in their fashion choices.
A common consensus of what to wear to fests among students is OU merchandise. Abby Henry, a freshman studying human development and family sciences, echoed this sentiment.
“School spirit, lots of stripes, checkers, fun patterns,” Henry said about what she's noticed within fest fashion this year.
For those struggling to find an outfit to wear to a fest, Bobcat gear is a simple option that most students have in their closet already. Not only is it practical, but it also brings a sense of school spirit into fest fashion.
Another popular outfit at fests is matching sets. Matching sets are currently trending on TikTok, and students put their own OU twist on the look. Many students opt for green and white striped sets, or a matching green top and bottom to reflect their school spirit.
A lot of Fest fashion is reminiscent of the Y2K style currently trending on the internet. This includes items like low-waisted shorts or skirts and tube tops.
Many students also enjoy boho vibes that are similar to outfits often worn to music festivals like Coachella and Lollapalooza. These outfits often have items like flowy tops and Frye boots.
Rain or shine, students flock to fests, but it can be hard to pick out an outfit in the unpredictable spring weather. Lila Hilliard, a sophomore studying media arts production, said she struggles with this.
“The weather has been a little bit bad, so it’s been a little harder to figure out what exactly to wear, because I don’t want to be too hot and I don’t want to be too cold,” Hilliard said. “It’s like a fully calculated plan that I have to plan out days in advance.”
The weather can also make it difficult to find fashionable but practical shoes to wear. Mud is a big factor students have to consider when deciding on shoes.
“I would say a shoe that you don’t mind getting dirty, just because you’re walking outside and in yards and you don’t want to ruin anything,” Hillard said.
When the weather is nice enough, students often wear their swimsuit tops outside to the fests. This look is simple, but stylish when paired with the right pair of jean shorts. Also, a good pair of sunglasses elevates any look at a fest.
When planning a fest outfit, be mindful of the weather. The weather projected for Palmer Fest is looking rainy, so waterproof clothes might be the best option. Rain boots or old tennis shoes prevent feet from getting wet or muddy.
Overall, fest outfits tend to tie into summer themes like sunglasses, swimsuit tops and tank tops. These pieces are a fun way for students to incorporate their summer fashion at the end of the school year.
(IG) @ella.moler
