Festival Rave Wear & Outfits Guide [2023]: What to wear!

There's pretty much nothing as fun as getting dressed up in a killer outfit for a festival or rave!

There are many possibilities, from glitter to costumes and platform boots to fun backpacks.

Want to dress to impress at your next rave? I've got you. 

What to Wear to a Festival or Rave

When it comes to festival and rave clothing, you can let loose and wear some seriously funky stuff. But if you're not sure exactly what to wear, don't worry. I'm here to help!

Whether you're headed to Tomorrowland, Bonnaroo, Burning Man or a smaller party close to home, you'll want to wear something that makes you stand out in the crowd. But you'll also want to make sure you can party until the sun comes up… three days from now. 

Practical and eye-catching is the name of the game when it comes to festival and rave outfits. If you need a little help, you're in luck. I've got the top 10 clothing items you need for festival season and every rave right here.

10. Boots Made for Walking

There's one thing that every expert rave-goer has in their closet, and that's a comfortable pair of boots. 

Just because they're comfortable, doesn't mean they have to be boring! There are some incredible pairs of rave boots out there to choose from. Here are a few of my personal favorites:

• Dr. Martens: All Doc Martens are stylish and perfect for raving, but if you want to look extra impressive, go for the platform white leather option!
• Cape Robbin: These guys make boots with partying in mind. They also come in plenty of styles, so you can ensure they go perfectly with your outfit.  
• Converse Chuck Taylors: OK, so they're not boots. You can't go wrong with Converse Chuck Taylor high tops. 

Trust me, when you've been dancing for hours on end, but your feet still feel great, you'll thank me. 

9. Glitter That’s Good for the Planet

Although it's technically not clothing, glitter is a rave essential. But did you know that most glitter is actually just microplastic, which means that when you spill it on the ground, it's littering our planet? 

Luckily, there are now tons of fantastic biodegradable glitter options to choose from, so you can still look incredible and know that you're doing your part to take care of mother nature. 

You can choose from packs with classic colors or specialty glitter! I never go anywhere without my Karizma Beauty glitter, and everyone loves it!

8. Fun Fanny Packs

You really can't consider yourself a raver without a fanny pack. What was once a dorky accessory for middle-aged vacationers, the fanny pack is now considered undeniably cool. 

Plus, it's really efficient! You can safely store your ID, money, gum, glitter, chapstick, and anything else you need for the party safely without wrecking your outfit. 

When choosing your rave fanny pack, you could choose something more colorful, sparkly, or metallic. If it stands out, it's in! 

7. Onesies for the Win

Next on the list is an absolute classic: The onesie! Onesies are fantastic if you're headed to rave at night or somewhere it might get cold throughout the party. 

Not only will it keep you warm, but it will also set you apart from the crowd and make you a fan favorite on the dance floor. 

You could even have all your friends wear different onesies so that you can easily find each other throughout the night in the crowd! 

6. Sexy Body Suits

If covering up in a comfy onesie isn't your style, you can opt for a sexy bodysuit instead. Bodysuits are certainly one of the most incredible things to wear to a rave, both for the style and the fact that you'll stay cool in hot temperatures! 

Another great thing about the many rave bodysuits available is that they can double as a swimsuit. You never know when that might come in handy! 

5. Out of This World Glow-In-The-Dark Clothing

Whether you want to go for a glow-in-the-dark fanny pack, bodysuit, or even body paint, you're going to look luminous at your next night's rave! 

Glow-in-the-dark clothing, accessories, and makeup are a super fun way to light up the night and stun everyone on the dance floor. 

4. Go Boho

While many ravers love to go for the neon, sparkly, or colorful look, you can also opt to go bohemian (boho) instead if it's more your style. 

Think Coachella. Floral kimonos, fringe tops, flower crowns, and 70s-style flare pants are all great choices for a rave or festival. 

One of my favorite pieces is the LED flower crown. Channel your inner fairy through the day and into the night! 

3. Colors, Colors, and More Colors

When in doubt, color is your best friend when choosing your rave clothing. You can never have too many, and they don't even have to match! 

Opt for a neon green skirt, a bright pink bra top, and kickass orange boots. You'll be the best-dressed raver on the dance floor. 

Go wild with it! There are literally no color combinations that don't work at a rave.

2. Don’t Forget to Layer

Although rave style is mostly about fun, it's also about being at least a little practical. That means layers! There's nothing worse than being freezing cold or blistering hot when you want to be out there enjoying yourself on the dance floor. 

The good news is that layering doesn't have to take away from your look at all! With all the options for these days, you can definitely find the perfect covering to suit your style. So, for your next rave, why layer in style with a retro windbreaker?

1. Remember: You Can’t Overdo It!

At the end of the day, you simply cannot overdo it when it comes to rave accessories. Bracelets, headbands, hats, bags, shoes, tights, jewelry, makeup… don't hold back on any of it! 

A rave is the perfect place to let your style run absolutely wild. You can wear anything you want and never feel like it's too much.

Now that you have all the rave clothing essentials, just remember – the very best outfit for any rave is one you feel beautiful, comfortable, and excited to be in!

Call on the Festival Experts at Pilot

If you want to know more about festivals, you can find it all on our blog. From what to take to how to pack, we've got you covered. Pilot is always here to help, whether you're raving all night or enjoying the chilled vibes at a daytime fest.