Festival fashion at Outside Lands 2024: ‘I woke up like this’

Long skirts, big jeans, and Crocs — opening day at Outside Lands this year was a masterclass in ‘I woke up like this’ fashion. If you thought festival style was all about standing out, OSL 2024 showed that sometimes, it’s about blending practicality with just a hint of chaos.

As the day wore on, some layers peeled off, revealing everything from braless camis to mismatched prints. This isn’t the sun-soaked glamour of Coachella; It’s the foggy grind of San Francisco, where style meets survival. We sorta thought the Bay Area gave up on dressing up until mid afternoon, but then spotted some cute looks:

Of course, looking cute is only half the battle. With the crowds thickening and the music pumping, the danger of losing your most prized possessions becomes all too real. Festival-tactical style wasn’t just about making a fashion statement; it was a survival strategy.

Fanny packs, over-the-shoulder bags, and chains were everywhere, and not just for show. Let’s be honest: no one wants to end the night searching for their phone or wallet in a sea of thousands.

“I was super conflicted this morning because I wanted to dress up, but it was cold so I just threw on a super practical, all-occasion Halara dress, like with the pockets and everything,” said Chelsea Davis, a San Francisco native. “Then I was shocked and pleasantly surprised when I realized it was totally matching the OSL theme!”

Added Sophia Kan from Orinda: “Denim on denim is a sturdy, fun material to go around in, but it’s classy.” Her friends giggled at “classy,” which made us think they’re more of the troublemaker types.

But even the most prepared festival-goers found themselves at the mercy of the elements. The day started off chilly, and just when you thought you could shed a layer, the temperature dropped again, like some cruel joke from the San Francisco weather gods. It wasn’t just about staying warm; it was about staying ahead of the fog that seemed to roll in just as quickly as the next set.

Amidst the cold, quirky moments were in no short supply. One festival-goer — clearly having a rough start — recounted the moment her joint bought at OSL’s Grasslands exploded, sending a cloud of weed into the air and leaving her scrambling to salvage what was left. “The integrity went PEW!” she joked, summing up the chaotic energy that seemed to follow everyone through the day.

Then there was the elusive TikTok-induced VIP ticket hunt — a game of cat and mouse that had attendees scouring the grounds for a guy in khaki shorts and a pale pink sweater, only to find out the tickets were already gone. It’s these little misadventures that make Outside Lands as much about the experience as it is about the music.

With day one setting the tone, there’s still plenty to look forward to at Outside Lands 2024. The Killers and Sturgill Simpson are poised to light up the main stages, while the Dolores Tent promises to be a vibrant celebration of queer and trans communities with performances from FAKE and GAY, SF Oasis, and Hard French. If you’re planning to dance the day away, the new open-air SOMA experience at Marx Meadow will be the place to be.

And for those looking to tie the knot or simply soak up the culinary excellence that Outside Lands is known for, the weekend holds endless possibilities. The festival’s just getting started, so layer up, grab your essentials, and get ready for what’s next.

Courtney Muro is a San Francisco-based content strategist, producer, designer, and creator. She took all photos for this story. T Von D. is a local museum worker and lesbian. Saul Sugarman is editor in chief of The Bold Italic.

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