By: Liza Kliminsky (IG: @lizaklimm)
It's almost time to head to the show: you're putting the finishing touches on your makeup and you're all dressed. But, you feel that something's missing - the look doesn't feel super complete and you want something with a little more wow factor. This is where accessories come in, they'll become your new best friend! We've been hearing it from the fashion world since the beginning of time: accessories can make or break an outfit. A good thing in the rave world, almost anything can be used to accessorize!
Whether you're getting ready for your first festival or you're a seasoned raver looking to refresh your look, the right accessories transform your rave outfits from good to unforgettable. The beauty of festival accessories is that they're not just about looking good - they solve real problems at shows while helping you express your unique style. Let's dive into the essentials that every raver should know about.
Fishnets & Rhinestone Tights: The Foundation of Festival Fashion
The OG accessory of all rave babes: fishnets! Fishnets have been a staple in many of our closets since our first shows, we've all known since day one that they make us feel and look great! But, as the scene has been growing, so has all of the rave fashion and fishnets are no exception. Rhinestone tights have become increasingly popular because they're a super easy way to add a little more bling to your outfit and make you feel even more like the star that you are!
Taking notes from performers like Beyoncé and Lady Gaga, nude rhinestone tights are game changers. In pictures, you'll barely be able to tell you have them on - but oh, how those legs will glisten under the stage lights! Picture yourself walking through the festival grounds as the sun sets, catching those golden hour rays on every rhinestone. That's the kind of moment that ends up on your festival highlight reel.
Another new development with fishnets and tights in our rave world is garter tights! These are a little more alternative compared to normal styled fishnets and tend to be a little sexier. Here's a pair that combines garters AND rhinestones - ugh what more could we want?
The easiest way to explore beyond typical black fishnets is with color, and this is a fantastic option for themed shows. For example, on Valentine's Day instead of wearing black fishnets, swap them out for red ones and WOW, you'll feel like you're on fire! Neon fishnets under blacklights? Absolutely stunning. White fishnets for an all-white party? Chef's kiss. Fishnets are a fantastic staple for a reason - they layer perfectly under rave shorts and rave bottoms, adding dimension and texture that photographs beautifully.
Harnesses & Body Chains: Edge Meets Elegance
Next up: harnesses! They have been making a big statement in the rave and festival world, and for good reason. They add a certain edginess to any fit while creating visual interest that draws the eye exactly where you want it. There are a million different kinds and each cater to a certain vibe, so you're bound to find one that speaks to your style.
FRW has a more typical style harness here. The chain adds some bling and the placement on the waist will make you look snatched! If you're looking for a softer look, there's an elastic garter belt here.
Pairing black harnesses or garter belts is super easy since they look good 99% of the time! They layer beautifully over rave bodysuits and festival tops, instantly elevating even the simplest pieces. If you're a babe who loves color, spring for an iridescent harness to play up the brightness.
The possibilities with harnesses are endless - they play up any fit you have and some of the bounciness from them makes it even more fun to dance around in! Pro tip: harnesses look incredible in photos because they create geometric lines that accentuate your body's natural shape. For couples hitting the festival circuit together, consider coordinating harness styles for those matching rave outfits that photograph like a dream.
Bandanas & Face Coverings: Function Meets Fashion
Something to love about FRW is how you can get matching bandanas (and even scarves) for your favorite fit! Coordinating full outfits is a super easy way to ensure that you look great with minimal styling required - perfect for people like me who want maximum impact with minimal effort.
Bandanas are a MUST for dusty festivals like EDC Las Vegas or Coachella to help you keep the dirt off your face, but they're also super convenient when it's sunny and you get sweaty. Even if a matching bandana isn't an option for your favorite fit, getting a plain black one from a craft store can make your festival experience so much more enjoyable.
The key is finding bandanas that work as hard as you dance. Look for breathable fabrics that wick moisture, and consider reflective or glow-in-the-dark options that add to your visibility (and your vibe) when the sun goes down. Bandanas pair perfectly with our rave scarves collection for those moments when you need a little extra coverage or want to switch up your look between sets.
Festival Bags: Hydration Packs & Fanny Packs
Bags are a necessity for any show or festival, not a maybe. You'll always either see me with my hydration pack or a fanny pack, and there's a method to this madness. For the outdoor festivals and bigger shows, I'm always rocking my hydration pack because STAYING HYDRATED IS KEY! But for smaller shows and club nights, I love fanny packs because they're a stylish and comfortable way to keep your phone, chapstick, and gum all in one place.
If you're looking for a super cute and bright hydration pack, Vibedration is your place! Luckily, FRW sells them too. Here's a cute pink one that holds enough water to keep you dancing from sunset to sunrise.
The beauty of a good hydration pack is that it becomes invisible once you're in the moment. You're not thinking about finding water stations or waiting in long lines - you're just living your best life. Look for packs with adjustable straps that sit comfortably whether you're wearing a simple tank or a more elaborate festival bodysuit. And remember: staying hydrated isn't just about feeling good during the festival, it's about being able to go hard all weekend long.
Pashminas: The Ultimate Multi-Tool Accessory
And here we have my FAVORITE accessories - pashminas! To be completely honest, I always feel naked going to a show without one - it's almost like a cute little security blanket. These guys are multi-use! If you get sweaty, pashmina. Don't want to sit on the ground, pashmina. Get cold, pashmina. Need an impromptu photo backdrop, pashmina. Want to create a moment during your favorite song, pashmina.
The best thing is: there are a million different ones! The best place to find these beauties are in Tibetan shops or other stores that sell incense and the like. If you don't live in a city that has these types of shops, I recommend checking out Amazon or keeping a lookout for someone selling them from a cart at your next rave!
Pashminas are especially clutch at multi-day festivals where the temperature can drop dramatically once the sun sets. That desert heat at Coachella? Drops to the 40s at night. That humid Florida afternoon at EDC Orlando? Gets chilly when you're wet from the water features. A good pashmina means you can transition seamlessly from day to night without sacrificing style or comfort.
Face Jewels & Body Glitter: Instant Festival Transformation
If you're not into wearing accessories on your person, you can stick them to your face and body! Glitter and different face jewel designs can bedazzle you in the easiest of ways. So many colors, shapes, and designs, oh my!
Face jewels are perfect for festival newbies who might not be ready to commit to a full rave clothing transformation but still want to feel like part of the scene. They're also amazing for those moments when you packed light and need to create multiple looks from a minimal wardrobe. A simple black outfit becomes festival-ready with the right face jewel placement.
When applying face and body jewels, use eyelash glue or a dedicated adhesive - you want these babies staying put through hours of dancing. Focus on high-impact areas: under the eyes, at the temples, along the collarbone, or creating a geometric pattern on your chest that peeks out from your top. And don't forget: biodegradable glitter is the way to go. We love our festival grounds and want to keep them beautiful for years to come.
Styling Tips: Putting It All Together
There are so many different ways to dress up your favorite fit and accessories can make outfit-repeating a thing of the past! The key is learning to mix and match strategically. Start with one statement accessory and build around it, or go full maximalist and layer everything - there's no wrong answer in rave fashion.
For festival veterans, consider building a capsule collection of accessories that work across multiple outfits. Black harnesses, nude rhinestone tights, and a few pashminas in complementary colors give you infinite combinations. The men's rave wear scene especially benefits from accessories - they're an easy way to add personality and flair to any look.
And for our plus size rave wear community: accessories are your secret weapon for creating visual interest and proportions that make you feel incredible. Harnesses and body chains draw attention exactly where you want it, while the right tights create a lengthening effect that photographs beautifully.
Remember: you're not dressing for Instagram (though the photos will be fire). You're dressing for how you want to FEEL when the bass drops and your favorite artist takes the stage. Choose accessories that make you feel like the most authentic, confident version of yourself. That's when the real magic happens.
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