Bacchanal outfit ideas from items you probably already have in your closet

Need outfit inspo for Bacchanal on Saturday? Look no further than your closet!

Photo by Merielen Espino/The Barnard Bulletin

By Sophia Blythe and Roxy Rassooly 

April 3, 2025

With Bacchanal — Columbia’s largest music festival — right around the corner on Saturday, April 5, your excitement is likely growing, but so is the dreaded question of what to wear, especially if it is your first time attending. For many first-years, this can feel daunting as the day approaches. As sophomores who attended Bacchanal last year, we were in your shoes not too long ago and have some ideas for what to wear with items that are likely already in your wardrobe. Whether you are a first-year, a seasoned attendee, or are panicking after seeing Bacchanal’s joint post with Hoot Magazine announcing “y2k sporty” as this year’s dress code, we’ve got you covered with some timeless, easy ideas! 

Denim

A classic jean skirt is always a good place to start. You can pair it with a cute tank, tube top, or bodysuit. If you are feeling brave — and weather permitting — you could even wear a bikini top. If it’s cold, you could layer it with jeans or a leather jacket. Plus, you get the benefit of a jacket pocket since you won’t want to carry a bag. 

Crochet

A crochet top, cover-up, or something along these lines, is a great way to go. Whether it is floral, stripes, or geometric shapes, it adds a pop of color and is music festival-esque; a way to jazz up your outfit. Pair it with bottoms of your choosing: denim, linen, or skirt. 

Overalls

Wearing overalls will keep you comfortable and let you enjoy the music unencumbered. They’re cute, and since it’s one piece, it will make getting dressed easy. You can pair them with a tank top, t-shirt, bikini, or anything in between! 

Baby tee

Last year, for Bacchanal, I wore a vintage red Budweiser Racing baby tee with blue and red track pants. I loved that outfit — it worked for the event without being too overdone. This year, I’ll probably wear a baby tee again paired with baggy jeans and cowboy boots because it really lends itself to working with what you already have. If it’s a solid color, you can be more creative with your hair and the rest of the outfit, and if it’s printed, you can showcase your personality while keeping it casual. 

Cowboy boots 

Cowboy boots are versatile but will still make a statement, as they can be worn with anything on this list. They are a staple of festival attire, and Bacchanal is no different. Pair them with your favorite jeans, jorts, or denim skirt. You can complete the cowboy aesthetic with the rest of your outfit, or take it in a different direction entirely. Because you’ll likely be on your feet a lot the day of, opting for something cute but still wearable will definitely serve you well! 

Shoes, Accessories, and Miscellaneous Recommendations

For some more general advice, we would recommend not bringing a bag and instead opting for putting just your essentials in your pockets. If you do choose to bring a bag, we would suggest something small and easy to carry. 

Depending on the weather, having a pair of sunglasses could be a good idea — they’ll add to your outfit and protect your eyes. Another piece of sun-related advice: don’t forget to apply a layer of sunscreen before leaving for the day and reapplying throughout it! Getting burned will throw a wrench in an otherwise fun day. 

Lastly, when choosing shoes, make sure to consider that you’ll likely be on your feet for most of the day, that you’ll be in the grass, and that you very well might be near people of varying sobriety levels. With that in mind, maybe opt out of those brand-new, never-worn kitten heels and instead reach for your tried and true sneakers or boots that you know will last all day. 

Final thoughts 

The most important thing to remember is that your Bacchanal outfit can be whatever you want, simple or elaborate! Whatever you choose to wear, just remember that Bacchanal is a day to listen to live music on the lawns and hang out with your friends. As long as you feel confident, you can’t go wrong.