Photos show how Coachella fashion has changed dramatically through the years

Since its inception in 1999, Coachella has become somewhat of a runway in addition to a music festival.

Many festivalgoers take outfit planning very seriously, creating some memorable, daring looks. But it wasn't always this way — take a look at the evolution of Coachella style from 2007 to 2023.

The difference between the trends that dominated Coachella in the aughts and those that are dominating the event these days cannot be understated: As photos show, there seems to have been no distinct "Coachella" aesthetic whatsoever back in 2007.

Audience members were seen wearing typical summertime outfits in the late '00s. Many festivalgoers wore baseball caps or visors and low-rise denim shorts, often paired with simple bikini tops, tank tops, and button-downs. The attire was casual, simple, and practical for enjoying music during a warm day.

In contrast to the careful curation of today's festivalgoers, Coachella attendees in 2008 wore standard T-shirts or bathing suits as tops.

The absence of influencer culture, Instagram, and other social media mitigated pressure to dress in extravagant attire.

The classic late-aughts Coachella style kept steady in 2009. Staple pieces included bikini tops, flowy skirts, and denim shorts.

Classic festival clothes like gauzy dresses and maxi skirts were popular in 2011. Others combined color and texture to build eye-catching outfits.

String bikinis were seen around the festival grounds in 2011, often accessorized with unexpected pieces like hats, fishnet tights, and belts.

Although the influence of Y2K fashion was still popular for many people, others incorporated pieces from rave and scene subcultures to create bold looks.

Many festivalgoers wore tiny denim shorts and low-rise skirts in an array of colors. Those who wanted a more bohemian look often added fringe or a headband.

For an edgier style, attendees stomped around the grounds in combat boots.

Although Coachella fashion was still relatively tame, a stand-out piece for the 2013 festival was the micro-top.

Bralettes, cropped shirts, and bikini tops were paired with anything from a full-length maxi skirt to Daisy Dukes.

Coachella 2014 saw style get more daring and intricate, with some festivalgoers choosing crocheted and mesh materials. You could even find some people skipping tops altogether.

So-called "bohemian" accessories were everywhere at Coachella in 2015. The flower crown was becoming a festival staple, but fashionistas also piled on other pieces like cat ears, chunky jewelry, belts, sunglasses, and bags.

Big names like Kendall Jenner and Paris Hilton both showed up to Coachella that year in hippie-inspired looks, proving that boho-mania was making a comeback on the festival circuit.

Coachella 2016 was the year of black-and-white looks for many attendees. Some went for all-white or all-black with their ensembles, while others mixed them together for contrast.

High-slit skirts, boots, and midriff-bearing sets also made strong appearances in 2016.

Publications from Teen Vogue to Mic began publishing guides about "how to avoid cultural appropriation at Coachella," a problematic reputation that continues to this day.

Many festivalgoers simply wore toned-down versions of boho-chic trends, opting for layered necklaces, wide-brimmed hats, and funky sequin designs.

Pigtail braids and space buns were very popular among people with long hair.

Festivalgoers went all-out with skin-baring looks, which they frequently paired with sparkly accessories or bejeweled accents.

Vibrant colors were everywhere, especially when it came to hair.

While sequins still reigned supreme at Coachella, 2019 bore the unmistakable air of shifting trends, with many fans wearing Y2K-era styles like slip dresses and low-slung pants.

Although some vestiges of old festival fashion remained in 2022, the overall vibe was more casual and cohesive.

As opposed to the maximalist trends of yesteryear, festivalgoers largely favored matching pieces and color coordination.

Oversized outfits and fringe dresses were popular styles, as were bold patterns like marble swirls and cow prints. Cowboy boots and Dr. Martens were easily the most common footwear options, though many comfort-minded fans chose to wear sneakers.

While many attendees in 2023 stuck to comfortable clothes like flowy dresses and T-shirts, some chose see-through knits or sheer fabrics to beat the heat. Parasols could also be seen around the grounds, providing shade with style.

Denim in all forms — jeans, cutoff shorts, and even dresses — also proved to be very popular.

Perhaps thanks to Beyoncé's new hit album "Cowboy Carter" and the accompanying surge in country music's popularity, cowboy hats were everywhere at Coachella 2024's first weekend.

Much like the previous year, fans also tended to favor denim pieces and lightweight fabrics, particularly crochet.