Statement pieces and standout accessories
Festival-goers at Boston Calling embraced boldness with statement pieces that turned heads and sparked conversations. Wide-brimmed cowboy hats, often adorned with feathers or rhinestones, were a recurring favourite, blending Western flair with urban edge. These hats weren’t just for sun protection—they were centrepieces of entire outfits, often paired with fringe jackets or metallic boots to complete the look.
Accessories played a starring role in defining individual style. Sparkling hair gems caught the sunlight and added a whimsical touch to braids and buns, while oversized sunglasses in vibrant colours and geometric shapes gave off a retro-cool vibe. Layered necklaces, chunky rings, and body chains added texture and depth, transforming simple outfits into fashion-forward statements.
Many attendees opted for bold bags and backpacks, not just for practicality but as fashion statements in their own right. From holographic mini backpacks to beaded crossbody bags shaped like fruit or animals, these accessories added a playful twist to festival attire. Footwear also made a splash, with platform boots, glittery sneakers, and even LED-lit shoes lighting up the festival grounds.
It was clear that accessories weren’t just afterthoughts—they were integral to the overall aesthetic. Each piece, whether subtle or extravagant, contributed to a larger narrative of creativity and individuality, making the festival grounds feel like a moving fashion exhibit.
Creative ensembles and personal flair
Beyond accessories, the ensembles themselves told vivid stories of personality and imagination. Festival-goers treated the event like a canvas, layering textures, patterns, and colours in ways that defied convention. Sequinned jumpsuits shimmered under the stage lights, while mesh tops and crochet dresses offered a breezy, bohemian contrast. Denim was reimagined in patchwork styles, acid washes, and unexpected silhouettes, often paired with bold prints or neon accents.
Many attendees leaned into themes, crafting looks that felt almost theatrical. One group coordinated in matching metallics, each person donning a different hue of foil-like fabric, creating a rainbow effect as they danced through the crowd. Others embraced vintage aesthetics, with flared trousers, tie-dye shirts, and retro windbreakers evoking the spirit of past decades. The blending of eras and influences gave the festival a timeless, eclectic energy.
Layering was key, not just for practicality in Boston’s unpredictable weather, but as a stylistic choice. Sheer fabrics over bralettes, oversized shirts cinched with statement belts, and fishnet tights under ripped shorts all added dimension and intrigue. Even outerwear became part of the fashion narrative—denim jackets covered in hand-painted designs, faux fur coats in electric colours, and capes made from recycled materials all made appearances.
Footwear choices further reflected personal flair. While some opted for comfort with colourful trainers or well-worn Doc Martens, others strutted in thigh-high boots or platform sandals, undeterred by the terrain. Socks and leg warmers in clashing prints peeked out from under hemlines, adding another layer of personality to each outfit.
What stood out most was the confidence with which people wore their creations. Whether DIY or designer, every ensemble felt intentional and expressive. The festival became a space where fashion rules were rewritten, and individuality was not only accepted but celebrated.
Fashion as a form of self-expression
At Boston Calling, fashion became more than just a visual spectacle—it was a powerful medium for self-expression. Attendees used their outfits to communicate identity, mood, and even values, turning the festival into a living gallery of personal narratives. For many, dressing up wasn’t just about looking good; it was about feeling seen and sharing a piece of themselves with the world around them.
Some festival-goers embraced fashion as a form of empowerment, donning outfits that challenged gender norms or celebrated body positivity. Flowy skirts paired with combat boots, or traditionally masculine tailoring softened with pastel tones and delicate accessories, blurred the lines of conventional style. These choices weren’t just aesthetic—they were statements of authenticity and pride.
Others used their clothing to reflect cultural heritage or pay homage to their roots. Embroidered fabrics, traditional patterns, and symbolic jewellery were woven into modern silhouettes, creating a fusion of past and present. These ensembles sparked conversations and connections, as people shared the stories behind their garments and the significance they held.
For some, fashion was a way to channel their inner artist. Hand-painted jackets, customised denim, and upcycled garments turned everyday clothing into wearable art. Festival-goers proudly showcased their DIY creations, often made from thrifted or repurposed materials, highlighting a growing movement toward sustainability and conscious fashion choices.
Even makeup and hair became tools of expression. Glitter brows, neon eyeliner, and face jewels added a theatrical flair, while bold hair colours and intricate braids completed the look. These details weren’t just for show—they were extensions of the wearers’ personalities, moods, and creative impulses.
In a space where music and art collided, fashion emerged as a language of its own. Each outfit told a story, whether it was one of rebellion, celebration, nostalgia, or hope. The festival grounds buzzed with individuality, reminding everyone that style isn’t just about trends—it’s about truth, and the courage to wear it proudly.
Festival fashion highlights
Boston Calling 2024 delivered more than just music—it served up a visual feast of festival fashion that could rival any runway. The grounds were awash with bold silhouettes, vibrant hues, and a fearless embrace of personal style. Think cowboy boots paired with sequinned mini dresses, oversized denim jackets layered over sheer mesh tops, and plenty of fringe swaying to the beat.
Festival-goers leaned into maximalism, with Y2K nostalgia making a strong return. Low-rise cargos, butterfly tops, and metallic fabrics shimmered under the New England sun. Crochet sets in earthy tones and pastel palettes offered a softer, boho contrast, while utility-inspired pieces—cargo skirts, belted vests, and combat boots—added a streetwear edge.
Colour was key. From neon greens to hot pinks and electric blues, attendees weren’t afraid to stand out. Monochrome looks in head-to-toe white or black also made a statement, often elevated with texture—lace, leather, or layered tulle. Gender-fluid styling was front and centre, with many embracing androgynous cuts and mixing traditionally masculine and feminine elements.
Hair and makeup played a major role in completing each look. Glitter roots, space buns, and pastel-dyed hair were everywhere, while graphic eyeliner and rhinestone embellishments added drama. The vibe was unapologetically expressive—each outfit a curated moment of self-celebration.
Statement accessories and standout styles
Accessories took centre stage at Boston Calling, transforming outfits into full-blown fashion statements. Wide-brimmed cowboy hats—some in classic tan suede, others in glitter-drenched pastels—were the unofficial crown of the weekend. Worn with everything from denim cut-offs to silk slip dresses, they added a playful Western twist that felt both nostalgic and fresh.
Hair gems were another standout, catching the light and turning heads. Sparkling rhinestones were meticulously placed along part lines and braids, creating a celestial effect that elevated even the simplest hairstyles. Oversized claw clips in neon acrylics and metallic finishes also made a strong showing, nodding to early-2000s kitsch with a modern edge.
Statement sunglasses were everywhere—think exaggerated cat-eyes, tinted visors, and bedazzled frames. These weren’t just sun protection; they were mood-setters. Many festival-goers coordinated their eyewear with their outfits, using colour and shape to amplify their aesthetic.
Jewellery leaned maximalist. Layered chains, chunky resin bangles, and shoulder-grazing earrings dominated. Pearls were reimagined in asymmetrical designs and mixed with hardware elements for a punk-meets-prep vibe. Anklets and body chains added a sultry touch, especially when paired with sheer fabrics and cut-out silhouettes.
Bags were less about function, more about flair. Micro bags in metallics and faux fur swung from belt loops and crossbodies, while transparent PVC totes revealed curated contents—glitter lip gloss, disposable cameras, and mini fans. Footwear followed suit: platform boots, holographic sneakers, and strappy sandals with unexpected embellishments like feathers or chains.
It was clear that every accessory was chosen with intention. The overall effect? A festival landscape where individuality reigned, and every detail—from a single ear cuff to a rhinestone-studded boot—told a story of bold, unfiltered self-expression.