If you thought raver style went out with the 90’s, you are wrong. It still exists and is going strong, as exhibited this weekend at New York’s Electric Zoo. There was a strong showing of the favorites– tons of neon, beaded bracelets and so, so much glitter. But it seems 2010’s ravers are taking it to the next level by mixing current trends with old electro staples.
If you’re going to show up at an electronic music festival in the near future, here are a few tips. Don’t even think about stepping out of the house without something animal or safari related. This could be true in real life but for the sake of keeping this under 500 words I’ll leave it at that. An animal print jacket or pants are absolutely acceptable, but some tiger ears or a leopard tail would really set it off. You’re going to be dancing like an animal anyway so why not dress like one?! Hello Kitty themed items are obvious, so for the sake of progress, leave them at home. You’re an adult godamnit and just because you’re going to get f’ed up and suck on a pacifier does not mean you should dress like a child.
The best accessory spotted? Feathers. Lots of them. In your hair, on a necklace, it doesn’t matter. Just put them on and don’t worry about it later when your comrades are plucking them off and tickling each other with them. It’s an entirely acceptable side effect of dressing so damn good.
Another neo-hit? Geometric patterns. Ranging from 60’s minimalism to tribal prints, this is a prime example of the old becoming new and beautiful all over again. The guy in the Texas flag shit obviously knows whats up– look at that amazing shirt, complete with side ventilation!
And that leads me to my next and final point: Whatever you do, for Christ’s sake, don’t forget to slut it up. Guys, I’m talking to you too. Your hair may be the perfect shade of cobalt blue but if you don’t turn up the skank then you’re not really enjoying yourself. It’s hot out there and these are the last few days of summer and, more importantly, our youth. Next year there will be a new crop of neon clad kiddies and you’ll have an underpaying day job that forces you to work on weekends and wear ill-fitting suits because god forbid you wear a low cut shirt in the office– you’d just be asking to be sexually harassed! So take hold of your fleeting sexual freedom, rip holes in your tights, cut that shirt into a crop top and don’t wear a bra. Or only wear a bra. Just get creative! There are a handful of events across the world where you can get away with literally anything as long as its peaceful. Thankfully, this is one of them.
Words by Courtney Dudley
