Big names, including longtime favorite John Summit and recent breakthrough sensation Disco Lines, entertained thousands of fans at a neon-lit, rain-splattered racetrack at Breakaway Music Festival on Sept. 26 and 27. This leg of the popular EDM festival was held in Concord, North Carolina, at Charlotte Motor Speedway, and delivered two high-energy nights for thousands of attendees..
Despite the rainy forecast, festivalgoers brought the heat with an array of looks that blended concert style with everyday fashion, displaying how these Breakaway trends can cross over into daily wardrobes.
Boots, boots, boots!
Gone are the days of dirty white sneakers — at Breakaway Carolina, it was all about boots.
A popular style was leather-esque boots of varying heights, all similarly adorned with buckles. Cowboy boots also made a predictable appearance, but my personal favorite was the occasional weather-conscious rain boot.
Rain boots are the signature item of British music festival Glastonbury, where mud and darker skies are to be expected and planned for, but they are usually not sported in sunnier climates. However, Breakaway Carolina’s damp weather called for rain boots, or as the British call them, wellies, and I found they added a countryside flair to an outfit.
Rain boots — specifically the classic Hunter boots — have recently been dominating my Pinterest feed, and I would not be surprised to see them become a staple in today’s fashionable everyday wear, especially thanks to their practicality.
Boho Chic
In a turn of events that surprised absolutely no one, boho (accessories, attire, adornments, or another word)were commonplace at the festival. Crochet tops, denim sets, fringe — the boho chic catalogue goes on! Although boho has been a longstanding festival trend, it has increasingly worked its way into the repertoires of the greatest inspirations in fashion.
One exampleof this is the uptick in the popularity of lace, a boho staple that dominated Paris Fashion Week 2025. From Saint Laurent and Louis Vuitton to Valentino, intricate lace patterns were seen across designers and shows. As fashion flows, this Fashion Week trend could cascade into more accessible brands like Zara or Free People, eventually becoming a must-have in outfits across campus.
Micro Shorts
Festival wear is not exactly known for being modest, but micro shorts took things to new heights — or rather, new lengths — during this late September weekend. Whether they were leather, sequinned, lace-up or cheetah print, it was difficult to look around Breakaway Carolina without spotting a pair.
With the rise of ultra-conservative, “clean girl” fashion, it was refreshing to see a bold, openly “party girl” style dominating the festival grounds instead. The incorporation of this style into everyday clothing is limited since cheetah print micro shorts don’t exactly scream 9 a.m. lecture, but it’s my hope that these shorts at least infiltrate nightlife wear. The quintessential black top with jeans combination that’s been the premier “going out” runway look could use more flair!
Mixed Metals
Among jewelry, belts and buckles, Breakaway Carolina glittered with various metals. The most eye-catching aspect of this trend, in my opinion, was the popularity of mixed metals:wearing silver, gold and even rose gold simultaneously.
Most people have a metal they stick to religiously, usually based on what best complements their skin tone, but this can lead to a restrictive pigeonhole.. Mixing metals is both liberating and visually appealing, adding complexity and individuality to a look.
This funky trend has undeniable potential to become an everyday staple since anyone can participate with a simple mix-up of their daily jewelry rotation. Additionally, many vintage jewelry items, which are timelessly stylish and environmentally conscious, already incorporate mixed-metal elements.
Cowl Necklines
Cowl-neck shirts and dresses, although typically associated with a classier, old-fashioned look, were more daring and plunging during the two-day-long festivities.
Belly button-reaching cowls were seen paired with lacy bras or bikini tops, often coupled with metallic accents like hoops, buckles or chains.
Low cowl necks lack practicality and are unlikely to transition to casual wear, but their higher counterparts, once and corporate, have been revived with a fresh new energy.
