Ah, Riot Fest — Chicago’s annual gathering of musical misfits. Every September, punk rock, heavy metal, and alternative fans alike clamor to Douglas Park (or Humboldt before it) to bid one last farewell to summer with what is always inevitably one of the most epic concert line-ups of the year.
Rain or shine, thousands of tattooed, pierced, and mohawked fans traipse through the muddy fields to see the titans of their respective genres: Everyone from Iggy Pop and Motörhead (RIP, Lemmy!) to Jerry Lee Lewis and System of a Down has graced these grounds with their presence.
This year — incidentally, the festival’s 15-year anniversary — proved to be no exception. Not only was the lineup stacked with A-list bands including Slayer, Blink 182, Dashboard Confessional, Taking Back Sunday, Anthrax, Patti Smith, Rancid, The Struts and The Village People (just to name a few), several were scheduled to play some of the most iconic albums of their careers. Blink, for instance, would be playing Enema of the State (yes, the same gem that gave us 1999’s “What’s My Age Again?”), while Dashboard would be singing the soundtrack of my angsty teenage youth with The Places You Have Come to Fear the Most.
While I was undoubtedly excited to relive my days of high school glory through their all-too-familiar tunes (which I most definitely did, despite sound issues that bands, including Senses Fail, attributed to strong winds), I was also eager to see what kind of eccentric style the weekend would bring.
See, unlike Lollapalooza or Pitch Fork, you’re not likely to find your run-of-the-mill sequins, baby tees and mom shorts on these hallowed grounds. This is the “anti-Lolla” if you will — a term borrowed from a girl in line for Dark Matter Coffee while explaining the festival’s vibe to her male companion. Attendees march to their own style beat. For most, that means standardized uniforms of black band tees, matching ripped black denim and sneakers or boots — but not for all.
A select few bold fest-goers dared to push the boundaries of the fashion stakes to their utmost limit, reflecting their punk and metal roots with studs, chains, neon hair, tutus, and more. For two days, I scouted the most unique ensembles to hit the park as guests made their way inside to see their favorite acts. Scroll through to see which ones made the cut!
1. @the_other_holden_caulfield: Michelle made concert merch high-fashion in the festival’s own Riötfest tee dress. A gold lariat, thigh-highs and a fest-branded shopper bag completed her edgy look.
2. @alenabrook and @hesfilthy: In a crowd full of of black Converse sneakers, these DayGlo neon boots could be spotted from a mile away. Alena expertly made them the centerpiece of her outfit, pairing them with a minimalistic black body suit, an equally bright bag, and vintage yellow shades. Her leopard-clad pal was equally as stylish, showing off his sassy top with a pair of peekaboo denim cutoffs.
3. @keppsp: Tiffany proved that black is the new black with this simple-but-sexy romper, which she added a metal feel to with a few well-placed tats, a chain-link fanny pack, fest-ready boots, and a cheeky “Riot Fest sucks” hat.
4. @marilynjaney: If ever there was a getup that embodied that embodied the spirit of Riot Fest, it would be this one. Classic Chucks? Check. Ripped fishnets? Double check. Studded denim vest? Triple check. Top it off with neon pink hair and a pair of adorable heart-shaped glasses, and you’ve got the makings of one seriously badass babe.
5. @katiemara and @linzeejo06: These two went for the gusto with a couple of jaw-dropping looks that only the most hardcore of rock chicks would dare to pull off. As for me, I’m dying to know how long these leather belted pants took to buckle up (and what her workout plan is to fit into them so seamlessly!).
6. This punk princess rioted in a black tutu, a chained dog collar, and fishnets that helped her reign on high above her musical court.
7. @girltrash: Daisy was a true on-site rebel, bucking the all-black trend in favor of the cacophony of color that was her rainbow mesh top, hot pink shorts, and highlighter yellow tresses.
8. @k_murphie: A pair of striped slacks and some understated jewelry was all this gorgeous gal needed to command instant attention — although her tussled lioness’ mane didn’t hurt matters, either!
9. @ivellyne24 and @yumyumsushi43: Despite the day’s brutally warm temperatures, these two suited up in unicorn cosplay that made them an immediate focal point. Talk about getting “fest”-ive!
10. Alice DeVries: Alice was a woodland fairy come to life in her shredded tutu, black corset and bralette top as she worked to keep the park free of cigarette butts.
11. @impozie: I spotted this eye-catching checkered flame bandeau top and sneaker combo while head-banging in the mob that had assembled for Anthrax (or was it Testament? It’s all a blur! ANYWHO). Not only was April’s outfit straight fire, her dancing skills were on point, too.
12. @sophrosyne_33: Megan showed off fest fashion done right with this cool floppy hat, printed skirt, and mud-proof boots that rendered her look casual, breezy, and fun!
13. @sgtmargo: Margo practically radiated “urban chic” from head to toe, owning the grounds in an unexpected neon midi and sneaker combo, a cool denim jacket, and a tee repping one of the greatest bands of all time, if I do say so myself — GnFnR!
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Which look is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!
Xo, Nicole
Margo for sure!!! A denim neon goddess.