Sound Script

 Trends that are going to define Utah summer

Article and Photos by Syd Telford

“I like Kilby Block Party because honestly, festivals like Coachella feel too ravey and like people are dressing like that because they have to. Kilby Block Party is different. Everyone here expresses themselves through fashion and I think it’s the coolest thing.” 

I spent the majority of my time at Kilby Block Party this year talking to people about clothes, fashion, trends, and everything in between. One girl summed up the fashion culture at Kilby perfectly–a place where everyone can express themselves through fashion. 

KBP revealed several trends that I’m convinced will take off during the summer months. Festival-goers drew inspiration from Y2K, emo/punk, and western wear. Liberty spikes, chunky belts, and tall boots dominated the crowds. I personally can’t wait to see how these trends are interpreted through the summer. 

Y2K

Sequins, platform flip-flops, and newsboy hats were out in full force. Early 2000s fashion has been making a comeback for years, but Kilby Block Party felt like the first time the trend was executed correctly. Sequined halter tops, tiny sunglasses, and layered jewelry transported the festival grounds back to 2003. 

PUNK/EMO

Full black outfits were hard to miss throughout the weekend. With artists like Turnstile and Hayley Williams performing, it made sense that fans would dress to the occasion. The crowd went all out with liberty spikes, chunky silver jewelry, and knee-high Converse. It was refreshing to see a grittier, punk-inspired side of KBP. 

PATTERNS

Patterns, patterns, and more patterns! As an avid cheetah print lover, I was stoked to see cheetah print taking over. Skirts, overalls, tops, jackets, you name it and there was a cheetah print version of that piece present at the fairgrounds. The resurgence of animal print felt especially tied to the broader Y2K revival happening throughout the festival.

PONCHOS

Ponchos are going to be a huge hit this summer. From lace layers to sheer knits, the piece showed up across the festival in a variety of styles. Some attendees leaned into early 1960s and 1970s boho influences, while others went for a more Y2K-inspired look. No matter how it was styled, ponchos proved to be one of the most versatile trends at Kilby Block Party — and personally, I can’t wait to see more interpretations of the piece throughout the summer.

ACCESSORIES 

There was no shortage of quirky accessories this year. Statement accessories quietly became one of the strongest trends of the festival. It gave each outfit a boost of individuality. The trend also provided a new way for everyone to express themselves. From cigarettes doubling as hairclips, worms as earrings, and watches being worn as rings, attendees had no trouble finding new uses for everyday objects. Bolo ties made a huge splash in terms of men’s fashion. It instantly elevated the outfits and was one of my favorite unexpected styles of the event. 

GRAPHIC TEES

Clever graphic tees popped up at nearly every stage. From political commentary to asking for “no karate in the pit,” simple everyday tees were elevated into statements. These shirts added personality to otherwise casual outfits and reflected the humor, creativity, and individuality that defined the weekend. 

KBP MERCH 

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the iconic Kilby Block Party merch. Although I was disappointed in the merch options this year, I couldn’t hate on the classic block party shirt. One person even made their own Pokemon KBP merch, which was adorable. Even with something such as a basic festival merch t-shirt, attendees still found ways to personalize it. 

TELETUBBIES

One of the best parts of festival fashion is that not everyone takes it seriously. Between carefully curated outfits were groups dressed as Teletubbies, giant Peeps, and other completely random characters that added to the chaotic charm of the weekend.