Goldrush Style Guide: What to Wear to Rawhide, Inspired by Past Festival Looks
Dust off your cowboy boots and break out the fringe, Goldrush Music Festival is heading back to Rawhide next month on September 11-12, and it’s time to start planning your festival fit!
Goldrush has always had one of the most recognizable aesthetics in Arizona’s festival scene. Where else can cowboy hats, rhinestones, leather, fringe, and ravewear all exist in the same outfit? Over the years, festivalgoers have fully embraced the Wild West theme, turning Rawhide into a runway of space cowboys, desert divas, rhinestone rodeo queens, and everything in between. If you’re still figuring out what to wear this year, we’re looking back at some of the styles that have taken over Goldrush in years past for a little inspiration.
Cowboy Boots Are Basically a Must
If there’s one weekend to wear cowboy boots to a rave, it’s Goldrush.
Classic western boots instantly make even the simplest festival outfit feel on-theme. Pair them with a pair of shorts and a statement top, or go full rodeo with a matching set, belt, and cowboy hat.
Just remember: Goldrush is still a festival, which means you’re going to be on your feet for hours. If you’re bringing out a brand-new pair of boots, break them in before festival weekend. Your feet will thank you somewhere around hour six.
Fringe, Fringe and More Fringe
Fringe is so back! Past Goldrush looks have incorporated it everywhere—from jackets and skirts to tops, belts, sleeves, and accessories. It’s also one of those details that looks even better once you start dancing.
For a more traditional western look, stick with brown, black, tan, or suede-inspired pieces. If you want to take it into rave territory, metallic fringe, rhinestones, bright colors, and holographic details can give the trend a festival upgrade.
An All-Black Moment Never Misses
When in doubt, wear black (at least that’s what I do 99% of the time).
An all-black fit is practically foolproof at Goldrush, especially if you want to lean into a darker, edgier take on western style. Black boots, mini skirts, corsets, leather, mesh, chaps, and matching sets all fit right in against the Rawhide backdrop.
The best part? Black gives you the perfect base to play with accessories. Add a statement belt, silver hardware, a cowboy hat, fringe, or a little rhinestone sparkle to take it from basic black to Wild West after dark.
Rhinestone Rodeo
Goldrush may take inspiration from the Old West, but nobody said the Wild West couldn’t sparkle.
Rhinestones, metallics, sequins, gems, and chrome details are the perfect way to combine classic rave style with western fashion. Bedazzled cowboy hats have become especially fitting for the occasion, while rhinestone belts, boots, tops, and face gems can add just enough shine without taking over the entire outfit.
Or, of course, you can ignore the “just enough” part completely. It is a festival, after all.
Denim Never Misses
Goldrush might be one of the easiest festivals to style because chances are you already own something that works.
Denim shorts, corsets, vests, skirts, chaps, and matching sets have all become staples of the Goldrush aesthetic. A simple denim base also gives you plenty of room to go bigger with the accessories.
Think: comfy denim shorts, boots, a belt, statement sunglasses, and a cowboy hat. Simple, comfortable, and immediately Rawhide-ready.
Space Cowboy Is Always an Option
You don’t have to take the western theme literally either. Some of the best Goldrush looks blend western silhouettes with futuristic ravewear. Silver cowboy hats, metallic boots, reflective fabrics, chrome accessories, futuristic sunglasses, and holographic sets can transform a traditional cowboy look into something straight out of another galaxy.
Think less “Old Town Road” and more “cowboy accidentally transported to a rave in 3026.”
Cow Print Has Entered the Chat
There may be no pattern more perfectly suited for Goldrush.
Cow print has appeared on everything from matching sets and mini skirts to hats, bags, boots, and chaps. It’s playful, instantly recognizable, and easy to mix with black, white, denim, or pops of color.
If an entire cow-print outfit feels like too much, one statement piece can still pull the whole look into Goldrush territory.
Don’t Forget the Cowboy Hat
At Goldrush, the cowboy hat is more than an accessory—it’s practically part of the uniform.
Classic felt hats work perfectly for a traditional western look, while past festival fashion has proven there are no real rules here. Rhinestones, metallic finishes, bright colors, chains, feathers, and custom designs can turn a cowboy hat into the centerpiece of your entire outfit.
Just make sure it’s secure enough to survive a night of dancing.
Dress for the Desert
The aesthetic matters, but so does surviving a full day at Rawhide. Arizona temperatures can change quickly once the sun goes down, so consider bringing a light layer that works with your outfit. A fringe jacket, oversized denim jacket, flannel, or western-inspired outer layer can keep the look going while giving you something to throw on later in the night.
Comfortable shoes are equally important. Goldrush is not the weekend to discover that your boots only look comfortable. The best part about Goldrush fashion is that there really isn’t one way to do it. Go full rhinestone rodeo queen. Keep it classic with denim and boots. Turn yourself into a futuristic space cowboy. Cover absolutely everything in fringe. Goldrush gives festivalgoers an excuse to take western fashion and push it as far into rave territory as they want. Past years have shown us that when the festival gates open, Rawhide becomes just as much of a fashion show as it is a dance floor.
So grab your boots, secure your cowboy hat, add a little (or a lot) of sparkle, and get ready to ride into Goldrush this September 11-12 at Rawhide Event Center. This year we have major headliners like Martin Garrix, Griz, Alesso, Deadmau5, and more! Check out the full lineup and grab your passes here.
