FESTIVAL SEASON WITH JARED ELLNER
Campaigns /
April 2024
For celebrity stylist Jared Ellner becoming a stylist was a happy accident that just made sense. “I love fashion,” he told us "I’m a fashion nerd." Through his years of styling for magazines and celebs, Jared has become an expert in the science of what to wear when, and, most importantly, how to style it. So when we sat down with Jared to get his take on what to wear this festival season, he had a wealth of information to share. Read our conversation below.
WHAT ARE YOUR STYLING RULES TO LIVE BY?
My only serious rule is that you have to feel confident and good. If you don't feel good, your style will not come off well. It's a very vague rule, but that is the main rule. You have to feel great.
WALK US THROUGH YOUR THOUGHT PROCESS WHEN YOU BUILD A LOOK. WHERE DO YOU START AND HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHAT TO ADD OR WHEN IT’S FINISHED?
My clients' vibe and whatever projects they're doing inspire each look. If it's a music video, a red carpet, a festival, or an event, style can drastically change from one end of the spectrum to another. It can be building from a reference that we're trying to emulate, or one specific accessory or piece of clothing that we're building everything around. For example, Levi's® are very easy to build a look with because they’re staples. So, if you're starting with jean shorts or a Trucker Jacket, it's really simple to build around. Find your key piece that fits the best and just start to filter in your style.
WHAT ARE YOUR DOS AND DON’TS FOR PUTTING TOGETHER A FESTIVAL LOOK?
Function over everything. Start with pieces that you know you're going to feel good in for 12 hours. There are so many times when I have wanted to wear something crazy and then midway through the day, I am in a ton of pain because the shoes or the top is too tight. The main goal is to be as comfortable as you possibly can. Don't do anything uncomfortable; that's really the biggest rule.
WHAT TRENDS ARE YOU SEEING/EXPECTING TO SEE THIS FESTIVAL SEASON, AND WHICH ONES WILL YOU BE BUYING INTO?
I feel like the classic festival trends are still happening, like the classic western. There are also some flower fairy and hippie vibes that people are drawn to. Honestly, I'm not really leaning towards any trends. I love something that feels simple and more utilitarian. I steer more towards things that feel less complicated than like an over-the-top, crazy festival look.
HOW DO YOU ELEVATE A LOOK BEYOND JUST COPYING TRENDS? HOW DO YOU MAKE IT YOUR OWN?
Accessories are everything. Fun vintage jewelry or shoes can help give your look a little more life. There is nothing more personal and unique.
WHICH LEVI’S® PRODUCTS DO YOU CONSIDER FESTIVAL MUSTS? AND WHY?
A Trucker Jacket and 501® shorts. They’re durable. They’re easy. They’re always going to be cute and perfect for hot and cold weather.
WHAT IS IT ABOUT LEVI’S® STYLES THAT WORK FOR FESTIVALS?
Levi's®work so well for festivals because of their durability. You are not going to ruin Levi's® jeans or a Trucker Jacket. You can spend a full weekend in them and they will get better the more you wear them.
ANY FINAL TAKEAWAYS?
I hope people can feel at ease when dressing. It's not incredibly difficult to feel good and to look good. A Trucker, 501®, basic T-shirt or tank top and good boots or sneakers really is all you need. It doesn't take much to feel like a full outfit, which is kind of amazing. Keep it simple and stick to something that you like.
Feeling inspired to build a look of your own? Start with the staple pieces in The Festival Edit, a special collection of styles curated by Jared himself.