What I Would Wear

If I Were Going to Ultra Music Festival

(and I didn't want to look really slutty)

1. Shorts: If I were going to UMF, I would definitely play around with high-waisted denim shorts. Personally, I think it would be a fun opportunity to DIY (take old jeans and cut them into shorts - dye them, stud them, etc.). It might also be a fun chance to go dig through thrift store racks to find great statement shorts (or tops or other elements of your Ultra weekend attire), or simply find some fun, interesting patterned shorts at the mall.
2. Crop Tops & Tank Tops: For Ultra, my top of choice would be a crop corset/bustier. I simply love these! They add a flirty, fun appeal to any outfit, and certainly work well for any outdoor music festival in sunny Miami, FL. If you want to go for the signature "sexy" look at Ultra, this will add that, but with a whole lot more class and style! Patterned or bright colored crop corsets look great with simple denim solid-colored shorts, while basic solid colors complete a look when paired with patterned shorts (they can also be paired with matching solid, bright colored tops). As for tank tops, I would choose bright colored, airy tops that I could tuck into my shorts and color block.
3. Accessories: To complete your Ultra look, accessories are where it's at. Play around with funky colored studs and bracelets, such as the hot pink and purple ASOS watch pictured above and stacked neon beaded kandi bracelets (UMF staple). Also play around with interesting rings, such as the ASOS slinky rings seen above. Don't forget to pack a few hair ties, because it's bound to get hot out on the festival grounds!
4. Hair: I think Ultra is the perfect opportunity to release your inner weirdo. Play with your hair color! If you're really daring, try dying your hair a funky color or use temporary hair dye to pull off this look à-la-Katy Perry or Riley Keough. You can also try dip-dyed (or ombré) ends in crazy colors like Peaches Geldof, dyed hair extensions like Mr. Kate, or even just a cool candy floss wig like Katy Perry or Scarlett Johansson.
5. Bag: This is relatively simple. For any music festival, you don't want to be lugging around some huge purse - go simple. Find yourself a cute, cross-body bag or fashionable small, patterned book-bag that can carry your water bottle and other festival essentials and you're good to go!
6. Nails: You can go all out with crazy, cool nail art for Ultra, but I would go with a simple metallic color. You don't want to overdo it with the neons or patterns after all. Personally, I would go with a gunmetal-colored polish, or simple black (matte is fun too). If you insist on nail art though, I would recommend what I did for Lollapalooza, which was marbeled nail art in dark metallic shades.
7. Headgear: In a perfect world, it would be totally cool to walk around wearing quirky hair pieces all the time. So, if I were going to Ultra, I would totally DIY my own pair of lace mouse/rabbit ears. But, if you're not into being too showy, a simple statement headband will complete a look as well. If you're rocking bangs (like me =^.^=), I would recommend a cross-forehead "hippie" headband. It'll keep your bangs in check in case of any wind, and they're ultra chic. If you've got a center-part in your hair, I would definitely try wearing one of those chain hair-pieces (as pictured above; sorry I'm not sure exactly what they're called, but I know that they sell them at Urban Outfitters) to rock a Vanessa Hudgens-esque edgy look.
8. Shoes: At any festival, you don't want to get too fancy with the footwear. If you're like me and would never even dream of wearing those signature furry rave boots, go with your basic sneaker or pair of TOMS. If you're traveling or staying away from home, you'll want to keep in mind that you want to pack light and should thus go with basic-colored shoes that can match with all of your weekend's outfits. You're also going to be standing for long periods of time so you'll want to pack comfortable shoes. Avoid sandals - festivals really aren't about looking super cute and girly and you really don't want to get your feet trampled by fellow festival-goers if you're going to be dancing in the crowds.
9. Eyewear: Miami is extremely sunny and it can get pretty damn hot during the afternoon. Pack a pair of cute sunnies that will fit in your bag and you can put on whenever you need them. I would personally sport some heart-shaped Lolita sunnies, or Ray Ban Clubmasters.
10. Makeup: If you're going to go all out with your outfit, keep the makeup simple. You want to fit in, but you don't want to look like a circus clown. If you're going with a bright outfit that's got lots of patterns, I would suggest more a more natural look, featuring a rosy cheek, some lip stain or subtle orange/peach/pink lipstick, winged eyeliner, and lash-thickening, waterproof mascara. If you've gone simple or darker with the outfit's tones, feel free to experiment with bright red lipsticks, such as MAC's Russian Red, or bright shades of orange and pink. You can also try  metallic eyeshadows, dramatic liner (such as glittery or different colored liquid liners), and - of course - bold lashes.

If you are going to Ultra, don't forget: 

• It's a music festival, not a fashion show. Don't pack you're finest clothing or shoes, because they are bound to get ruined in the potential rain or amongst the crowds.
• Pack light! There is nothing more unbearable than having to carry a heavy bag around the festival grounds and in the crowds - I am telling you this from personal experience. Your ticket, phone, water bottle, wallet, and perhaps some small touch-up items are enough.
• WATER. It can get extremely warm in Miami even in Spring, so don't forget to pack water with you (also, you don't want to have to pay for overpriced water bottles on the festival grounds so best to take care of this beforehand). That aside, it's no secret that there's an abundance of drug use at Ultra. Not that I condone this, but if you're going to partake in that, please be responsible about it. Pack water.
• Be safe! If you are going with friends, make sure to stay together or use - yes, I'm going to say it - the buddy system. I'm not sure about Ultra, but at Lollapalooza in Chicago, it was nearly impossible to get phone service in the city itself or on the festival grounds, and thus if someone got lost or separated, it was extremely difficult to find them again. I don't think Miami has that problem, but just in case, take precaution and stay together. This is also essential if you're going to be partaking in drug use. Keep each other safe and again, be responsible.
• Have a blast. Don't let small drama get in the way of your happiness. Make it a weekend for the books!