SLUG Style: Kilby Block Party 6
Fashion
Kilby Block Party 6 expanded to four days for the first time, and the fashion across the weekend was just as wide-ranging and unpredictable as the weather. Where other festivals follow a fashion formula, KBP showcased a refreshing lack of uniformity. There was no “look” to chase this past weekend. Instead, style leaned deeply into individuality, creativity and a spirit of intentional self-expression. Rather than following a trend cycle, most outfits felt personal, pieced together with care, humor and history. And in a city like Salt Lake, where the community values quirk, authenticity and sustainability, this openness felt right at home. Click on each photo to display more info!
DIY at Every Turn
Day one set the tone with a clear DIY presence. Throughout the festival grounds, people showed up wearing clothing that they had either made, altered or styled in a way that emphasized craft over convention.
Bentley Smith, founder of the Wonder Creative Collective, wore a crocheted top he had made himself, a piece that had been reworked and repurposed for several different outfits before becoming part of his festival look. “I only make one of [a kind] upcycled pieces,” says Smith. “I never know what the fuck I’m going to make next. I just do whatever sounds like fun today.”
Aleko Stoev arrived in what could be described as a “vintage” Minecraft zip-up hoodie. Once the height of elementary school style, it now served as an ironic statement, styled with purpose and a quiet confidence that made it stand out.
Elsewhere, Chelsea Gamble paired their everyday chunky pearls with a purple skirt they had hand-dyed just for the weekend. That mix of the familiar and the handmade was a recurring theme, people using what they already had and elevating it into something worth showing off.
One of the most memorable groups that day was decked out in full Devo cosplay, just in time for the band’s Thursday night set. The group had made their own red energy dome hats out of construction paper and clear duct tape, and while the hats weren’t pristine, they didn’t need to be, showing an emphasis on intention over perfection.
A Celebration of Color
Day two highlighted a strong sense of individuality, with color emerging as a common language among festival-goers. One group wandered through the park covered in body and face paint, each person a different color. Nearby, Obet, visiting from Mexico, wore a rainbow-striped button-up, styled with a curled mustache and a unique hat that tied the look together.
Another standout was fashion major Vanessa Bunker wearing a bright, Harajuku-inspired outfit, bursting with layers, color and texture. “I low key feel like everyone just wears black nowadays,” says Bunker. “I love color and just want to spread the color love.”
Playful, Practical and Everything In Between
By Saturday, the energy shifted slightly. The sun came out, the crowd swelled and the outfits turned breezier, both in material and mood. Skirts and shorts were the go-to, with many layering statement accessories or throwing on oversized shirts.
Weezer’s headlining set seemed to inspire more than a few fashion choices. Jorts were everywhere, echoing the band’s offbeat charm. Some leaned into early-2000s band tee nostalgia, while others embraced playful twee-inspired fits. Among the most memorable looks was a group dressed in full banana suits, who were caught launching bananas in the air during George Clanton’s set.
Weather-Ready Style Closes Out the Weekend
Sunday brought the biggest wardrobe challenge of the weekend. A cool, rainy morning forced most people into rain jackets, windbreakers and plastic ponchos. The air was damp and windy, and for a few hours, fashion took a back seat to function. The once-vibrant festival grounds became a sea of neutral outerwear. But by early afternoon, the clouds broke, and the sun pushed through. Slowly, layers came off. Jackets were folded into bags, tied around waists or flung over shoulders.
What emerged from underneath was a final wave of fashion surprises. Flowy dresses, wide-leg pants and bold prints reappeared as if the sun had permitted us to get back to dressing up. In some ways, day four offered the most layered fashion, both literally and figuratively. Attendees had to think through their outfits in advance, plan for temperature changes and still find ways to make their looks feel like them.
Photos by Jackie Stigile | jackiesportfolio.com | Click on each photo to display more info
Check out more coverage of Kilby Block Party 6:
32 Sensational Performances at Kilby Block Party 6
Photo Gallery: Kilby Block Party 6 @ Utah State Fairpark
