Electric Forest street style is the combination of raver candy kids, old fashioned hippies, city-dwelling hipsters and it’s own brand of Rothburian forest fantasy, as you can tell from the photos of elf-like fairies – complete with wings. The more I see, process, and think about Midwestern style, the more I think it is defined by individuality. Rothburians are freer to create individualized looks than festival-goers at a mainstream fashion festival like Coachella.

The lack of a traditional “fashion scene” at Rothbury/Electric Forest allows people to let their inner self shine through personal style without fear of judgment or snark, similar to street-style in Chicago. One of the most beautiful aspects of Midwestern life is the general kindness and respect Midwesterners have for each other. As a result people here have the courage to put themselves far out there. The camping music festival environment is particularly conducive to this brand of extreme self expression, which is encouraged and celebrated by the culture.