Lilith Fair, Feminism, and…Fashion

If you grew up in the ’90s, you’re probably familiar with Lilith Fair, the incredible all-female music festival that took place in the summers of 1997, 1998, and 1999. It all started when Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan was tired of concert promoters who favored male musicians by giving them better venues and tour dates and radio stations that refused to play two female musicians in a row. (Quick sidebar: If you’re wondering where the name Lilith came from, the answer to that is Jewish lore. Lilith was Adam’s first wife who refused to follow his orders.) Today, we’re taking a look back on some of the iconic fashion trends rocked by the ladies of Lilith Fair.

Natalie Merchant

(image via garage via steve granitz/getty images)

If we were older than just mere toddlers in the ’90s, we have this idea of what our life would be like: we’d hang out at our local coffee shop, check out some thrift stores, then visit our favorite local bar, all while wearing a vintage dress paired with some bright leather slides – just like Natalie Merchant at Lilith Fair. We have to admit: We’re a little jealous of seeing someone seemingly living our dream.

Sarah Bettens

(image via garage via the hulton archive/getty images)

Alexa, play Not an Addict. If there is one vibe we will forever associate with the ’90s, it’s the carefree “sneakers with dresses” look – and we’re still here for it today.

The Whole Gang

(image via vanity fair via steve granitz/wireimage)

There is a lot to unpack here. We’ll start on the left with Lisa Loeb, who appears to be rocking some platform sneakers. Then, let’s pan over to the founder herself, Sarah McLachlan, who, from the flipped hair to the toe sandals, has perfectly encapsulated the late ’90s. Now, we can’t just act as though Meredith Brooks isn’t wearing the blue daisy shirt we all lusted after or that Rebekah isn’t wearing the platform boots of our dreams. And on the far right, we see Tracy Bonham in a silk skirt, lace cami, and classic black-and-white Vans.

Luscious Jackson

(image via vanity fair via getty)

This is a Luscious Jackson appreciation post. While the band was not impressed with Lilith Fair at first, they eventually joined the movement in 1999, serving some big ’90s looks at their performance with the form-fitting periwinkle skirt, cargo pants, and the artsy all-black ensemble paired with red shades?

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