our favorite funky looks from afropunk in 2018

Our Favorite Funky Looks from Afropunk in 2018

An Afropunk to Remember! Check Out Our Favorite Looks from Afropunk

When it comes down to wacky hairstyles, vibrant clothing, and fantastic music, I think festivals are all of our hidden weaknesses.

The most popular music festival of the year is Coachella, but the most memorable must be Afro-punk. Last weekend thousands of people came into Brooklyn's Commodore Barry Park for one of a kind music festival.

Afro-punk revolves around hairstyles, clothing, and culture related to Afrocentrism. Of course, everyone is welcome, but the festival has curated space for African-American people from various backgrounds to celebrate black music, fashion, hair, and beauty in the most unapologetic way. 2018 marks it's 13-year anniversary, and its attendees were looking as beautiful and happier as ever.

The musical side included star performances by Erykah Badu, Daniel Caesar, Miguel, Janelle Monáe, and many more. And although the music is fantastic, it has no competition against all the stylish and beautiful people who dress to impress at this festival.

When people say they go to Afro-punk only to watch the performances, I know they must be kidding. The hairstyles, food, looks, and energy are what downright separates this festival from all the rest. What we love about Afro-punk the most is the freedom it allows us to have and show to others.

From the fashion which includes flower crowns, body glitter, and ruffle dresses to the natural hairstyles like cornrows, Afros, dreadlocks, and braids. If you have the confidence and personality like we know you do then, you'll be wanting to buy your ticket for next year's event by the end of this post! But if you don't believe how fantastic this festival can be then, we'll have to show you for yourself.

Here's a list of our favorite looks from Afropunk 2018, as well as some specific attendees who did their best to stand out from the crowd!

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Flower Child

The use of flowers this year at Afropunk is genuinely insane.

Let me start by saying I never knew how beautiful, sunflowers, daisies, or roses could be on one person's head. Many women and men incorporate these stunning plants as a part of their ensemble every time at this festival.

But this year was a little different our favorite flower child must go to @organicroyalty. This beautiful woman takes advantage of the use of her dreads and creates a high ponytail that resembles a bouquet of flowers. This hairstyle is just stunning and will catch your attention in a matter of seconds.

She compliments the look by adding matching sunflower earrings that you can also spot from a mile away. Other attendees had a beautiful use of these golden plants as well. Some would place them sparingly throughout their Afro, and the men would put them inside of their beards.

These looks are enough to make any festival newcomer fall in love. Remember that these flowers are not only for your hair, but people also incorporate these beauties in their wardrobe as well. The creativity this year was off the charts, and you can make many of these looks yourself with a simple D.I.Y.

So, if you plan on attending Afro-punk next year, you should know flowers will never go out of style.

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Head and Face Jewelry

If you're thinking about attending Afro-punk and going out with a bang, you cannot forget to wear some attractive jewelry.

It seems like this year head jewels were the main attraction. You could find attendees rocking glitzy, sequent, or sparkly chains on their head. Some concertgoers would even go the extra mile and attach their head ware onto the nose rings giving off an extra Afrocentric look.

If you are a fan of Game of Thrones, then you know exactly how cool this accessory can be on someone. The good thing about it is that this jewelry can come in the regular form or an elaborate style that you wear for individual concerts and certain festivals.

Hair chains are perfect for those of you who don't want to wear the traditional flower crowns. The accessory universally looks best when you wear it over a center part or have bangs covering the forehead. Oversize nose rings are also a big show peace at Afro-punk, especially when it connects to your earring or other face jewelry.

Whether you have a small loop through your nostril, a nose cuff, or even a septum piercing the little details complete an outfit. Bhindis, gems, and other bohemian accents look beautiful on the festival attendees.

So if you need some inspiration check out these pics of our favorite chain jewelry looks this year at Afropunk.

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Afros

Of course, if you're going to Afropunk the one thing that you're going to see the most are Afros.

The fro style originated in the mid-1960s and became most popular during the Black Panther movement. During the 1970's this hairstyle was a statement look for African-Americans, which is why it is a go-to look for Afropunk.

It is a beautiful sight to see all these fantastic people rocking their natural curls to their fullest extent. The Afros this year came in so many different shapes, textures, and colors. From blonde curly wigs to black floral ones, any and everyone rocking an Afro style look merely beautiful in them.

Whether you wear yours in bangs, an updo, or wild and free, this is one festival where no one would dare to judge you. When it comes to choosing the perfect hairstyle for Afro-punk, there should be no need to worry.

Check out these impressive Afro looks from this year's festival.

Bantu Knots

It's crazy to think that some people only wear Bantu knots as a heat-free styling method for natural hair.

But this year a lot of women at Coachella or taking it back to the 90s and rocking Bantu knots as their go-to hairstyle. This look is a perfect style to try on the day of the event; you can do it within minutes and with ease.

Some attendees were adding quirky jewels and accessories to the style to make it pop out more. This style looks very ethnic and is suitable for this kind of festival. Whether you want to rock them all over your head, or just put a few knots in the front, you are sure to stand out from the crowd. If you want to spice up this look, try adding cornrows in between the sections, or insert extensions to make the knots appear thicker.

My favorite style is when the parts are angled or zigzag this creates an edgier look. The great thing about choosing this hairstyle is that you have a two in one choice.

Since this festival is for two days, you can rock Bantu knots for one day and a beautiful twist out of the other. If you do it the correct way, the curl pattern is spiral and will look jaw dropping. Now the only thing left to do is figure out your rocking outfit choices.

Give this hairstyle a try if you plan on attending Afropunk next year.

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African Print

Again, since Afro-punk is a threshold for black excellence you better believe that concert goers will be rocking some beautiful African prints.

The universal way to wear these patterns is with jeans or in a dress. Some even go the extra mile and wrap their hair in the same fabric as their outfit. Our favorite looks from Afro-punk must be the maxi oversized African print skirts.

These skirts came in many eye-catching colors and designs that will make you say OMG a million times over. I know that most concertgoers try to show off as much skin as possible, but they still manage to make these big skirts look sexy. You can pair them with matching crop tops, bandeau, even a see-through lace or crochet bra.

I've also seen confident ladies cut a big slit on the side showing a lot of thighs and adding a spicy touch to the look. As for the makeup choices they are nothing short of vibrant. Mixing bright purple, green, or blue lipstick to match their outfit patterns makes them even more eye-catching.

No matter how you decide to dress it up, it seems like African print can do no wrong.

Our Personal Favorites!

Yaaserwaah Akuoku

Yaaserwaah Akuoku is a wearable art designer. She is an artist/designer who loves to display her work in a wearable form all over her body.

You could spot her from a mile away during Afropunk with the words "Everything Black Matters" on her skin. Since her first love and interest is in fashion, it was a piece of cake for her to create a unique look. She says her outfit is a piece that focuses on self-reflection.

Well, all we can say is wow Yaaserwaah we love it and keep slaying!

Sade Smith

Sade Smith is a 20-year-old first timer at Afropunk and came out with a bang.

She creates an outfit that resembles the statue of liberty but with a little twist of Afrocentrism. Sade says, "there is a lot of oppression that still goes on for black people, so what better way to represent that than being the statue of liberty."

She creates a beautiful white rose crown and instead of a torch with a flame, Sade is holding a black power fist that symbolizes and represents her ancestors. We love all the hidden meanings and historical background her look gives us.

Great job Sade, we can't wait to see what other looks you create for future festivals to come.

Ebonee Davis

Ebonee Davis is a 25-year-old model who is from the Midwest and a reoccurring Afropunk goer.

She says that she is a 70's girl at heart and that shows plenty in her outfit choice this year. Let's start with Ebonee's luscious curls. She is sporting an all-natural afro that frames her face very well. She says her hair is growing a lot within the past year and can't wait to see its growth for the next festival.

The aesthetic Ebonee is going for was a smooth natural, breezy kind of flow and we can say she successfully conquers that essence. Her outfit was a risky lace and lavender matching top and bottoms.

Although it was more on the revealing side, she still manages to keep it classy by wearing minimal makeup and throwing on small silver hoop earrings.

We love everything about this look, and if you have the right confidence, we are sure many of you can pull this style off as well.

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What Is Your Favorite Looks from Afropunk?

As you can see Afro-punk is a festival that you do not want to miss. The fantastic music and artist lineup is enough to reel you inside.

But what keeps you coming back year after year is the unique and beautiful people you will see and meet. Although we may have missed out on some more spectacular looks, we hope this encourages you to find some on your own.

If you want to witness the fantastic hairstyles and outfit choices for yourself, you should check out Instagram's hashtags for Afro-punk. The internet does a tremendous job of making you feel like you were right there on the lawn grass soaking up all the beautiful moments. This two-day festival is one for the books, and after seeing all the stunning looks, I can't wait to go to the next one.

If you are experiencing any creative block, we suggest you go to a concert or festival to ignite some inspiration. Luckily if you live in Atlanta, there will be an Afro-punk Festival in the fall season starting October.

Make sure you check out their official website for any scheduling details and artist lineups. Did you go to Afropunk this year? If so we want to know what your favorite look is from the event.

Let us know your thoughts in the comment section down below.

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