What To Wear To Camp Dillo
Graphic by Alexander Hernandez Gonzalez
Get out your hiking boots, tents and hammocks – Camp Dillo is almost here! The 52nd annual Dillo Day on May 18 brings an exciting lineup of live music, day parties and outdoor-themed couture to campus. As the weeks of spring quarter fly by, it’s time to decide what to wear. Whether you’re planning one, two or several outfits to change into throughout the day, STITCH has got you covered on what to wear to Camp Dillo.
Camp Counselor
Tyler the Creator must have gotten word about Camp Dillo. His Coachella set was entirely outdoors-themed, and he came flying out of a recreational vehicle in an iconic khaki camp counselor ensemble. The khaki is key, with a well-fitted shirt tucked into matching pants. Tyler also shows how important the accessories are, with a brown leather belt, a wide-brim hat and a green tie to level up the outfit. You can play with dimensions by wearing khaki shorts or cropping the shirt to show more skin – think the viral Miu Miu sets. The shirt can also be worn unbuttoned with a tank top under it and a tie around your neck. The khaki uniform is a perfect baseline to get you started for Dillo Day. Khaki is fashionable again, I swear.
Left: Courtesy of The Desert Sun
Right: Courtesy of New York Post
Summer Camp Throwback
Short-shorts have been back since Paul Mescal landed on our social media feeds. If you’ve been too scared to dip your toes into the four-inch-inseam land of rugby shorts, Dillo might be the perfect time to give them a test drive. The shorts can be cotton, denim or nylon, what’s important is how they fit and how much thigh they show off – the shorter, the better. Make sure to pair them with a tight T-shirt for the real effect. This is the ultimate 1970s summer camp outfit, which is how we should dress all summer. Reference brands like Bode, Wales Bonner and ERL for this nostalgic summer vibe. Put on some short-shorts, ringer T-shirts and retro sneakers (Converses, Onitsuka Tigers or those Bode x Nike sneakers I couldn’t get my hands on) – you’re set to dance all day on the Lakefill.
Left and Right: Courtesy of Pinterest
Granola-Core
Dillo Day is the time to shine for Wildcats from the Pacific Northwest and other mountainous states. Bring out those vests, quirky overalls and five-panel camp hats. Granola style is about looking like you’ve through-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, but don’t worry no one will judge you if you haven’t. Try out Birkenstocks, cargo shorts and tie-dye T-shirts. This is also an important reminder to dig through your closets before going out to buy more clothes. Try putting together outfits with what you already own.
Left and Right: Courtesy of Pinterest
Girl Scouts
The Girl Scouts selling cookies at the Arch are the perfect fashion inspiration for Dillo. Use the camp counselor khaki as the canvas and try accessorizing with a fishing vest, beret and iron-on patches. Put patches on every piece of clothing or wear a decorated sash to show off on your tour of Foster Street and Garnett Place. Plus, you can carry a box of Thin Mints around for good measure and become a crowd favorite.
Left: Courtesy of Girl Scouts
Right: Courtesy of Pinterest
West Coast Summer
The recent string of 70-degree days has us thinking we’re far away from Illinois, somewhere beachy, more stress-free and distinctly West Coast. Let the good weather influence your style by pulling out baggy jean shorts and bikini tops. Play with tropical colors and patterns, but stay rooted in a laid-back West Coast vibe. Lean into tank tops, swimsuit sets and airy soccer jerseys. You can accessorize the outfit with boxers peeking out of saggy shorts, worn-in baseball caps and cool black sunglasses. Now, let the good times roll and grab your sunscreen to prepare for the sun-soaked Lakefill.
Left, Middle and Right: Courtesy of Pinterest
With the days flying by until Dillo, use this guide as last-minute inspiration to dig through your closet and put together a stylish outfit. Remember to shop sustainably and buy used clothes. Nothing makes an outfit cuter than knowing that you’re protecting the planet. See you all out on the Lakefill!
P.S. STITCH will be capturing the coolest camp outfits for our social media, so come dressed to impress!
Ashley Kim and Matthew Tuhey contributed to this story.