Thousands of young Aussies flocked to the Brisbane Showgrounds for Laneway Festival, and it wasn’t just the music that had everyone talking – fresh fashion trends stole the spotlight.
With temperatures soaring past 31 degrees, festivalgoers embraced the sunny weather in short skirts, vibrant hair, and bold clothing.
Oversized black boots and cowboy boots emerged as the standout fashion trend of 2024, likely influenced by Charli XCX’s signature style and the surge in country music’s popularity last year.
Another rising trend saw men embracing midriff-baring shirts – a stylish and practical choice for staying cool in the heat.
The festival kicked off at 12pm, with the final performances wrapping up around midnight, making the 18th edition of Laneway a full day of celebrations.
This year’s sold-out lineup was headlined by Charli XCX and featured singer-songwriter Clairo, dance music star DJ Barry Can’t Swim, and British indie sensation beabadoobee.
Laneway’s national tour continues with stops in Sydney today, followed by Melbourne on February 14, Adelaide on February 15, and Perth on February 16.
![Laneway Festival fashion trend emerges as Brisbane and Sydney host Charli XCX Laneway Festival fashion trend emerges as Brisbane and Sydney host Charli XCX](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/02/09/04/95016449-0-image-a-1_1739075767338.jpg)
With temps soaring past 31C, festivalgoers kept it cool with short skirts and midriff-baring looks
![Stylish boots and big hats - Charli XCX’s influence is taking over Aussie festival fashion](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/02/09/04/95016471-0-image-a-2_1739075822673.jpg)
Stylish boots and big hats – Charli XCX’s influence is taking over Aussie festival fashion
![Cowboy boots are stomping their way into 2024 festival fashion - country meets cool at Laneway](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/02/09/04/95016481-0-image-a-3_1739075928494.jpg)
Cowboy boots are stomping their way into 2024 festival fashion – country meets cool at Laneway
NSW Police Eastern Beaches Area Commander, Detective Superintendent Paul Simpkins warned festival-goers they will be conducting a high-visibility operation in Sydney.
‘Prohibited drugs are illegal and potentially life-threatening, especially when combined with alcohol, so I urge everyone to behave responsibly.
‘If you or one of your mates feels unwell, please seek professional medical attention at one of the medical tents on-site.
‘Our goal is for everyone to enjoy the festival safely. We will not tolerate anyone who intends to jeopardise that safety or thinks they are above the law.’
![Aussie men are keeping it cool and stylish with midriff shirts at Laneway this year](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/02/09/04/95016489-0-image-a-6_1739076044977.jpg)
Aussie men are keeping it cool and stylish with midriff shirts at Laneway this year
![2025’s festival trend is all about showing some skin](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/02/09/04/95016587-0-image-a-11_1739076427325.jpg)
2025’s festival trend is all about showing some skin
![From indie anthems to dancefloor bangers, Laneway’s 18th edition was a full day of music magic](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/02/09/04/95016453-0-image-a-4_1739075945130.jpg)
From indie anthems to dancefloor bangers, Laneway’s 18th edition was a full day of music magic
His comments follow the NSW Government’s announcement, made at the end of last year, about plans to start a pill testing trial at music festivals.
The drug checking services will allow people attending music festivals to test small samples of substances intended for personal use for purity, potency, and adulterants.
The NSW government said while drug possession will remain illegal, the trial will grant amnesty to people seeking to check drugs for their own personal use.
![The festival saw Charli XCX, Clairo, Barry Can’t Swim & beabadoobee lighting up the stage](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/02/09/04/95016495-0-image-a-8_1739076106105.jpg)
The festival saw Charli XCX, Clairo, Barry Can’t Swim & beabadoobee lighting up the stage
![Brisbane rocked, now it's Sydney’s turn! Laneway 2024 tour rolls on](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/02/09/04/95016483-0-image-a-5_1739075977213.jpg)
Brisbane rocked, now it’s Sydney’s turn! Laneway 2024 tour rolls on
In 2022, Canberra launched Australia’s first-ever six-month pill testing trial.
Over its first two years, the fixed-site drug testing service detected methamphetamine in a fake diet pill and identified a synthetic opioid estimated to be 25 times more potent than fentanyl.
![This young woman flaunted an outfit that highlighted her tattoos (left), while her friend completed her red two-piece with a classic pair of Doc Martens for the perfect touch](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/02/09/04/95016491-0-image-a-7_1739076072323.jpg)
This young woman flaunted an outfit that highlighted her tattoos (left), while her friend completed her red two-piece with a classic pair of Doc Martens for the perfect touch
![Avintage Ed Hardy piece tied this look together, complemented perfectly by a pair of fuzzy ankle warmers](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/02/09/04/95016499-0-image-a-9_1739076130621.jpg)
Avintage Ed Hardy piece tied this look together, complemented perfectly by a pair of fuzzy ankle warmers
![One young woman did not let an injury stop her from enjoying the festivities](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/02/09/04/95016565-0-image-a-10_1739076377453.jpg)
One young woman did not let an injury stop her from enjoying the festivities
![This young Aussie took the midriff trend to the next level by cutting most of his tee shirt off](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/02/09/04/95016595-0-image-a-12_1739076496655.jpg)
This young Aussie took the midriff trend to the next level by cutting most of his tee shirt off
Laneway Festival started in 2005 as a small indie music event in a Melbourne laneway.
Over the years, it’s become known for showcasing cutting-edge indie, alternative, and electronic artists, often featuring acts before they hit mainstream success.
The founders, Danny Rogers and Jerome Borazio, wanted to create an intimate festival focused on emerging artists and a community vibe.
The event quickly gained popularity, attracting bigger crowds and expanding to other Australian cities, then eventually to New Zealand and even Singapore.