Pitchfork Fashion Lets Expression Shine Through: 'That's How We Get Free'

NEAR WEST SIDE — Festival-goers did more than watch bands at the Pitchfork music fest Saturday — they struck a pose and worked Union Park like a runway. 

From high-fashion to vintage throwbacks, pastel hair, pink boas and more, one's outfit at the outdoor concert venue transcended everyday street fashion. 

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Those sporting distinct looks Saturday said they wanted to express themselves without adhering to conventional notions of gender and self-expression, while also staying comfortable. 

"Dressing is fluid, I think people should be allowed to artistically and creatively express themselves," said Sol Patches, a Bridgeport resident. "That's what makes us free, that's how we get free."

Del Hale came dressed to impress Saturday after showing off a Victorian-esque pink shirt and jean overalls Friday, he said. 

Though it may look unusual to some, Hale said he likes to play with femininity and masculinity in his high-fashion dressing habits. 

"Masculinity is a false myth," Hale said. 

Alia Rajput Close showed up to Saturday's events in a white, sleeveless dress inspired by "The Simpsons" and leaders in the fashion world, an industry she knows all-to-well having formerly worked New York City's Fashion Week as a fashion marketer. 

"I'm also just a huge, insanely, nerdy, ridiculous 'Simpsons' fan," Rajput Close said with a laugh. "Fashion and 'The Simpsons,' it's just my two most favorite things in the world."

Check out our pictures from Saturday afternoon at Pitchfork.

^{Friends Taylore Amato and Jess Orman show off their style. [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]}

^{Erica Siliezar and Kirstin Washington said they usually try to sport unique outfits, and wanted give the festival a little oomph Saturday. [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]}

^{Watching the show in a simple green hat. [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]}

^{Jason Barrera and Megan Convey, Avondale residents, showed off a simple but high-fashion look. [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]}

^{Fashion ruled the Pitchfork music festival scene Saturday. [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]}

^{Fashionista Alia Rajput Close wore her Simpsons-inspired dress Saturday. [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]}

^{Del Hale said he likes to blend gender and fashion, and wore a high-neck pink shirt under overalls Friday at the festival. [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]}

^{Ben Wills and Abby Fetke said they had no plans when it came to fashion for the festival, but a pink boa just felt right. [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]}

^{Rachel Reardon bought new earrings on Friday and wore her pink hair in a braid crown with a maxi skirt, a look she said is comfortable and fits her "fat-girl aesthetic." [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]}

^{Sol Patches said fashion was a form of self-expression that "makes us free." [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]}

^{Festival-goer Lucy was filled with glitter and paint. [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]}

^{July in Chicago, perfect for furry hats. [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]}

^{Nicole Daffe's shirt doubles as a dress Saturday. [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]}

^{Martha Warfel, an Avdondale resident, sported a classy look for Saturday's shows. [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]}

^{Elizabeth O'Brien and Claire Talluto wanted to mix comfort with inspiration from one of their favorite singers. [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]}

^{Brandon Kellum drove to Chicago from Indiana to show off his look (and hear music). [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]}

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