For the yet to be christened burner, and even those with some experience, choosing outfits can be time consuming and perhaps a bit stressful. Choosing a wardrobe is hard enough, before you even consider that there are lots of events like the Billion Bunny March, White Wednesday, and Tutu Tuesday that you only hear about once on playa. Of course you could probably borrow a set of bunny ears or a spare tutu, but if you're anything like me, you prefer to be prepared. It's all about self-reliance right?
Metamorphoses: Women's Outfits for The Burn 2019
Every year the org that puts on the burn releases a new theme that is meant to shape the art and inspiration for the festival. One of the most accessible ways to participate in the theme is to create outfits based on that year's topic.
Metamorphoses offers a variety of color options from beautiful butterflies to a phoenix rising from the ashes. Below are some ideas based on this year's theme:
Make Your Own Wings
Don’t wait for someone else to come along and make you change. Take yourself to the highest of heights, put on your wings, and soar. Have fun with this transformational rainbow butterfly outfit:
You First Must Burn
In order for a phoenix to be reborn, it first must burn. All transformations come with their pain, but rising from the ashes, triumphant, is something we can all understand.
Always Be Yourself
Unless you can be a unicorn, then you should be a unicorn. Transform yourself into one of the most fun mythical creatures with this holographic unicorn ensemble.
You’re An Animal
Perhaps your next transformation should be an homage to your spirit animal! Channel your inner shaman and the energy of your spirit guides with an animal inspired outfit. Since my spirit animal is the dragonfly, you can see what I’ll be wearing below.
Don’t know what your spirit animal is? Take this fun quiz and find out.
Put The "Y" in Cyborg
You were once human, but now you've been assimilated. Use your superior hive mind to solve the most important question, "where's the good music?"
Ten Tips for First Time Burners
Heeeeey virgin! You, yeah you! If you haven't been to Burning Man you are still an uninitiated virgin. And unlike high school where that word would garner you all kinds of attention, at the burn, we love our virgins. Yell it loud and proud that it's your first time, and keep these ten things in mind:
Be teachable. Remember the first time you had sex? No matter how good it felt, you still had no idea what you were doing. So listen to the veterans, they are to help and occasionally fuck with you. There are ten principles for a reason, and Burning Man only works when they are heeded.
Give yourself enough time! Don't skimp on the number of days you spend at the burn. Soak it up! Show up on Sunday and watch the city grow into a frenetic party by Saturday. And don't skip the temple burn, it is one the most sacred burns you will ever watch.
Take time to prepare. There are tons of blogs and packing lists online that share different tips and tricks on how to burn, and while we do our best here at Dusty Depot to provide all that information, we still recommend you take the time to research and prepare to have the best burn possible.
Participate! Wear artistic outfits, help with art, go to lectures, burn something in the temple, dance when you feel like it. There is no point watching everyone else play while you wait for an invitation.
Self Care! Don't skimp on sleep. The burn is a marathon, not a sprint so plan to have a great time, but also bring ear plugs, and a good eye mask. Eat right. Everyone does the burn a little differently when it comes to food, but whatever you do, don't skip meals too frequently. The burn is hard on your body, and not nourishing it can have serious consequences.
Hydrate! Just like food, you will need to drink lots of water and electrolytes.
Make plans for your accommodations. During your week on the playa you will need a place to change your costumes, get some sleep, and you might even want a place to retreat for a few hours to recharge. Do yourself a favor and create a dust free environment to stay in, whatever that looks like.
Learn the language. There is a culture to the burn, from the principles we stand for, to the language we speak. The burn isn't a festival, it's a community, and you are about to become its newest member. You should know what moop is, why you shouldn't be a darktard, and what a shirt cocker is.
Be prepared to miss something. The burn is massive! With hundreds of pieces of art, music, and festivities. Just remember that where ever you find yourself on the playa, you are in the right place.
Take risks. Watch the sunrise, fall in love, cry, release something, become a better you. The burn is a place to evolve, so come in with an open heart to what is possible.
Read: The 10 Things Every Burner Needs
Playa Guide: Customizing Your Playa Ride
Dusty DIY: How to Customize Your Goggles for The Burn
Playa Guide: 10 Critical Items Every Burner Needs
Preparing for the burn can, at times, feel overwhelming. Packing lists can grow to hundreds of items, and if you're on a budget, you may start to question what you can omit from the list. But there are some things you just can't do without, which is why I've created a round up of the ten most critical items you need for your burn. These things don't necessarily have to be bought, many of them can be borrowed, but none of them should be left behind.