The Festival Fashion Box by Freedom Rave Wear is a quarterly subscription box for, you guessed it, rave culture enthusiasts. After subscribing, you'll fill out an in-depth survey with your information, pattern preference, accessory choice, and silhouette selections. Each box will contain coordinating styles (such as a top and bottoms) from Freedom Rave Wear along with festive accessories, self-care items, and other surprises.
My New Year's resolution is to take a bold, adventurous chance with my style, especially for the massive electronic dance music festival I'll be attending this summer, so this box seemed like just the thing for seeing that goal through!
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
About the Festival Fashion Box
The Subscription Box: Festival Fashion Box by Freedom Rave Wear
The Cost: $99/quarter + free US shipping
ACTIVE DEAL: Get 10% off your first box!
CODE: MSA10
The Products: Each box comes with a selection of coordinating tops, bottoms, and accessories from Freedom Rave Wear and their partner brands.
Ships to: The continental US for free
Festival Fashion Box Winter 2020 Review
Let me start by saying this subscription is a wild departure from the types of boxes I typically review. To give you some context about how we got here: my partner brought me to my first big electronic music festival in Chicago for New Years 2015 and my love of lasers, heavy bass, and dancing all night long was born. I've come to learn the only thing more entertaining than the music at these shindigs is what the people are wearing: intricate facial gems, daring co-ords, neon faux fur—you name it, I've probably seen it, and likely wished I was wearing it, too.
While my usual soft goth style is welcomed at these soirees, I decided it's time forego my comfort zone, especially with a return trip to Electric Forest approaching quickly. I thought this box could take some of the guesswork out of preparing my festival outfit roster, though admittedly, I was feeling really doubtful of whether the outfit they'd send would be something I'd feel even remotely comfortable wearing. More on that later.
All right, let's see what this box is all about!
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Upon signing up, you'll be sent a survey to capture some basic info like sizing preferences (there's a handy size chart on their site which I recommend using!), your desired outfit pattern, silhouettes, accessories, and whether you'd like a pair of fishnets.
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To kick things off, I received a friendly and very welcoming info card along with a promo card for a swimsuit company. The latter inclusion made me smile because Marne stumbled upon a rave during a recent trip to Arizona and said the girls outside the venue were essentially wearing swimsuits, so it's all come full circle.
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Vibedration Card Holder in Silver Sparkles - Retail Value $12.99 (on sale for $9.99)
I'm familiar with Vibedration after seeing their hydration backpacks all over the Forest last summer, and while researching this card holder, I was surprised to see the brand also has a robust line of accessories. This minimal wallet is incredibly sturdy and despite my all-black-everything approach to life, I'm fond of the silver holographic finish. This piece holds 4 cards and is a thoughtful inclusion for concerts and festivals where personal items must be kept to the absolute minimum. I've made immediate use of this accessory by hosting my slew of IDs and other such items inside while on an extended trip.
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PureDerm Galaxy Diamond Glitter Violet Mask, 10 g - Estimated Value $0.79 (other colors linked)
I wasn't expecting a face mask in this box, so this was a fun surprise. After reading what are probably hundreds of K-beauty reviews from Megan, Marne, Jessica, and Ragan, I know to check the ingredients list before use. My skin type skews sensitive and is more than a little dry right now, so seeing polyvinyl alcohol and denatured alcohol as the second and third ingredients in this mask gave me pause. The packaging makes it look super fun to peel the likeness of outer space off my winter-worn mug, but I'm gonna pass this one to a friend with skin that's more compatible with this item.
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The Plug Drink, 3.4 fl oz - Estimated Value $5.83 (Buy a 6-pack for $35)
I first encountered these hangover prevention/cure shots in Korea a few years ago; they've been popular in East Asia for a long time and are really starting to catch on in the West. This particular drink is made in Korea, doesn't contain any added sugar, caffeine, fat, cholesterol, or gluten, and it's vegetarian. Although I can't say I've been doing much in the way of hard partying recently, I do plan on keeping this tucked in the pantry because I never know what the future might hold. It's worth noting that the best hangover cure is moderation (or not drinking at all), and although I'm on the fence about the efficacy of these kinds of products, I do think this was a solid inclusion for this box.
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Crystal Facial Gems - Estimated Value $6.00 (similar here)
These facial gems are really pretty! Their iridescent finish makes them a great fit for all kinds of looks and the ornate pattern is certainly eye-catching. I also appreciate that they're reusable with the help of a little lash glue which I always have on-hand. These are definitely a cornerstone of festival fashion, so I'll be saving them for nighttime sets this summer; that way, they'll look really fun under all the production lights and won't run the risk of being sweat off in direct sunlight.
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Heart Chain Choker - Estimated Value $10 (similar here)
Now we're getting spicy! This choker features faux-leather straps, shiny silver hardware, and a lovely heart accent front and center. My neck was a little too small for this to fit properly, but it'd be easy enough to poke an additional hole for the right fit. The faux leather was soft and comfortable and the silver hardware was equal parts edgy and feminine. Because I have pretty gnarly metal sensitivities, I'll be gifting this piece to a festival friend.
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Leg Avenue Fence Net Tights - Retail Value $7.05
I was most amused with the survey question that asked whether I'd like a pair of fishnets in my box. Sure, why not! Fishnets are pretty standard rave attire these days (often worn with bodysuits, oversized baseball tees, and other such combos) and I haven't owned a pair since high school, so it feels like the right time to get back on the wagon. I like the exaggerated openings of this pair, and I'm pleased with the quality (which is standard for most Leg Avenue hosiery I've tried.) A pair like these will make me feel much more comfortable opting for bottoms with less-than-usual coverage around the festival grounds.
Now, onto the outfit! Drumroll, please...
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Freedom Rave Wear Classic Top, size M - Estimated Value $32 (based on this piece, on sale for $25)
Ta da! I selected this motif from the post-purchase survey because the color scheme fits with my general aesthetic, though admittedly, the pattern raised my brow. I also opted for the most conservative coverage choice to ease my way into this box and its offerings. I took my measurements and carefully followed the size chart for my order, and although this top still felt pretty small for my modest bust, after some strategic adjusting, I wound up with some lift I wasn't expecting and that's a-okay with me. I was surprised by how comfortable and supportive this top was for me, though in terms of support for others, your mileage may vary. The 88% nylon and 12% spandex construction felt close to a bathing suit without feeling entirely like swimwear.
Nailing down a value for this top wasn't easy—FRW currently offers this silhouette in 6 different patterns at varying price points, so I selected the one I thought aligned most closely with what I received, which happened to be at the lower end of the price spectrum. I assume the variations in price account for the differences in fabric type. This piece was handmade in the US so that contributes to the retail value in a big way, but I am still skeptical of the overall cost due to the simplicity of the cut. Though I will say, the quality was good, it looked incredibly cute on me, and I was genuinely shocked by how much I ended up liking it.
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Freedom Rave Wear High-Waisted Shorts, size M - Estimated Value $42 (based on this piece)
Full transparency: I was really concerned about these shorts. I'm a pear-shaped gal with very different size needs for tops and bottoms, so there was doubt that my suggested size from the size chart would work because it was the same as my top size. When I slipped these on, however, I was pretty blown away. The waist hit exactly where I hoped it would, plus the wild pattern managed to distract from the areas I often choose to conceal. Lumps and bumps, who? They can barely be seen through all the squigglies! Best of all, I had full bum coverage—no half moons here. Do I think these shorts are worth $42? No. Like the top, they're handmade in San Diego which, as I mentioned with the top, oftentimes has an immediate impact on cost, but the simplicity of the cut and the overall quality of the material leave me skeptical. That aside, I couldn't get over how good I felt in this set. I'd have never selected a look like this for myself but I'm really happy to have it in my collection! The thing I like most about these pieces is how comfortable they are. They manage to strike the perfect balance between the coverage I need to feel secure, and the lightweight nature that's essential for blazing hot summer days at a festival when all I can stand to have on my person is sunscreen, a backpack full of water, and little to nothing else.
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Freedom Rave Wear Reversible Bandana - Estimated Value $18 (based on this piece)
Lastly, we have this two-sided bandana that matches the previous pieces. I opted for a bandana in the survey instead of a hood because I felt there's more versatility in a neckerchief. Few things feel better on a scorching day than a cool, damp bandana around the neck, not to mention it looks as cute over my collarbones as it does in my hair. I really appreciated how this one simple accent tied the entire outfit together and made it feel like a cohesive ~*lewk*~ instead of a swimsuit out of water. Again, I question the value, but the quality is there and I am rather pleased.
If you're wondering where the full outfit photo is, I decided against including one because although I opted for the silhouettes with the most coverage from this subscription, I still found the final look to be more revealing than I'd like to share online. Thanks in advance for your understanding!
Verdict: My experience with the Festival Fashion Box was really, really fun. I found the curation to be thoughtful and spot-on for its intended audience and I truly cannot get over how much I adore the outfit they sent. The cuts worked well for my body, the quality was great, and the pattern helped reveal some new tastes I never knew I had. The biggest lesson I learned after Electric Forest last year was planning for such a massive event is hard work, so having a cute and weather-appropriate outfit on deck means there's one less thing I'll need to worry about this year. I'll be passing the face mask and necklace onto friends due to my skin's unique needs, but I was still happy to see those items included. The fishnets, facial gems, and "The Plug" will all get use from me, and I'm happy to say I'm already using the card wallet. New Year's resolution, check!
So, how did this all shake out in terms of value? This box is $99/quarter, and I calculated a total value of about $134.66 using estimated and retail values, which means you're coming out ahead, but not by a ton. It's worth noting that I do feel the prices for the matching outfit items are a bit inflated for what they are, but given the trio was essentially the hero item, I think it checks out. Plus, my estimated values are conservative as they're on the low end of what's available on the FRW site, so there's a chance those pieces could have an even higher value. Alternatively, each of the 9 items has an average value of $11, which feels like a decent deal to me. Yes, this box is incredibly niche, and yes, the overall value isn't what many would expect for a $99/quarter subscription, but it seems to me this box emphasizes the experience over value, which you'll have sometimes. All things considered, I think this one's worth trying at least once if you're looking to get your feet wet in the wild world of the EDM community, or if you're a seasoned festival veteran seeking easy access to a box of fresh gear.
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? It's not clear from the website, so I recommend reaching out to customer service ([email protected]) to find out. Here's some information I found about shipping expectations:
This box ships once every quarter (90 days). The box will ship within the first 30 days of each quarter.
ACTIVE DEAL: Get 10% off your first box!
CODE: MSA10
Value Breakdown: This box costs $99/quarter and has a total value of $134.66 by my math, so here is what you are paying approximately per item:
- Card Wallet: $9.55
- Face Mask: $0.58
- Drink: $4.29
- Facial Gems: $4.41
- Necklace: $7.35
- Fishnets: $5.18
- Top: $23.53
- Bottoms: $30.88
- Bandana: $13.23
Alternatively, you are paying an average of $11 per item at $99 for this box with 9 items.
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