Admit it. If you're going to Coachella, you've been thinking about what to wear for days now. You want to look good, but you also want to feel comfortable and not seem like you're trying too hard. There's the heat to think about, of course, but overexposed isn't always the way to go. This year you've got an extra day to outfit yourself, and let's not forget all those corporate-sponsored pool parties to attend!

I've been to Coachella every year except the first and as a veteran, I've learned a lot about what to wear and what's essential to bring. Though the extra day this year means re-evaluating some dos and don'ts, in general, it doesn't call for a bigger suitcase. After all, we always pack more than we need, don't we?

I've compiled some helpful suggestions just for you my fashionable friends. Read it, learn it, live it, and love your Coachella experience with no regrets….

Do bring as many pairs of shoes as days of the fest (this year, that would be 3). Even your comfiest sneaks will be suffocating your soles by the end of the day, which means anything else (even less walk-friendly styles like sandals, slides, flip flops) will seem refreshing the next day.

Do bring a big-ish bag with a strap long enough to cross from shoulder to opposite hip. I started doing this when backpacks weren't allowed at the festival (now medium sized ones are ok) and it worked so well, the bag I took became my "Coachella bag." I just dug it out this week and it obviously hasn't been washed since last year. It smells like dirt and alcohol (you can't take cocktails from VIP out onto the field and my attempt to sneak one last year didn't quite work out). I'm game to try again though!

Don't buy a whole new flashy wardrobe for the weekend (unless it's vintage—see Linda's previous post). That cute polka-dot frock with the heart buttons from Forever 21/Rampage may seem perfect for the high temps, but some other trendy gal probably thinks so too. Ya don't want to be line at the bar behind your dress doppelganger.

Do wear large sunglasses. I know, they're everywhere. But big-as-coasters Jackie O's (I still adore my Diors) not only offer maximum protection from the harmful UV rays, in a weird psychological way, they make ya feel protected from the music-manic masses.

Do bring leggings -if you're wear a dress or skirt- and a thin but tightly woven sweater. I've been bringing leggings to wear under my dresses after dark since my first Coachella, way before leggings were back "in." It's so nice to slip 'em on when the desert chill sets in and the sweater is also absolutely worth bringing, a hoodie even better.

Don't wear too much makeup chicas. It will melt. Matte lipsticks will peel, liquid eyeliner will fade. Glosses are good, as they keep things moist. Sunblock is obviously a must. Of course, if you have a VIP pass, care nothing about the bands, and plan to hangout on a couch near the bar area, this does not apply to you.

Do bring a hat (floppy, baseball cap, etc) or scarf. When it gets really hot, my trick is to pour cold water into it. Let it soak in, put it on your head and you're easily 10 degrees cooler. This has saved me during afternoon sets, particularly those at the second outdoor stage, which sizzle. The year before last, I remember the heat actually melted the band Atmosphere's wax, but I was chill as a pill.

Don't wear all black. Bjork, Interpol and Jesus and the Marychain will not notice you better. But the sun will.

2005 desert get-up: shades- $12. Hat- free from Rockstar energy drink. Halter top- vintage cheap. Sunscreen- $6. Guy taking my photo (in sunglass reflection)- priceless.

More hot tips:

Dress yes: sundresses, t-shirts of bands playing that day (preferably a really old one which shows you're not a newbie fan), loose skirts, shorts, jeans, tanks, anything cotton, and (please!) deodorant.

No Go: High heels, too much black, too much bling, studs, spikes, ironic t-shirts (I know a lot of you dudes will), or bathing suits (I know a lot you ladies will).

Pack: Tylenol/Aspirin, sunscreen, minimal makeup, camera, mints, hand sanitzer (for after the port-o-potties- eech!), cell phone, ear plugs, Airborne, the leggings, sweater and hat, and ID/ATM cards (but bring cash, the ATM lines are nuts).

Wack: Drugs (unless they're easy to hide), booze (or any kind of liquid for that matter; they will make ya dump it), weapons, or anything else under under the "No" section from this page.

And while you're on the site check out the set times and their nifty "Coachooser" feature which lets you tailor your own personal schedule and email it to your pals. See ya there!

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