The ultimate festival fashion guide
Wellies or trainers? Breezy skirts or denim shorts? And is boho chic finally a relic of the past? Here’s how to ace festival dressing this season
Glastonbury is finally here and if you’re already feeling the FOMO as sun-filled snaps land on your feed, there’s plenty of other events – from Wilderness and BST Hyde Park to the more sophisticated Glyndebourne – to scratch the itch this summer. And while the camaraderie and camping under open skies is a great selling point, as any seasoned pro will tell you, music festivals are just as much, if not more, about the fashion.
If you’re familiar with the UK’s inclement weather, you’ll probably be aware that a pair of wellies and a waterproof jacket are key to festival fashion. Once you’re covered (literally) on the practical front, make sure to have fun with the rest of your outfit: think swishy skirts, frilly blouses, crochet dresses, and oodles of jewellery. While celebrities provide plenty of inspiration (Sienna Miller and Alexa Chung’s wardrobes are forever on our moodboards), these are the events for experimentation, so make sure your personal style always makes the dress code. Unsure where to start? We’re at your service. Read on to discover our best picks to nail pretty and practical festival fashion.
Elevated basics
Prefer sticking to classics you can wear on and off the field? Invest in staples with a twist. Build an elegant outfit with Prada’s logo-embellished tank top paired with on-trend long shorts. While this formula works well with box-fresh trainers for a day in the city, for an outdoors adventure, look to Burberry’s knee-high rubber boots. Add the matching cropped nylon jacket to brave the elements in style. Chic and functional, you’re ready to dance the night away.
Boho luxe
If feathered hair and beaded necklaces trigger a trauma response filling you with kitschy images of the Y2K boho-chic aesthetic, you’re not alone. Happily, we’ve grown past it, and so has the aesthetic. A sophisticated take on bohemian styles, opt for breezy crochet dresses like this multi-hued minidress from Celia B and Zandra Rhodes’ vibrant collaboration, paired with By Pariah’s recycled gold necklace strung with a small white agate pendant (that we know you will reach for once you’re back in the city, too). Finish your look with a pair of trusty waterproof Sorel Chelsea boots and a wide-brimmed straw hat for added sun protection.
Indie sleaze
Are Kate Moss and Alexa Chung firm fixtures on your Pinterest mood board? Consider channelling indie sleaze for festival fashion this summer, with its grungy, gothic edge made famous in the late Noughties. Short shorts are a given and we like this frayed Frame pair thanks to its versatility – pair with a tank top and Paris Texas’ Roxy ankle boots and you’re onto a winner. Top it off with Khaite’s studded belt, ripped tights, and the Balenciaga city bag with its handy heart-shaped mirror – the epitome of a Y2K It bag.
Bubblegum pop
For a sweet feminine look to bop along to summer’s best music, draw inspiration from the likes of Paris Hilton and Sabrina Carpenter. Pair Area’s bright pink embellished crop top with a simple but effective Versace denim skirt, while Simone Rocha’s satin bow barrette adds a cute finish. Loewe’s cotton-candy-hued trainers are as stylish as they are comfortable, so you’ll be able to dance to hits all night long.
Essential accessories
Now, onto the essentials. Swap out your beaten up water bottle for Prada’s stainless steel iteration to keep you hydrated all day. Another hot weather must-have? A pair of sunglasses to add the perfect finish to your outfits: Loewe’s statement pair makes for a quirky addition while Saint Laurent’s cat-eye frames are sure to be a favourite all summer long. Elsewhere, Smythson’s phone case comes with a crossbody strap for hands-free convenience.
Read more: The best women’s shirts for every occasion
