Many people get anxious about what to wear to a festival in the days leading up to it. Music festivals are a summer staple, but they can be intimidating if you’re new to them. Remember, festivals are about expressing yourself, and festival style is all about standing out: think bold accessories, colourful garments, and statement pieces, so don’t be afraid to get creative with your outfit!
Not only influencers and celebrities set trends with their festival outfits, but summer fashion often draws inspiration from outdoor event styles. The right festival outfits can enhance your overall festival experience by keeping you comfortable, stylish, and prepared for any weather. Several timeless clothing styles, such as the sporty, boho, or rock look, have stood the test of time and are worn year after year.
Before shopping, take a look at your existing wardrobe for inspiration—many basics, denim, and layering options you already own can be styled for a festival.
Here are our tips for dressing festival-ready.
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1. Wear comfortable clothes
When you attend a festival, you will probably spend a lot of time standing, walking, and dancing, so it is important to wear comfortable clothes that allow you to move around easily. Pack your essentials and try to minimise the amount of stuff you bring: keeping things simple will make your experience much easier. Loose-fitting clothing such as short-sleeved shirts, t-shirts, and shorts is recommended for festivals. Choose breathable fabrics that allow air circulation, like cotton and linen, to keep you cool and dry. Avoid clothing that is too tight or restricts your movement, such as when you attend a concert. Packing durable fabrics like cotton and linen is advised for heat, while you should avoid heavy denim in rainy conditions.
Also, make sure that your outfit is practical for the festival. Bags like backpacks, crossbody bags, or bum bags are great for carrying essentials such as your phone, food, and other personal items, keeping everything protected and accessible. White or light-coloured clothing can easily get dirty, so avoid these if possible. Festivals are often held in sunny and warm places, so it is a good idea to opt for light or pastel colours. You can match your comfortable clothes and accessories for a cohesive look. Darker colours can attract heat and make your festival less enjoyable.
Stick to comfortable basics and avoid overpacking, as this will help you enjoy the festival without being weighed down by unnecessary items.
2. Dress in layers
Layering is essential at festivals for adapting to unpredictable weather conditions, forming a key part of any weather preparedness course for outdoor events. Whether it’s May or August, temperatures can fluctuate, especially in the evening when it can get cold. It’s best to choose breathable, lightweight clothing and layer up, adding or removing pieces as needed.
For example, if you start to feel hot during the day, you can take off your jacket. If the temperature drops in the evening, you can put it back on to stay warm. Long-sleeved shirts, sweatshirts, and lightweight jackets are all good options to consider when attending a festival. To make your outfit stand out, consider adding a bright layer or accessory, such as a vibrant scarf or hat. Hats or bandanas are also essential, as they provide protection from the sun or rain.
3. Wear comfortable shoes
Whether you’re wearing leather boots or sneakers, you’ll be standing, walking, and dancing on a variety of surfaces for a long time. Therefore, it is essential to wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes that can stand up to festival crowds and unpredictable ground conditions. Platform combat boots are a major footwear trend, offering both height and stability, while also helping you stand out in the crowd. Be sure to break in new shoes before the festival to ensure maximum comfort and avoid sore feet. Avoid high heels, as they can be uncomfortable and hurt your feet.
4. Accessorise your outfit
Adding accessories to your outfit can add a personalised touch to your festival look: sunglasses, a hat, a backpack, a bum bag, or a belt bag worn around the waist, for example.
Polarised sunglasses are a stylish choice that protects your eyes from harmful UVB rays and reduces glare, making them ideal for outdoor events. Don’t forget to pack sun cream as an essential accessory to protect your skin throughout the day. Hands-free accessories like bum bags, crossbody bags, or water-resistant belt bags keep your essentials (like your phone, wallet, and keys) secure and your hands free for dancing, while also meeting venue security requirements.
Waterproof bags are especially useful for protecting your belongings from beer spills or unexpected splashes. You can also bring flower necklaces or bracelets that match your outfit in colour or style, creating a cohesive festival look and adding a touch of creativity.
5. Follow the festival dress code
Some festivals may have a specific dress code. Before choosing your outfit, check the festival site for official guidelines on dress code and bag policies, as these can affect what you are allowed to bring and wear. For example, some festivals may prohibit open shoes for safety reasons. Others may have a specific theme that you will need to dress for.
6. Get creative
Festivals are an opportunity to express yourself freely. Feel free to get creative with your clothing, accessories, and makeup. You can also add glitter, temporary tattoos, jewellery, and hats to add a touch of whimsy to your outfit. For themed events, consider incorporating fancy dress or playful accessories, even if you don’t go for a full costume; these touches can enhance your festival experience. Don’t be afraid to leave your comfort zone and have fun with your festival look.
7. Weatherproofing your festival outfit
When it comes to festival season, being prepared for unpredictable British weather is just as important as picking out the perfect festival outfit. Rain, mud, and sudden drops in temperature can quickly turn a fun day into a soggy one if you’re not ready. Weatherproofing your festival look ensures you stay comfortable, stylish, and able to enjoy every moment, no matter what the skies have in store.
Start by planning your festival outfits with the elements in mind. A bucket hat is a festival staple that not only adds a cool edge to your style but also shields your head from both sun and rain. For keeping your valuables safe and dry, a waterproof or water-resistant crossbody bag is very useful: hands-free and secure, it’s perfect for navigating the crowd and dancing without worry.
Lightweight layers are your best friend for festival season. Quick-drying shirts and pants help you stay cool when it’s hot and dry off fast if you get caught in a little rain. Don’t forget to pack a spare set of clothes, especially socks and underwear, so you can change if you get wet or muddy. When it comes to footwear, waterproof boots or sturdy shoes with good grip will keep your feet dry and help you tackle muddy fields with confidence.
8. Festival outfit ideas
Boho style
The boho look is often associated with outdoor music festivals. It is a romantic style influenced by hippie and ethnic styles, often featuring bright shades and accessories that make your outfit stand out. This look has been adopted and reinvented at many festivals over the years. The boho style represents creativity and freedom. This light look is perfect for warm days at an outdoor event because your outfit is both stylish and practical.
Typical patterns include floral prints, fringes, and unusual ethnic motifs in colours such as beige, brown, orange, and bright hues. Bright shades and oversized graphic T-shirts are also popular choices for festival outfits, allowing attendees to express their style with colour and comfort. To protect yourself from the summer heat, pair a flowing maxi dress with a cowgirl hat, for example.
The sporty look
Sporty fashion trends have been popular for years, and even at festivals. This outfit is not only comfortable but also practical and perfect for an outdoor event. This type of outfit is one of the best summer festival outfits for those who want to dance on a hot summer day. You can choose any colours you want to create a sporty look, from colourful sneakers to printed tracksuit tops.
The rock style
To achieve a rock look, you should wear striped T-shirts, frayed jeans, and a leather jacket. This cool outfit also expresses a sense of self-confidence. Glam rock, for example, combines rock elements with everyday clothes. This way, you can give your rock outfit a personal touch. The choice of colours is quite neutral, such as black or grey.
The sequin look
The sequin look is a popular choice for electro and dance music festivals. It is characterised by clothes covered in sequins, rhinestones and beads, such as dresses, sparkly shorts, embellished jackets and shiny tops.
These festival looks are just ideas, and you can always personalise and adapt your style to suit your taste and personality.
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