There’s no doubt about it. Festival season is the best time of year (arguably even better than fall and pumpkin spice lattes). There’s something so freeing and Insta-worthy about them, and getting to see everyone’s festival fashion is all part of the experience. Letting yourself dress up (nothing work-appropriate here) and have a blast is the goal, but finding a balance between fun and chic is key. After all, festivals can be long and draining, but wearing the right outfit can help you stay comfortable and cool so that you can take full advantage of the event. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know to rock your next festival (glow lights not included).
- Layers Are Everything
Part of the allure of festivals is the sheer unpredictability of what’s going to happen. Are you going to catch sight of your favourite celeb? Are you going to meet the newest member of your girl tribe? Are you going to take a nap in the grass under the blazing sun and miss your favourite band? Anything can happen, which is why your style needs to be on point in terms of style and function. Layers are the best way to make sure you’re ready for whatever Mother Nature decides to throw at you, while also giving you options should someone accidentally spill a drink on you. A jumpsuit is cute and all, but you’re going to be hating it about halfway through the day when you’re scorching hot and have no layers you can take off.
- Keep your Footing
Shoes are one of the most strategic pieces you’ll put on before a festival. After all, it’s pretty hard to groove out to your favourite song when you’ve twisted an ankle in the mud. As important as it is to look cute, you want to make sure your footwear is both sturdy and comfortable so that you can last the whole day—and well into the night. Cowboy boots, flat ankle booties, comfortable sandals, and sneakers are all great options that will keep your surefooted and stylish to boot.
- Keep it Simple
There’s no shame in going all out for a festival; after all, you don’t get too many chances a year to dress up and go wild. But there’s a fine line between chic and over-the-top, and it starts to get blurred with every additional accessory you put on. A flower headband? Super cute. Retro shades? Flawless. A floor-length open dress? Adore. But all three at once? It’s a little too much and bordering on trying too hard. Pick one standout piece, and put together an outfit that complements it, not overpowers it for a look that says, “I woke up like this”.
- Make it Yours
While you definitely don’t want to look like you obsessed over every detail of your festival outfit, you do want to look like yourself and have a little fun. After all, the festival season doesn’t come around every other week so you might as well enjoy it while it lasts. Let your personality shine through, and if that means a beanie, sneakers, and a leather jacket, then do you, girl. If it means a cowboy hat, a vest, and ripped shorts, then, by all means, let your wild side fly. If not at a festival, then when? On the flip side, avoid dressing up as someone that you’re not. You’ll only end up feeling uncomfortable, out of place, and ruining the event for yourself. Be true to you, because festivals have a way of bringing out your true colours anyway.