5 Festival Outfit Ideas

The best thing a music festival does is bring people together, no matter their background or their style.

All around the world at any time of the year, people are gathering in fields and venues from different spectrums, dancing shoulder to shoulder dressed in outfits ranging from crop tops and bralettes to cargo shorts and Slayer hoodies.

Music festival fashion is as integral to its legacy as any musician is. How you dress can define who you are, and when you’re knee deep in a sea of the unwashed masses you still want to look your best.

It’s with this in mind we’ll break down five classic festival outfit ideas!

Flower Child

If the words ‘festival’ and ‘flower crown’ are mutually exclusive to you, then you already know what comes next. The theme of most festivals is harmony, and it’s with this iconic look you’re proving your chakras are aligned.

GIRLS:

Combine loose fitting summer dresses with comfortable sandals. Or keep it succinct with some high waisted denim shorts and a tucked in shirt. For a more throwback look, fringed vests and bell-bottoms still make a statement. And if you’re looking to pay a more complete tribute for the children of peace and love that came before you, tie-dye shirts can be made at home in the age-old tradition of letting the sunshine in!

If you’re going full flower power then you need a peace symbol necklace and even anklet. Macrame headbands are popular along with beads, as well as flowers behind your ear or in your hair.

And, of course, the flower crown. Which can be seen as a bit of a cliche, but cliches often exist for a reason! It’s as iconic as it is beautiful, so wear your crown with pride!

GUYS:

Just because it’s hot outside doesn’t mean you can’t be cool. Keep it bold and fun. If you want to look like a San Francisco native during the Summer of Love then fringe everything, rock a peace necklace and like Scott McKenzie sang on “San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)”, wear some flowers in your hair!

Speaking of your hair, go wild with it. Grow it out and don’t worry about brushing it. Wear a bandana or headband (or if you’re really committed to theme wear a long wig)!

Wear some sandals, but if the festival is outdoors then lose the slacks. Dress vintage with shirts as old and grungy as you want it. If it’s a bit cooler, add old military jackets popularised by John Lennon are a must. The more fringe the better!

Form Functional

Going to a festival means having fun, and for some, fun means being as comfortable as humanly possible.

GIRLS:

Let’s not pretend a crop top and denim shorts will be comfortable for the 12 hours you’ll spend in the sun pretending to like whoever is playing. As much as someone wishes to dress to impress, sometimes form and function over fashion mean a better experience.

That doesn’t mean you need to dress like your spinster aunt either. Pack some fitted T-shirts and stylish tracksuit pants (yes, they can be stylish). Also, don’t forget your coat! Take something that you can tie around your waist during the day like a denim jacket or a flannel, or bring a scarf that’s large enough to wrap around your shoulders at dusk.

As for shoes, forget the flip-flops. We’ve all seen the inside of a port-a-potty. Stick to trainers, comfortable sandals or flats that give some coverage.

GUYS:

Rule of thumb here is probably don’t let your girlfriend dress you, let your mom do it. That means jeans, covered shoes, and a hoodie when the heat dips. Keep it stylish with a chain, and bring a flat cap to keep the sun out your eyes. Mirrored sunglasses will always be cool, as will your trusty pair on Converse.

A pair of wellington boots stashed somewhere can be a lifesaver. Rather have them and not need them, than need them and not have them!

Field Fashionista

Music festivals are the place to be, and you’re the envy of your Insta followers while you’re there. You’ve no doubt seen Coachella comes with its own fashion coverage. We’re not talking Woodstock any more people, mud is no longer cool.

GIRLS:

Starting from the bottom up, comfortable shoes do not need to be at the expense of style! These days there are so many heel free boots that both look and feel good. We highly recommend you take a look at The Freedom State’s collection of festival boots – If anyone knows festival fashion it’s those guys! A pair on Nike or Adidas sneakers fill both functions as well if you’re really wanting to squeeze a bit more comfort into your outfit. Leave those heels at home!

Skirts bring the boho vibe while keeping you cute, and the best thing about them is they can go from casual to fabulous easily.  Sheers are also really in at the moment and have, of course, become a festival essential. Just be careful what you wear underneath (unless you really want to make a statement – and why not?) Pinterest has some fab festival style-up ideas.

Overalls are both simple and trendy, keeping you looking fresh and comfy. Pair them with a nice crop top or even your favourite bralette.

GUYS:

You don’t have to look back too far for when the very notion of ‘festival style’ for guys was non-existent and instead left for the fairer sex. That was then, this is now.

Stylish swim shorts both look cool and mean spilt beer isn’t too much of a problem. Don’t wear anything that buttons up, and don’t be afraid to be bold with a pattern or print you wouldn’t usually wear out. If you’re looking for a failsafe that doesn’t look like you’re trying too hard, the jeans and leather jacket combo has been in fashion for over fifty years for a reason.

Rock Retro

Depending on the lineup, flower crowns and denim shorts ain’t going to cut it!

GIRLS:

That “vintage” band shirt from Cotton On isn’t fooling anyone. A rock and roll T-shirt looks great with a denim jacket and shorts, but only if the shirt feels authentic. Head to your nearest vintage store and start scouring the racks for band shirts from the 70’s, 80’s and the 90’s (the 90’s are now officially vintage!).

Pair your outfit with a chunky steel necklace or a pair of Doc Martins boots. Carry a suede bag with a fringe, or top your dress with a leather vest. Anything to make your look a little more badass!

GUYS:

Chains may not be in anymore, but a rock festival exists in its own bubble, and in that bubble, they’re very much in.

Don your holiest jeans with some biker boots and that patched jacket that’s been gathering dust in your wardrobe now has it’s time to shine!

If you’ve got a shirt or a hoodie with an act performing then there’s never been a better time to wear it. But please don’t wear your dad’s ‘THE EAGLES’ T-shirt at a metal show. You’ll look more like him than you realise.

You Do You

In all honesty, festival fashion is very subjective. Feel free to pull elements from any of the above-mentioned looks and make it your own. A music festival is about having fun and losing yourself in the music and if you’re worried about how you look every minute of the day then you’re bringing your real-world problems to an event where you’re supposed to forget them!

Find a look that suits you, but don’t be scared to experiment. Most festivals are filled with people just connect, and what you wear shouldn’t be a hindrance towards that. There is no niche. You can make it up as you go, promise.

Remember the essentials like a good pair of shoes, sunscreen and something warm. Pack options, and always remember extra underwear (someone has to say it).