Another article for STYLEetc magazine on the perils of festival fashion. If, like me, you’re not compatible with the festival way of life (i’m talking excessive hair grease and pale legs) then at least we can get our own back with a killer wardrobe…

 It’s that time of the year again people. A time when skin gets darker and drinks get colder, when music gets louder and life gets better. Yes, festival season is finally upon us and it officially kicks off this weekend here in Manchester with Parklife!

For all those lucky enough to be going (we’ll see you there!) and for all those who are attending gigs later in the year, STYLEetc are on hand to help with the biggest dilemma of a weekend of festival fun…what to wear!?

First off, lets deal with the essentials. Those items you NEED, whether you’re waiting for Snoop Dogg beneath a thunderous downpour or baking in the sun whilst queuing for an overpriced chip butty, you need to be prepared (and fashionable, of course.)

The first check on the list should be the portable waterproof. Now, don’t be alarmed by visions of billowing bin bags or those plastic monstrosities issued in Alton Towers, we’ve got you covered (pardon the pun).

This handy waterproof poncho from ASOS provides the perfect compromise between functionality and fashion. It comes with a hood and can be packed (or stuffed) effortlessly into a bag of any size. It’s cheap, cheerful and you won’t cry if you get any number of liquids spilt all over it.

Footware is another biggie. You need wellies, of course, and in our opinion, its got to be Hunters. Think of them as an investment. Buy a pair now and they’ll last you all the way through your festivalling years, until you’re old and use them to walk your 5 dogs. Team these classic, forest green tall ones with some bobbly over-the-knee socks and add some glam-grunge to any ensemble.

In warmer weather, you may want to give the sweaty wellies a miss, in which case we suggest some leather sandals or / and a trusty pair of Converse.

These ASOS sandals come in black and brown and are almost identical to a pair worn by Alexa Chung during Coachella this year, whilst these high-top stars and stripes Converse can handle the mud and will offer some comfort around about 12am when you’re starting to flag and yearning for your sleeping bag.

Little niggles have the potential of triggering the dreaded festival blues, don’t let hot feet be one of them, or sore feet, we don’t care how badly you want to brink those stilletoe court shoes, you won’t thank yourself!

As festival veterans, we can’t speak highly enough of the bum bag! It’s by far the safest means of carrying valuable items and the easiest, and yes, they can look good, you just have to choose carefully. This tasseled River Island number has a great zip up compartment and will complement any outfit.

However, we think that the old crinkly ones look the best. Try rumaging around in Manchester’s vintage shops for some inspiration, you’re sure to find a nice leather one there, or Ebay of course – just make sure they’re in good condition – you don’t want anything falling out of moth bitten holes whilst you’re jamming to Annie Mac!

If the bum bag isn’t your thing and you’re not overly bothered about functionality, then we recommend this pineapple print rucksack from Topshop just because, well, we’re a tad obsessed with pineapples!

DENIM SHORTS! An absolute must for your festival wardrobe ( any wardrobe actually). Old vintage Levis make the best ones. Find a pair of scissors and get snipping. After a wash in the tumble dryer they’ll have subtle fraying around the edges and a stone-washed appearance, perfect with a band tee when the weather heats up!

A trusty pair of sunnies is also something you won’t want to leave home without. They can cover all manner of sins instantly without looking try-hard. We just LOVE these Karen Walker sunglasses. The kitten-esque frames will flatter any face shape and the tortoise-shell trim will flatter any outfit colour combo. A great investment!

A little bit of advice: at a festival, minimalism is key, so go for something simple. We’re talking dresses, playsuits, jumpsuits, tunics – not an outfit consisting of a million different things that will take ages to get on and take up too much room in your bag! (We’re not worrying about the logistics of toilet trips in an all-in-one, so neither should you, but make sure you have a friend close at hand to assist during these ventures, especially in the dark!)

This fabulous gingham dress from The White Pepper Company is bang on trend for the S/S 14 season. Wear with or without tights, some muddy wellies and a battered fedora for a failproof festival look.

This Topshop jumpsuit is another great option. The relaxed, jersey fabric allows for even the most eratic of dance moves whilst providing comfort. Take it from day to night with this Oasis biker jacket (another festival staple) and team with a statement headpiece. Rock ‘N Rose are always our go-to’s for floral fancies!

Remember, just because you’re hip deep in mud and covered in cider, theres nothing to stop you from looking glam! Why not bring along something a bit daring and dress it down with a hoody? American Apparel have a wide selection of colours and their fluffy, fleecy linings will keep you snug and warm when the sun goes down.

These are just a few looks to consider when planning your festival wardrobe, the real key is to feel comfortable so that you can focus on what it’s really all about, having the time of your life and making magical memories…

 

xGx