Our generation has a love for outdoor music not seen since the Woodstock era. All over the world, stages in fields are cropping up- and we’re flocking to them. From Texas’ SXSW to Beijing’s Pop Festival, festivals the getaway de jour. But the music isn’t the only attraction. The outfits worn by the rich, the famous, and the fabulous at festivals worldwide have spawned a type of street style 2.0. There’s no guarantee that you’ll have your 15 minutes of fashion fame while perfecting your crowd-surfing skills, but being part of a micro culture with such an adventures aesthetic is super-inspiring.
So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags!
Let the music move you
Certain music inspires certain sartorial inspiration. For instance, an EDM festival begs for neons, while a punk festival is the perfect time to bust out the denim vest in the back of your closet. There’s a reason why they say that music inspires fashion!
Oh, and leave your wallflower ways at home- festivals are all about letting loose, so break out your craziest pieces. While attending Firefly Fest in Delaware this month I’ll be rocking sequined hot pants, denim vests, harem pants and crazy, printed rompers (not all at once though!)… It’s a chance to wear things you can’t wear in daily life. And it’s chance to try out some of those oh-so-boho trends on pintrest that you mightn’t wear in real life (flower crowns and crochet bralets, here’s lookin’ at you!)
You’re so hot
..No, really- it’s just so warm. How to avoid melting in crowds of sweating bodies can leave you scratching your head- or cancelling your ticket. But don’t! Just remember to choose breathable fabrics like cotton over processed threads like polyester. And flow-y shapes will catch a breeze and leave you feeling cool- think maxi skirts and plazzo pants. The other option is, of course, to wear as little clothing as possible. This is a pretty popular option at many festivals; one year when I was at the Montreal’s Van’s Warped Tour, shirts were clearly optional for all genders. Just make sure if you dare to bare that you rock some serious spf. Oh, and you’ll never regret wearing a hat to give some instant shade! No aloe vera for us.
Finishing touches
Shoes that you feel comfortable standing in for hours are a major win, so make sure to pack a pair! Also, consider rolling with the retro theme of festival culture and carrying a film camera (and an older cellphone that will hold a longer charge). Staying overnight? Most festivals will rent camping gear-just tweet them to ask. But remember to bring a small first-aid kit (because blisters are the worst) as well as toilet paper, dry shampoo, towels and face wipes.
Go ahead, girl- let loose and channel your inner flower child! Have fun at a festival and enjoy the best of summer.
To Get the Look:
Party Look: Noisy May Cami, $13 at nelly.com, Acne Shorts, $690 at mytheresa.com, Adidas Vest, $43, Wetseal sandals, $11
Sweet Look: Free People Bralet, $22, ONLY Shorts, $52, Henri Bendel Pearls, $74, Miz Mooz Sandal, $65 at infinityshoes.com
By Morgan Mullin
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