British summertime means one thing – festival season. Forget roughing it in a field for a few days; you’ll still want to look fantastic and carry off that relaxed vibe with some must-have festival wardrobe essentials. Here are the things you mustn’t be without:
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T-Shirts
You’ll probably have band t-shirts you’ll want to wear, but when you’re not screaming at your favourite musicians, have a few spare graphic t-shirts. This gives you many new options and still leaves you looking fashionably stylish.
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Swimsuit or Bikini Top
If it will be super-hot, stay cool by wearing a swimsuit or bikini top with your fave shorts or jeans. A bikini top that can be worn as a top in its own right looks very summer sexy when paired with denim cut-offs, for example.
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Crossbody Bag
You’ll want your hands free for various reasons – dancing, drinking, taking photos, more dancing, etc. A hands-free, cross-the-body bag is essential for keeping your valuables close to you but without you having to give them another thought.
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Lightweight Jacket
Even in the summer, evenings can get a bit nippy, so pack a lightweight jacket that matches whatever you’re wearing. Bomber jackets look great with jeans, shorts, or summer dresses.
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A Bucket Hat
These were all the rage in the nineties, so remember to don a bucket hat for retro sun protection that still looks festival-fresh. They come in a wide range of funky materials and are perfect for embellishing with boho elements like macrame. Find a Macrame Kit at a site like https://www.woolcouturecompany.com/collections/macrame-kits
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Lace-Ups
Every festival-goer should own a pair of lace-up boots. Whether worn in the sun with denim cut-offs or stomping through puddles, these boots epitomise rock and roll living.
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Wear-all-day Shades
Avoid squinting and pack a great pair of stylish sunglasses for outdoor summer fun. These should go hand-in-hand with plenty of sun cream with a high SPF, so your partying isn’t ruined by a nasty sunburn.
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Denim Cut-offs
Nothing says effortless summer vibes than a cute pair of denim cut-offs. Simple to pair with anything, they are the perfect festival attire. Stick with traditional blue or switch it up with patterns and different coloured denim.
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The Maxi Dress
Lightweight, relaxed, flowy, and quintessentially bohemian – a maxi dress is essential for the ultimate hippy festival vibe. Pair with sandals, a crossbody bag, and some flowers in your hair, and you’re all set.
Wigs, wellies and statement accessories
Festivals are as much about style as music, and they are the best chance to have fun with fashion and try looks you would not normally wear. Hair is an easy place to start. A wig lets you change your look completely with no commitment, so you can enjoy great hair for the whole weekend without worrying about the weather or a lack of showers.
What you pack should depend on where you are going. A festival in a hot climate calls for a light summer wardrobe, but at a UK festival a pair of funky wellies is a must, because the weather can turn at any moment and fields quickly become muddy.
Accessories are where you can really get creative. Statement sunglasses are a good example, adding style to any outfit while being practical whenever the sun breaks through. Mixing a few bold pieces with your everyday basics is an easy way to build a festival look that feels fun without being uncomfortable.
Building a summer wardrobe that works beyond festivals
Festival clothes work best when they come from a wider summer wardrobe that you will wear all season. The basics are comfortable, cool shoes, a few classic T shirts, shorts and a good hat. Add a light jacket for cooler evenings, which are common at outdoor events once the sun goes down.
Trainers and chinos are versatile choices that come in a huge range of colours and styles, and they move easily from a day in a field to a meal out afterwards. Sportswear also earns its place for comfort when you are on your feet all day.
Accessories finish an outfit and do a practical job too. Sunglasses are the obvious one for long sunny days. Choosing pieces that mix and match means you can pack less while still having an outfit for any occasion, from a relaxed day on the beach to an evening that calls for something a little smarter.
Summer staples that work at festivals too
Many summer wardrobe staples earn their place in a festival bag. A white dress, whether off the shoulder with a bohemian feel or finished with corset detailing or contrasting buttons, pairs easily with flat slides for daytime. A relaxed little white top goes with almost anything, from maxi skirts to denim shorts.
A maxi dress is versatile enough for long days outdoors, worn with sandals and sunglasses, or dressed up with gold bracelets and a beaded bag for the evening. Swap dark denim for jeans in a paler, light blue wash, which look cooler in the heat.
A wide brimmed hat in a simple shade such as navy or tan offers shade and style at once. If you prefer a bag to a backpack, a basket bag with a leather buckle is a neater take on the open straw tote, which can feel cumbersome when you are on the move all day.