What to Wear to a Festival

Since the birth of Glastonbury back in the 70’s the popularity of festivals has increased dramatically. All over the world, the spring and summer months are filled with the celebration of all music genres. From the Isle of Wight to Tomorrowland, the bohemian, hippy and grunge styles of fashion have become iconic with festival style. The biggest music and arts festival in America kicks off the festival season: Coachella. So, to get you prepped to looking the part, read on for your style guide on what to wear to a festival.

The rise in popularity with music festivals has created a new platform for individuals to showcase their styles. Festivals are not just about celebrating the talent of musicians anymore. It is a place to experiment with bold prints, eccentric style mashups, biker vibes and, not forgetting, the importance of the folk inspired accessories. Depending on which festival your heading to this summer, this style guide of what to wear to a festival will prepare you for all possibilities. Here’s five very different festivals, with five very different fashion trends.

Download

The evolution of metal and rock music didn’t just introduce the world to insane guitar solos and unique distorted sounds. It also created one of the most iconic fashion trends to date: Biker/Grunge. Characterized by monochromic silhouettes and that 90s Nirvana feel, brands such as All Saints are contemporary pioneers for this style.Whilst discovering what to wear to a festival, think along the lines of statement leather jackets, unbuttoned check shirts and super skinny, black jeans.

For what to wear to a festival, a Hunter welly is always a favourite. But boots can also be great, and work well in rusty browns and black colours. For a high quality, fashion statement, the classic Doc Marten boot is the perfect complement for that punk rock vibe, and with Download Festival based in the UK, rain is inevitable, so superiority, leather footwear is the ultimate textile for what you need to wear to a festival.

Parklife

For the eclectic selection of mixers and producer’s at Parklife, modernity is key. For a fresher, on trend festival style, brand merch T-shirts are a festival favourite. For what to wear to a festival, instead of the obvious choice of band inspired shirts, think more along the lines of a graphic piece from designers like Tommy Hilfiger or Gucci. Partnered with Levi shorts, Nike Air Max and a snapback cap, innovation will get you noticed. For extra edginess, a classic adidas trefoil festival bag is always a sophisticated addition.

Boomtown

Featuring a line up up of some of the finest underground music artists from around the globe, Boomtown is the ideal place to display your knowledge on what to wear to a festival. Dressing to stand out in vintage 90’s garms is the style option of choice or those in the know.

Grab a pair of floral print trousers from Depop or Wavey Garms and throw on top your favourite vintage sportswear sweatshirt for a look that is ready for the madness to ensue. Be sure to use Boomtown as a platform to express your individuality. Keep it oversized, sleek and fun when considering what to wear to a festival.

Outlook

So, with the festival season fast approaching, its time to create the ultimate festival wardrobe. Although different festivals attach different fashion trends, essential festival features are also key to remember when considering what to wear to a festival. Outlook festival, which started as a offshoot of Leeds based SubDub features arguably the greatest line-up from the underground jungle, garage and drum and bass scene.

Outlook festival will be both very hot and very messy so keep to single layers to stay comfortable in the Croatia heat in Pula. A oversized t-shirt is a perfect option to show off any accessories, tattoos and piercings when finding what to wear to a festival. Pair with some Ralph Lauren all over print lounge trousers (source: eBay/Depop) for a look which is sure to create memories to the sound of that dirty bassline.

Glastonbury

Of course, it would be inconsiderate to leave Glastonbury out of a style guide on what to wear for a festival. The intrinsic hippy aura enables a more bohemian, folk festival style to be established. Accessories are vital, and folk inspired beaded bracelets and block coloured bandanas are a necessity. Combined with statement print shirts, woven straw hats and rustic boots, blending into the festival atmosphere will be natural.

A vintage Levi’s shirt is a timeless piece and perfect for over layering (if the British summer doesn’t make an appearance). Sunglasses are also vital, but to keep it suave and chic, a gold tone, round frame pair from Ray Ban are the ideal piece. Look below for our finest selection on what to wear to a festival.