WORDS BY RICHARD MEADOW
Festival season is just around the corner and that can only mean one thing: it’s time to get your festival wardrobe ready. Music festivals are the places to be in the summer, and great clothing choices are just as important as the headline act. Whether you’re wading through muddy fields or dancing along to your favourite act, you’re going to want to look your best and feel comfortable. Here’s a list of 9 festival fashion trends to keep you partying in style all weekend.
Mirrored Sunglasses
Whilst it isn’t typically sunny at festivals, mirrored sunglasses are a big trend this summer, channelling the retro style that is dominating the fashion trends this year. Ideal for hiding tired, hungover eyes, sunglasses are a must-have festival accessory, and a mirrored pair will keep you eyes protected in style.
Statement Hat
One of the easiest and simplest ways to instantly add a touch of style to your festival outfit, a statement hat should be on your festival packing list. When your hair is looking a bit dishevelled by day 3, a statement hat is perfect for hiding your hair. Baseball hats are a great choice, as well as the festival staple bucket hat.
White T-Shirt
Whilst some festival trends include eccentric patterns and colours, a simple white tee is a timeless classic for a festival. You can pair a white T-shirt with anything, and even when splattered with mud, a white tee will look great. The key to choosing the right T-shirt is ensuring that it fits well on the shoulders and is a slim fit – anything too baggy will look un-stylish and shapeless.
Neutral Coloured Backpack
Whilst a backpack is a practical essential for a festival, it’s also a great way to add a hint of style to your outfit. Choose a backpack that’s big enough to store your essentials and has chunky straps so that you can wear it comfortably over your shoulders. A neutral colour, such as black, tan or navy blue, will ensure that your backpack matches your outfits for the whole weekend.
Colour and Pattern
Whilst we don’t mean bright neon colours, adding in some different colours and patterns to your clothing and accessories will mean that you’re bang on trend. With retro 80s and 90s styles and colours having a huge resurgence this year, they are easy to add in. Go for a subtle tie-dye T-shirt, or even a little bit of festival makeup, like a bright and colourful glitter beard if you’re really in the festival spirit!
Great Denim
A good pair of denim jeans or shorts are essential packing for a festival and are one of this seasons biggest trends. Whilst it may be tempting to pack just lightweight shorts, having a good pair of skinny black jeans or blue denim shorts will mean you’re prepared for all eventualities and will look good with whatever you pair with them.
Parka Jacket
A festival essential, the parka jacket is a key fashion trend for this season. Easy to pack, and sure to be welcome when it inevitably starts to rain, a parka jacket will look great layered with a white T-shirt and dark denim jeans.
Wellington Boots
Another festival staple, a pair of wellies will always be an on-trend fashion choice for a festival. Remember, you’re going to be walking, queuing and dancing all day, every day whilst you’re there so wellies are a great choice. Festivals are notoriously muddy, so choosing a premium brand is the best bet to keep your feet dry and comfortable.
Tropical Print
Tropical print is a big trend taking over SS18 fashion. Adding a tropical print shirt, t-shirt or even shorts if you’re feeling brave, is a lightweight and easy way to keep your festival fashion on trend. If you’re do decide to wear a tropical print piece, keep the rest of your outfit neutral and plain to avoid clashing.
