Tomorrow I’m off with friends to Splore – a three day music festival where we’ll camp, dance and make like merry hippies. Hence I thought now is the perfect occasion to talk a little about what I’ve found works and what doesn’t when it comes to executing a fabulous festival outfit. After a lot of oh-so-tedious (not!) research at a multitude of concerts and gigs, I think I’ve got the basics down.
My picks for love a festival in a cold climate – it’s all about layers and balance (look good, keep warm):
- A simple merino wool dress will keep things looking cute; and whip away any moisture if you get damp. Merino is also notable for its “breath-ability” – it acts as a second skin with temperature control. Perfect for changing environments and crowd density.
- All the rest are just layers – a scarf to wrap on and off, a cloak or a gilet to loose yourself in (I am so partial to faux-fur right now), stockings, chunky motorcycle boots etc etc. You know the drill!
- I like the idea of fingerless gloves – they let you easily nip into your bag and grab things… It’s good to be dexterous!
- A clutch with a strap is also useful. Ever tried to get into a bag that’s hanging off a arm encased in a coat? Well, if you’re anything like me you’ll find coats hinder all movement. A clutch on a strap keeps things where you can see it, and makes for easy access.
This is my fail-proof uniform for an outdoor love-hippies-at-one-with-nature event, a la Splore*:
- Covered shoes (preferably sneakers with thick soles) to protect my feet from the elements.
- Dark shorts – there might be a lot of sitting on dusty/grassy ground, so keep the colour dark to avoid stains. The short option keeps you looking ladylike – I’ve seen it a million times – a girl sitting on a hill in a skirt, flashing the world. Don’t be that gal.
- This is the place where you can afford to have jangly, pretty jewellery – as hopefully there will be enough space for you all to wiggle to the music in peace – and therefore not rip any one’s skin to pieces with your accessories. Bon.
- An analog camera. Keeping it organic.
- A satchel big enough to carry all my junk while I’m away from camp.
- A big ass sun hat to keep your neck and face happy. Don’t forget to put SPF everywhere else though, including the backs of your hands!
* That is Laza sitting on the Tree Of Life at Splore 2008. I am conveniently standing behind the outfit.
For an inner city summer stomp think of the Girl Scout motto – “Be Prepared” – for any weather, any crowd:
- This is the place where you can afford to wear cute shoes. The ground will usually be paved so you can survive with a little heel, or some wedges. Want something strappy but tough? Try a Roman sandal, like you used to wear at school, they take a lot of punishment!
- I am a massive fan of the onsie – they’re playful, look good and you only have to make a single decision. Just make sure it isn’t too hard to slip in and out of when you pay a visit to the port-a-loo. Also, choose a playsuit made out of cotton rather than your fancy Karen Walker silk one if you’re worried about festival damage.
- Nylon raincoats scrunch up to fit in even the smallest bag. Bring your own if you don’t want to end up wearing a cheapie poncho, or worse – a garbage bag! I adore my Moochi raincoat.
- Packed festivals are no places to party with a digital camera (especially a DSLR). Unless you’ve got a tether and hella good protection, go disposable! If it gets lost in the fray, no worries. Diamante encrusted throwaway anyone?
And in brief…
BAD: Silk play suits, jeans, complicated wraps, bulky handbags, mega expensive/cherished garments, delicate accessories, pastels (careful careful), flashing the world.
GOOD: Sundresses, cotton stretch onesies, small satchels, disposable cameras, skin protection, merino wool, flexibility, deodorant, layers, cardigans (tie them round your waist, make a turban, whatever!), happy attitudes, good friends.
Agree? Disagree? Do you have a fail safe festival costume you rock every time, perhaps experiment depending on the event, or do you always show up in the same thing you usually wear out?
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Great post!
There won’t be any festivals to go to here until june, but I can dream! ;)
Have a great time there!
Loved this post. Looking forward to an English summer full of festivals and this just helped me get even more excited. Nice choices with very good logic.
My only recommendation would be some good long socks, they stop you getting rubbed feet in boots if you are doing lots of walking round the site. If you get too hot you can always pop them in your bag.
Hi can you please tell me the brand of the sandals?
Great post! My festival must haves are a pair of brightly coloured wellies (if the bank balance says yes then they have to be Hunters), some crazy crazy tights and my dad’s old rain coat, being prepared for rain at British festivals is not only wise cos it keeps you nice and dry, but its probably the only opportunity its acceptable to look like such a twit hehe
Jen: Great point! I have a pair of fancy merino socks that would be perfect… I definitely recommend them, even for just general cold weather wear.
therainbowsecret: It’s the ‘Deena & Ozzy Lace Up Sandal’ from Urban Outfitters. They’re so cute – I love the floral patterned ones too.
Luna: Yes to gumboots! I have a beautiful pair of grape ones that I took to a festival over the New Year. (PS. I am back from my weekend of looking like a twit. I wore liquid silver leggings which were amazing!)
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