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?
