With summer on the horizon, Abby shows you how to master the festival look
May 8, 2015
With Coachella having wrapped up only a few weeks ago, it’s official: festival season has begun. More and more, music, arts, and film festivals alike have become a living runway for attendees to show off their individual style.
While each festival goer often has his or her own unique style, there have been certain trends that remain prominent throughout the festival scene. Even if you won’t be attending a festival this summer, much of 2015’s summer style fads have originated on the fairgrounds.
Because many of these events take place in the summer months, comfort and coolness are necessities, making cotton and loose-fitting clothing a must. Flowing skirts and dresses are great for staying cool, but if you have a fear of windy days, maxi skirts or dresses can be a simple fix. Depending on the festival, the style vibe may differ, but a majority of them tend to lean toward the boho/hippie side of things, making neutrals and vintage floral prints perfect for the occasion. Since many events spread across multiple days and even offer campsites, having one or two neutral pieces can make for easy mixing and matching with newly acquired band tees, as well as for lighter packing.
If skirts and dresses are not your cup of tea, rompers and flowy shorts or jean cut-offs will certainly fit the bill. For tops, the crochet knits are making a comeback as well as the popular crop top. For protection from the sun and keeping with the boho feel, lightweight kimonos or shawls add a unique touch of bohemian style.
Footwear for festivals can be tricky, as you often have to walk long distances from stage to stage or exhibit to exhibit. One alternative is to bring comfortable walking shoes for in between destinations as well as a cute pair of sandals for when you have arrived. If you are looking for a dual purpose shoe, finding sandals that have a cushioning sole with plenty of straps and arch support may be your solution to avoid the sneaker and maxi skirt combo. Otherwise, you can suffer for your style and take on the festival grounds with your most stylish wedges or gladiator sandals – just be prepared for the impending blisters with plenty of band-aids.
In the way of accessories, a floppy sunhat paired with your favorite pair of sunglasses can not only protect you from damaging UV rays but can also be the perfect finishing touch to your festival ensemble. For the best hands-free experience, I would suggest also bringing a small backpack or shoulder bag to house your necessary water bottle, money, ID, etc.
The theme of festivals and summer style this year seems to be comfort, so stick to the lightweight and flowy and you will be sure to enjoy your summer festivals, concerts, and events, wherever they may take you.