It doesn’t matter whether you are in it for the music, great fun, good friends or great adventures, or for all the above, everyone loves festivals. From Woodstock to Coachella, festivals have always been a subculture of their own, and as such, they have their own rules, especially when it comes to fashion. Aesthetics is not the only factor you should keep in mind, though, but the comfort and endurance too. Here are some do’s and don’ts of festival fashion that will help you get a clearer picture of what to wear.
DO: Wear Denim
Most of the festivals take place in the hottest months of the year, but that doesn’t mean it is too hot for denim. If cowboys in Texas could wear it all year round you can do it too. If anything, denim can make you feel more comfortable by helping you handle the elements (e.g. puddles of water and secondhand smoke). Wear trendy boyfriend jeans or shorts with basic t-shirts and for a real festival twist, add a colorful piece of jewelry like a leather bracelet or necklace.
DON’T: Wear Leather
Leather may look just perfect and give you the rock ‘n’ roll vibe you need for a Metallica concert, but it will prevent you from actually enjoying the music. Remember that you will spend an entire day in the sun, and if Ross thought us anything that is that sweat and leather don’t go very well together.
DO: Layer Up
Summer doesn’t always mean a stable weather. In fact, there have been a number of times when storm and rain surprised festival visitors, so packing an extra layer is never a bad idea. There is a wide range of jackets made of breathable, water- and wind-proof materials that can serve the purpose quite well.
DON’T: Pretend You’re Living in Another Decade
The Summer of Love is long gone, and though we might think it is cool to wear a Jimi Hendrix hippie shirt, it’s definitely not. Sure, it is okay to introduce a bit of nostalgia into your outfit, but do it through details. So, ditch the suede cape and wear a dreamcatcher accessory instead.
DO: Wear a Hat
The sun on your head and neck isn’t very healthy or pleasant, that’s why you need to be well protected. Bucket hat can go very well with your style, but give trucker hats a chance. They’re actually perfect for festivals since designers are now making them in bright colors, amazing patterns and prints.
DON’T: Wear Native American Headdresses
This might seem as a good, exotic and funny idea, but it’s not. It’s simply offensive. If you are really looking for something to give you that desert-ready look gear, opt for a beaded belt, tribal patterns on t-shirts, shorts, bags, etc.
DO: Wear Desert Boots
It’s warm, why wouldn’t you wear sandals? Well, for many good reasons. First, your legs will get dirty and muddy, second they are not very enduring, and third, they are never as cool as desert boots. Desert boots can endure jumping and being jumped on, piles of mud, and high heats. Plus, they always look cool, whether you wear them with a pair of jeans or shorts. Just make sure you wear good socks.
DON’T: Go Unprepared
Clothes aren’t the only thing you should pack when visiting a summer festival. There are plenty of other things to think about, such as a bag to carry water and possibly snacks, a wristwatch to tell time if you lose your phone (it happens), also a natural mosquito repellent to battle these annoying pests and stylish sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun, etc.
Now that you have your do’s and don’ts in order, you can pack your backpack and head to the nearest festival. Enjoy!
