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Cue sunny fields of booming music, summer sequins and band tees; It’s festival season.
Over the years, festival fashion has grown into as much of a main event as the music itself. So, if you’re seeking inspiration, let’s look back on the most iconic festival fashion moments of all time…
Taking it back to the summer of 69’, no one could have guessed the impact Woodstock’s iconic flared denim and bohemian style would have on the festivals of today. From Coachella to Glastonbury, it’s easy to spot the famous fringing, crochet, waistcoats and maxi dresses all over the world. Since the start, festival fashion has always been about freedom and expression – the more you break away from your usual 9-5 uniform, the better. But in a world of more conscious shopping habits, how can we find the balance between expressive and re-wearable?
The answer lies in the queens of festival fashion – Kate Moss, Sienna Miller and Florence Welch.
The inspiration: Florence Welch
Your packing list: Maxi dresses, floral accessories and sandals.
Nod to the 70s legacy Florence Welch brought to Glastonbury with semi-sheer kimonos, denim and bohemian maxi dresses a plenty. Tiered midi skirts, embroidered dresses and anything in your wardrobe with artisanal factor is an immediate add to backpack. Style with floral accessories and gold sandals for the perfect accompaniments.
We also recommend raiding your summer collection of beach dresses, jumpsuits and kimonos, too!
The inspiration: Kate Moss at Glastonbury
Your packing list: Leather, denim, waistcoats.
Who said it was too hot to wear leather to a festival? Inspired by the queen of Glastonbury, Kate Moss, opt for a look that’s a little rough around the edges with pops of leopard print, studded details and layered jewellery. Leather boots and jackets will be your best friend, but not without a pair of denim shorts and tailored waistcoat to style them with.
Alternatively, achieve true festival bohemia by combining grunge accents with cooling crochet, lightweight linen and airy co-ords.
The inspiration: Alexa Chung
Your packing list: Golds, silvers, cowboy boots.
Enter: Your inner space cowboy. Re-style your gold and silver metallic pieces you bought over the festive period with mini dresses and short skirts to biker jackets and wide-leg trousers. Look to Alexa Chung at Glastonbury (circa 2014 and 2015) for inspiration on how to style; Think light jackets, sunnies and wellies – thanks British weather for the fashion confusion.
The inspiration: Suki Waterhouse
Your packing list: Tees, shorts, sunnies.
If Coachella 2024 is anything to go off, casual is IN. Get inspired by Suki Waterhouse and Sienna Miller when it comes to effortless festival fashion by opting for linen tees, denim shorts, airy vests and cami tops, topped with a lightweight cardigan tied around your waist for unpredictable weather. Just don’t forget your sunglasses and a cross-body phone bag.
The inspiration: Rina Sawayama
Your packing list: Sequins, sparkles, face glitter.
We’re still not over Rina Sawayama and Elton John’s 2023 performance – and we’re not sure we’ll ever be over their outfits. Emulate the DJ tent’s disco ball and stage lights with sequins and embellishments over mini party dresses. These pair best with denim jackets, chunky boots and cross-body bags, with sparkly hair accessories as the perfect finishing touch.
The inspiration: Adwoa Aboah
Your packing list: Khakis, cargos, camo.
If there’s one place that the utilitarian trend has always thrived, it’s been festivals. With khaki hues, cargo trousers and camo prints the easiest way into the trend, look to Adwoa Aboah (circa 2017) to see how she styled the oversized fit with playful accessories for a seriously cool look.
Editor’s notes
Festival fashion is supposed to be expressive, personalised and playful – so what better time to explore new routes of fashion? Wear the sequins. Layer up in leather. Accessorise with sunglasses. Just don’t forget the glitter.
