Tickets to this year’s summer concert festivals sold out faster than Kate Middleton’s navy blue dress. Coachella alone accommodated over 50k boho clad fashionistas, and Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, and the UK’s Glastonbury festival are on par to do the same. The fashion scene emerging from these festivals has become just as exciting as the music acts themselves. Fashion and rock and roll have long gone together, and these festivals are just one big runway for the uber-fashionable, and trendy.
Dressing for these events can be quite a task. You want clothes that are practical, can risk being ruined, seem effortless and, of course, chic. You’ve got to combat the heat, harsh sun, muddy fields, and a lot of standing. Comfort is key, and preparing for the event is necessary. Here are a few simple suggestions on what to pack, if you happen to be one of the very lucky ticket holders to one of these events!
1. Lightweight clothing
Choose clothes in lightweight fabrics. Linen or cotton are always a good choice. Anything that breathes is a good idea. Linen harem pants are a great option. They are light and breezy, stylish and cool, and will dry really quickly if they happen to get wet. You can find them in array of fun colors and prints this season, at places like Zara or H&M. Pairing them with a simple white t-shirt, or tank, would be the perfect festival outfit to keep you cool! Plus, it won’t break the bank. So if you happen to get splattered with some mud, it’s no big deal. Cotton sundresses and maxi dresses are also a great option. Don’t forget to add a pair of cut off denim shorts to your suit case. Now you are on your way!
Check out Zara.com The Ethnic Print Trouser or The Elastic Waist Linen Trouser
2. Shield yourself with a great hat!
Next on your what to pack list: a great hat! Shielding yourself from the harsh sun will help you really enjoy the festival while your jamming out to The Black Keys, Ok GO, or Eminem. Like your clothes, you want a lightweight hat that breathes. Hats like the Panama hat from J.Crew or H&M are great options. Straw hats that have a wide brim and cover your face are key to protecting your skin. Thanks to the Hangover 2, and Zach Galifianakis, the Asian inspired straw braid hat is back, and right on trend for this summers festivals. You can find one on Amazon.com. Kate Spade has got some really great colorful straw floppy hats as well. Check them out.
3. Boots
To combat the mud, the heat, and your back not breaking, there are three options for shoes: the ever popular Hunter rain boot is a great option to combat the mud, along with cowboy boots, motorcycle boots, and any other kind of sturdy rocker boot. I have to admit, they all look pretty fierce with a pair of cut off denim shorts. It’s all very rock and roll. You definitely want to have a pair of flip flops or flat sandals on hand also. Comfort is key, and if you can stuff a pair into a great cross body hobo bag, you will be set. An easy packing tip to save space is pack the flip flops and sandals into the boots. Lastly, don’t forget a pair of sneakers. Your feet will be forever grateful. A great pair of Tom’s, or converse, should do the trick.
4. Don’t forget to accessorize!
Lastly, but certainly not least, are your accessories. A great pair of sunglasses, a cross body bag, and lots of bracelets will take your look to the festival chic level. You definitely want to have your hands free to fist pump, so a cross body bag is perfect. A medium size version is best so you can keep your sunblock, flip flops, a stick of deodorant, and maybe an extra t-shirt just in case. Hey, a girls got to be prepared. Here are some great options. I especially love this bag by Club Monaco, and also the Wayuu-taya line of bags. They are amazing, and PERFECT for a summer festival!
Now that you’re officially prepared for your action packed, rock and roll, fashion filled festival, all that’s left to do is grab your camera and make sure you document all of your rocking outfits! I can’t wait to see what you all come up with.
Peace and Love, my little fashionistas!
Image via Daniel Kincaid for LF Stores “Fearless Future” Spring 2011 Collection
