As summer brings with it a deluge of music festivals, half the fun is getting fully involved with the 'festival fashion'. As much as die-hard festival goers would love to protest this, with a traditional view that music festivals are purely about the bands, the performance and the undoubted love of music, it's undeniable that since Kate Moss stepped through the gates of Glastonbury in her hotpant, waistcoat and welly combo two summers ago, that she turned standing in a muddy field into a fashion event. Jeans and a t-shirt just ain't gonna cut it these days.
With our heavily unpredictable British weather however, festivals definitely (and somewhat annoyingly) require the ultimate in 'what-if' dressing. For instance, it could be beautifully boiling hot in the morning followed by torrential rain and mud baths in the afternoon that could see you shooting off to build a small ark. So, where to start with packing your festival bag?
Don't be afraid of a little glamour, even if you are living in a tent for three days. Festival fashion is all about mixing it up a bit. Styles, accessories and fabrics you would never normally think of mixing all become acceptable, so have fun and play dress-up with your wardrobe. Take inspiration from your favourite music and embrace the things you wouldn't normally dare to wear!
Of course the practicalities of fashion during a festival are massively important -- as boring as it may sound don't forget to think of comfort, particularly when it comes to footwear and be prepared to lose anything you take with you. Ladies, step away from the stilettos and make sure you steer well clear of anything light-coloured or expensive in your wardrobe. Statement wellies in pretty patterns, such as stripes or polka dots will brighten up your outfit and save your soles if there's a sudden downpour.
Remember, if you're camping you won't have full length mirrors to check out your style and being able to make fast wardrobe decisions from campsite to stage is important if you want a good spot at the front. Opt for easy layers and a lightweight shower proof jacket, just make sure it's light enough to fold away into your bag if the sun does start shining again.
Mud, spilt drinks and cigarette burns are the festival fashionista's most likely enemies, so pack durable, patterned or dark pieces that will hide stains and tears.
For the finishing touch accessorise, accessorise, accessorise. Anything goes, so combine gold and silver, leather with silk and clash patterns on patterns. Don't forget a that headscarf will hide a multitude of sins when it comes to greasy, unwashed hair and a huge pair of sexy sunglasses are excellent for hiding away partied-out panda eyes. Above all though, big attitude is the fashion-bug's most important accessory, so turn on, tune in and rock out!
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