What I Wear to Music Festivals and WHY

One of my favorite parts about music festivals is shopping for them. I remember my first festival, I decided to wear my knee high suede moccasins. They are SO cute and screamed festival fashion. But, I did not think about how muddy music festivals can be, or how freaking HOT they are. My legs were sweating all day. I’m never making that mistake again.

So I wrote this post to help you avoid the mistakes I have made. I will walk you step-by-step through my ensembles from the Forecastle Festival last year. Each thoughtfully put together based on my four criteria for festival fashion: price, practicality, comfort, and overall cuteness. The photos are all linked to my Pradux page, which will direct you to where you can buy these looks.

Day One

Day one: Well, day one it rained. So I picked my outfit that included a hat to protect my hair from wet-dog-syndrome. I like all black for festivals because well for one one, it’s my aesthetic, and two, it won’t show any sweat stains, grass stains, dirt, etc. I would never, ever wear white to a music festival. Ever. I decided to go with gladiator sandals because they are comfortable and they stay on my feet! Yes, I’ve seen girls lose shoes at music festivals. With all the stampedes of people, and usually mud, you want shoes that are literally strapped to your feet. Just make sure you use a strong SPF on your legs, otherwise you’re going to have some weird tan lines. The hat was $15 off Amazon, and I just bought some pretty ribbon from Michael’s to tie around it in an oversized bow that flowed down my back.

Day Two

Day two: I bought this crop top a good six months before the festival, and kept it safely in my drawer until festival season. This top is not something I would wear in everyday life. I mean, it’s basically a bra. But that’s what’s great about music festivals! It’s the place to dress a little out-there. This entire look centered around this top. I paired it with a lightweight skater skirt, nothing too heavy that would be too hot. I would avoid tube skirts because I wouldn’t want to be adjusting it all day. I wore my lace biker shorts from Day 1 underneath (not shown) so that I could still sit and not worry about flashing the crowd. Also, remember it will be windy! If you wear a flowy dress or skirt, I would consider wearing shorts underneath. Although the skirt is not black, it was dark enough that I could sit on the ground and not worry about dirt showing. The shoes, again, are strapped to my feet. And lastly, I thought the belly chain was a nice simple detail to add. I made it myself with chain from Michael’s, and a clasp! So easy!

Day Three

Day three: Again, I styled myself in a way I never would everyday. I chose a sideless leotard, with the same shorts from Day 1. Another repeat: my sandals from Day 1. I tried to pack light, so I repeated a couple items. I decided to go with pig tails to keep my hair off my neck, because it was HOT. I used eyelash glue to put jewels under my eyes for a little extra sparkle.
 
 
 
 
 

Accessories

I made sure to get a cross-body purse that zips shut. Those were my only two criteria (well that, and cuteness). I absolutely hate holding a purse on my arm or shoulder all day, so I needed something I could sling across my body and I could forget. I wanted something that zippered shut for security. You’re going to be packed in tight with a lot of people, and I trust a lot of people, but not thousands of strangers. And make sure to check the festival guidelines about bag sizes. The bag I almost brought would have been too big, and they would have taken it from me at the entrance if I had shown up with it. My hand fan was one of the smartest things I brought, and also probably the thing I’ve received the most compliments on. Read more of my rave review here.

Recap and Extra Tips

• If you don’t want to be seen in the same thing as dozens of other girls, buy your items a few months before.
• If you’re going to wear a flowy dress or skirt, wear biker shorts underneath.
• Think twice before wearing a tube skirt or dress, you will be pulling it down all day, and sitting down will be a chore.
• Wear shoes that are comfortable and won’t slide off your feet, no heels, no flip flops.
• Never wear white, you WILL get it dirty.
• Whatever you bring, you can’t be upset if it gets muddy (so maybe skip the designer labels).
• Skip the expensive jewelry, it’s not the place for your diamond studs.
• Check festival guidelines before buying your bag/purse.
• Bring one bag/purse that will match all your outfits.
• Never wear suede, it’s HOT and is a magnet for dirt and mud.

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