We all think we know festival fashion, and how could we not? From the beginning of April to the end of September our magazines, newspapers and shops are full of “festival essentials” as well as gorgeous socialites looking effortless in their Hunter wellies and teeny denim shorts. Festival fashion is simple right? Turn up, look good, swish about in that maxi dress and ignore anyone who metions mud.
Not quite the case. As a regular festival goer (I’ve been going to Leeds festival every year since 2007) I know my mud, I know my cold nights wearing two pairs of leggings over my jeans and I definitely know that you won’t go to the toilet without being watched by the tall guy in the next stall who will look over the walls. Not showering for 5 days and looking like you’ve been living on the street for a fortnight are all part of the deal; a small sacrifice for a great weekend of music, fun and over-priced food.
But I can see how many people can have inaccurate expectations about festivals, and who can blame them? The celebrities we see in magazines posing at Glastonbury don’t quite have the same experience as the average festival goer. They have showers, electricity, and do you really think they sleep in a tent? So this is a little warts-and-all-guide to festival fashion. Maxi dresses need not apply.
Do ignore the magazines. Maxi dresses will drag in the mud, playsuits aren’t quite practical when you’re rushing to the loo before your favourite band hit the stage and don’t even get me started on gladiator sandals!! Festival fashion has to be about practicality; think a couple of pairs of shorts, a few dresses and a handful of vest tops for day time and tights, leggings and cover-ups for when it gets chilly.
Don’t bring anything you can’t live without. The sad truth is that many people are out to take advantage of naive festival goers who leave their tents open, and they’ll take what they can get. Do a Primark run before you go and leave anything you love at home.
Do think about the cold nights. Yes, it is summer, but you’re still sleeping outside and it gets very cold. Bring a few pairs of thick camping socks and plenty of layers; you’ll need them!!
Don’t forget you have to carry everything!! No-one like the girl who has to sulk until someone carries her bag. Bring things you can mix and match and remember you’re only there for a few days. Wear your wellies to get there to save the space and weight in your bag. This also helps if there was unexpected rain fall the night before you arrive.
Do prepare for all weather. Come on now, we’re British. Have your wellies and rain mac as well as sun cream, sun glasses and a hat. You’ll probably need them all during the course of one day.
Do bring a decent size bag. You’ll probably leave the campsite in the afternoon and won’t return til midnight. Make sure you have something warm to wear for the evening and your rain mac, as well as money and anything valuable. Put some money in your sock in case you get mugged. Seriously.
Don’t think of it as a fashion show. Everyone looks crap, it’s part of the fun. Don’t spend all day queuing for the GHD tent and miss the headliners, and it’s a brave person who hits the showers. Be dirty, embrace it, and think of how amazing the first shower at home will be.
Do the best you can, though. No-one likes feeling grubby. Babywipes, dry shampoo, makeup and accessories are great little lifts to make you feel more human!!
Any more questions on festival fashion? Leave a comment on this post and I’ll be happy to give you any extra advice.
Go, have fun, enjoy the music and don’t worry about that your tousled curls are more unwashed-bed-hair, your gurngey makeup is more last-night’s-mascara, and you’re much more Bob than Pixie Geldof.
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