What to wear to a festival
With the festivals in full swing, we asked fashion blogger Kate of Wearsmymoney to talk all things festival fashion at Victoria Leeds. Read her grown-up festival fashion guide: You don’t have to dig out the hot pants and face paint to be part of the festival crowd. Although if that’s your bag then fill your boots – this is the one time of the year when it’s actually socially acceptable to stand in a field covered head to toe in glitter. My advice? Think less Love Island, more Sienna Miller, Kate Moss and Alexa Chung: classic, cool, effortless. The trickiest part of any UK festival is packing for the weather: be prepared for everything. As hard as this is, I’ve narrowed it down to five essential items.
THE LEATHER JACKET
Perfect for a British downpour and great for keeping you warm when the sun sets. A leather biker is effortlessly cool and will help ground any outfit. Pair with: Your favourite slogan T-shirt and denim shorts, a floaty dress (to add some edginess) or your classic black jeans, which are great for festivals as they don’t show the dirt! Balfern leather biker jacket, £318, All Saints
THE CHELSEA BOOTS
Have you ever tried dancing in wellies (sweaty feet, anyone)? It’s not easy. A stomping pair of ankle boots are a stylish alternative. Go for a a classic Chelsea boot that’ll work beyond festival season or try something embellished. I’ve always been a fan of studded ankle boots and, this year, everyone is doing them. I predict you’ll all have a pair come autumn/winter, so why not get on board early… Pair with: Everything and anything: shorts, jeans, dresses, maxi skirts. Perhaps pack a pair of sandals, too, in case of a heatwave! Leather Chelsea boots, £125, & Other Stories
THE LEATHER BAG
Let’s talk no-hands bags. It doesn’t have to be a standard-issue camping backpack. Think luxe leather rucksacks, which can be used for everyday life once you’re back to reality. When day turns to evening, swap for a smaller crossbody bag with room for your essentials. Or try a bum bag worn across your chest. It’s the new thing; I’ve seen the kids do it. Don’t forget a torch – you don’t want to end up in someone else’s tent when you roll back to the campsite in the wee small hours… Pair with: A large pair of sunglasses (bags, what bags?) and a straw hat. For extra festival vibes, tie a bright scarf around it. Wyatt leather mix backpack, £199, Jigsaw
THE MIDI DRESS
An easy-breezy dress will keep you fresh in the day and cool in the evening (just add leggings, if need be). To stay on trend, go for maxis or midis that are either super-cute floral numbers (think big blooms) or a bolder block colour option. Pair with: I still love the 90s look of a girly dress with chunky boots and a leather jacket. If you can’t relive your youth at a festival, when can you? Floral pleated midi dress, £79, & Other Stories
AND SOMETHING FUN
Embellishment is huge this year, so go for something that brings you joy every time you look at it. Your best bet is a embroidered, sequinned or embellished trophy jacket. Plus, it’ll work on nights out by adding smart trousers and strappy sandals. Pair with: Your jeans, a T-shirt and fave trainers to instantly get into the festival spirit. Free People Dottie West embroidered kimono, £125, Harvey Nichols Products subject to availability
