With long summer days and sultry nights on the horizon, we welcome the line up of music festivals and an array of gigs and sideshows. The day of festival is no doubt jam-packed; beginning with the follow-the-leader commute, striking up conversation with randoms in the bar-line to finding a nice piece of grass to chill out on with your mates. Despite whatever happens, you have to keep your cool or otherwise there’s one irritating thing which may convince your carefree mood to pull a 180.
To be the most prepared for a music festival, organising your festival outfit is a must. Let’s be honest here (both girls and guys), choosing your ultimate festival outfit is a mission in itself. No one likes scurrying around for one particular top at the last minute, or an appropriate pair of shoes that won’t leave your feet black like a caveman by the afternoon. Having attended many festivals in the past, I have put together my ultimate festival outfit as shown below.
Wearing: vintage Levi’s cut-offs from Glebe Markets, crochet top by Sgt. Sookie, bandeau bra by Cotton On Body, kimono by Carine Long for Cotton On, vintage leather belt, Dr. Martens, sling bag by Colette, Aztec cuff by Sportsgirl and Ray-Bans Clubmasters.
Festival fashion is meant to be fun and most of all, comfortable. For my ultimate festival outfit, I have chosen to wear my good ol’ trusty Levi cut-offs, which are by far my most comfortable pair of shorts which don’t reveal too much of my behind. Many think dressing for a festival means minimal clothing eg. bikinis, one-pieces, low cut singlets or even bare chests (yes, that right boys). Though this may not be everyone’s cup of tea, here I’ve chosen to wear a cropped crochet top with a bandeau bra underneath. The kimono style pull-over is long in length, offering a decent balance of skin and a fleeting effect when you walk. Let’s just say, the colourful print can easily be spotted in a crowd. My chosen festival footwear has always been a closed shoe – who wants to be stepped on while in the mosh or have dirty unattractive feet all day? My Dr. Martens have been my saviour thanks to their heavy duty caps and ability to tackle any mud puddles. Must-have accessories include a sling bag and good pair of sunnies.
To ensure a stellar of a day, here are some pointers I’ve picked up from past music festival experiences:
- No matter what the weather is, apply sunscreen. Even overcast weather can be deceiving.
- Before the festival day, ensure your bag fits all your essentials comfortably and has a secure closer. If you struggle to close it shut or take out your camera, it’s inevitable you will have the same problem on the day or worse – lose your valuables.
- Make sure your camera battery is charged and is equipped with a high capacity memory card.
- Carry a light cardigan/jacket with you as the temperature can drop dramatically when evening arrives. I usually tie one around my bag.
- As mentioned earlier, wear closed in comfortable shoes. Dirty, bruised feet is not a good sight for you or any other festival-goer.
- Do not wear fluoro. That boat has already sailed and should not return – ever.
- Discuss a “where to meet” location in case yourself or one of your mates happens to get lost.
- Get your hands on a festival playlist/map before or on the day and work out an itinerary of what acts you would like to see.
- Be prepared to pay extra for a bottle of water to a souvenir t-shirt.
- Store some tissues in your bag – you’ll be thankful in the absence of toilet paper when you’re in the portaloo.
- Last but not least, come along with a positive attitude. Nobody likes a buzz kill.
So there you have it, some festival fashion inspiration and survival tips on how you and your friends can get the most out of the festival season. What music festival or event do you have coming up? I’m counting down the days to BDO 2012; Kanye West, Boy & Bear and The Jezabels are going to be at the top of my “acts to see” list. Happy summer everyone and remember, don’t sweat the small stuff.
WORDS: Lauren Hernandez of
youronlyblackswan.blogspot.com, a graphic designer, blogger, shutterbug and food enthusiast who love svintage clothing, native/ethnic influences, The Jezabels and Campos coffee.