Coachella 2023 might be behind us, but a whole summer of festivals is on the horizon. Whether you’ve nabbed yourself a ticket to Glastonbury, Wilderness or a laid-back local fete, you’ll need the appropriate attire.
Festival fashion has a very distinctive identity. You know the drill: Every April, the Colorado desert becomes a bona fide catwalk as thousands of style-savvy Coachella attendees show off their creative ensembles. We’re not just talking denim cut-offs and wellies—this year alone was a spectacle of bejewelled minidresses and coastal-cowgirl getups. This Met Gala of the music world showcases a heightened version of what you can expect, sartorially speaking, from your own outdoor gig. The trends on show during the two-week event get distilled down, and many are surprisingly wearable, no matter how easy-going you expect your upcoming festival to be.
So, what should you consider when planning your outfits? When picking and choosing which trends to try, think about the expected temperature (a festival in Reading is very different to one in Barcelona), but also what you’ll feel most comfortable in. Expect to be standing and moving about the majority of the day; don’t put yourself in a position where you’re worrying about too-tight jeans or a hemline that keeps riding up.
Keep these points in mind as you check out the five festival trends we’re most excited about below. From whimsical fabrications to punchy accessories, all signs are pointing to this being a summer to remember.
Em Rata’s latest look is festival-ready.
Style Notes: Crochet isn’t exactly a novel idea for a festival, but there’s no denying that it’s peaked in popularity over the past couple of months—in and out of the festival scene. Personally, I think it looks the chicest in a neutral hue like cream or black.
This would also look great with high-waisted jeans on non-festival days.
This doubles as a chic bikini cover-up.
This jumpsuit definitely has the wow factor.
I think this looks really expensive. Just add gold jewellery and colour-pop accessories.
Style Notes: I know it’s not just me that’s got the cowboy-boots bug because I’ve been spotting them all over Instagram lately. If you’ve made the wise decision to wear full-coverage footwear, this is a more summer-appropriate option than Chelsea boots and the like. When spending the day in a muddy field, I’d choose these over sandals any day.
Turn to Ganni for high-quality cowboy boots in a range of colours.
The laser-cut detailing gives this pair a summery spin.
These just might be the coolest cowboy boots I’ve seen.
An understated take for the minimalists among us.
Style Notes: If it’s got fringe on it, it’s 2023 approved. You won’t be able to resist dancing in this playful trend, especially if you opt for a longline fringed dress like Imani (note how she’s paired hers with cowboy boots—that’s two trends in one look).
This has ‘festival’ written all over it.
If you plan on camping and you’re attending a UK event, you’ll need a cool cover-up. It doesn’t get cooler than this one.
This could be one of H&M’s most impressive pieces to date.
You’ll definitely turn heads in this vibrant number.
Style Notes: This festival season, the more bejewelled the better. I’m sure you saw some of the crystal-adorned makeup looks people were rocking at Coachella, and their clothing choices were just as shimmery. Chunky rhinestones and beaded pieces will catch the light beautifully as you bop the night away.
This is Aimee’s exact tank, and frankly I can’t believe it’s still in stock.
Casual in the back, party in the front.
Layer this over a slip or a bikini.
Add this simple accessory to literally any outfit to give it a sparkly flourish.
Style Notes: If you’re not the type to go all-out with shimmer and fringing, keep things simple with a romantic milkmaid-style dress. Brands such as Dôen and Reformation have so many pretty cotton pieces that are perfect for a hot day spent drinking and dancing in a field. Sign me up.
I’m not surprised Dôen has totally nailed this trend.
Something about this is so nostalgic.
I know just how I’d style this—with the cactus-adorned cowboy boots above.
You don’t have to break the bank to try out this look.
