There's only one rule when it comes to festival outfits and that is: anything goes. Whether you're a hippy chick at heart, a Y2K fan, or an all-out rocker, a festival is the best place to throw all the style rules out of the window and really express yourself.
Coachella festival [1] has already kicked off festival fever, providing us with an abundance of Cali-cool inspiration. From crochet dresses to fringed jackets, cut-off shorts to sequins, all of which can be translated to work at UK festivals; even if we aren't lucky enough to get the warm temperatures of Palm Springs.
Packing for a trip away can be tricky at the best of times and festival packing is no exception, especially when you throw in our delightfully unreliable British weather. Come rain, wind, or shine, you need to have sartorially suitable options for any meteorological challenges that you may face. And although we're all currently wondering if summer is ever going to arrive, it's essential that you're prepared; so be sure to pack a rain cover-up and wellies as well as a sunhat, sunglasses, and, of course, your best sunscreen [2].
The accessories you choose are key to not only looking good, but also making your life easier when you're there – ever tried using a portaloo whilst holding a handbag? Look for hands-free styles such as crossbody or bum bags for the best option. Your footwear choice is also crucial considering how far you'll potentially walk over the space of a weekend, your shoe choice needs to be both stylish and comfortable. Chunky sandals [3] or trainers are great for hot weather, whilst a chunky boot or welly will see you through the crowds and mud.
Read on for our edit of the best festival fashion [4] buys to add to your packing, you'll find some usual favourites as well as 2023's newest festival trends including crochet, disco glam, and western-inspired picks.
Festival Outfit Ideas: Best Do-It-All Bag
Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag [5] (£15)
Seen all over TikTok and Instagram, this best-selling Uniqlo bag [6] has gone viral thanks to an influencer frenzy over it. Ideal for festivals, it keeps your hands free, is wipe clean, and packs flat so takes up minimal space in your backpack. At just under £15 it's no surprise as it is the perfect size for all your essentials including portable phone charger, hand sanitizer, and sunscreen You'll be surprised just how much you can fit in. It originally came in eight different shades although its popularity means they're selling out at a super speedy rate, so be quick!
Festival Outfit Ideas: Best Kate Moss-Style Dress
Frobukio Crochet Knitted Dress [7] (£18)
This mini dress screams Kate Moss [8] at Glastonbury circa 2005 in her iconic belted dress and Hunters outfit. We're obsessed with the fluted sleeves and slouchy boho vibe of this dress, it also has an open back detail to keep you cool if it's hot. Wear with a pair of retro-inspired sunglasses and some chunky lace up boots. At just under £20, it's a bargain if you're not feeling too flush after splashing out on your festival ticket. What's more, it'd also work as a great throw on for the beach bar if you're heading to Ibiza this summer.
Festival Outfit Ideas: Best Festival Co-ord
Yours Curve Leopard Print Shirt [9] (£20) and Shorts [10] (£18)
A co-ord is always a good idea for festivals. You can wear them together as a full look or break them down into separates for a versatile festival wardrobe. This Curve set from Yours goes to a size 32 and is also available in a cool paisley green version for those who aren't leopard-print lovers. Wear the shirt open as a cover-up over a vest or bikini top, or button up and tie the loose ends at the front for an effortlessly cool look. The cotton and linen mix will be breathable in the heat and keep you feeling cool, and the lightweight fabric will pack down really small in your festival bag.
Festival Outfit Ideas: Best Festival Layering
Mango Floral Linen Waistcoat [11] (£36)
Waistcoats are having a fashion moment right now and they're fast becoming the new hero item we can't live without. Worn with baggy jeans, tailored trousers, silk skirts, and shorts; their versatility is endless and festivals are no exception. We love this more relaxed linen version which would look great with a pair of shorts (again, harking back to Kate Moss [12]' festival reign) or over this season's white floaty dresses. If you feel less confident around your middle area then team your waistcoat with a pair of high waisted bottoms to give you some extra coverage and make the look your own with some layered necklaces or bracelets.
Festival Outfit Ideas: Best Festival Crochet
Zara Crochet Wide Leg Trousers [13] (£50)
Crochet is a huge trend this summer. From dresses to jackets, tops to trousers, crochet is fast establishing itself as a summer must-have. The best bit is you can pick as much or as little as you like from this trend. If you're not yet sold, then try a small crochet bag, or go for a full-on look if you're ready to embrace the knitted dream. Team with sequins for that retro glam vibe and make sure you consider what you wear underneath as some crochet can be very revealing. Bikini's and bandeau tops both work well underneath to offer some modesty. These wide leg trousers give all the boho vibes — size up for that laid-back hippy look.
Festival Outfit Ideas: Best Festival Sandals
Teva Universal Vegan Sandals [14] (£45)
Since the rise of "Dad-sandals", Teva is leading the way in the rise of hiking sandals as a choice of fashionable footwear. Designed for all-day comfort (something that's imperative for walking miles around a festival campsite), they're the perfect choice of sandals. A neutral pair like these will go with everything you pack, from summer dresses to denim staples and everything in between, they instantly add a cool, up-to-date vibe to any outfit. Alternatively, if you want a more eclectic look, there's an acid bright colorway. Opt for the platform version if you want a bit of extra height and leg lengthening, too.
Festival Outfit Ideas: Best Festival Trousers
Gap High Rise Faux Leather Straight Jeans [15] (£65)
If you've missed the abundance of silver trousers flooding TikTok and Insta this year, then you may have been hiding under a rock as these wowzer-trousers are impossible not to notice. Minimal effort and high impact, this statement look is the perfect trend to try out at a festival this summer, pair with trainers or sandals and a simple t-shirt or vest top for an off-duty model vibe. With a vast range to choose from all over the high street, this trend is definitely not a one-hit wonder.
Festival Outfit Ideas: Best Festival Hat
Arket Crochet Bucket Hat [16] (£55)
This bucket hat is not only a summer style staple for 2023, but it's 100 percent cotton fabric composition will keep you warm if it's on the chilly side and cool and breathable in the heat. Given that the British weather is so unpredictable, this hat ticks all the boxes. The soft fabric also means you can pack it away in your bag easily; something that can be tricky with other hat styles such as a cap, cowboy hat, or fedora. The bucket style rim also provides good protection for your face if you're out in the sunshine all day.
Festival Outfit Ideas: Best Festival Shorts
Nasty Gal Denim Star Mom Shorts [17] (£49)
Most of us own a pair of blue denim cut-offs, but this summer, how about going for an update with a different coloured denim? This pair have a flattering high-waisted cut and a slightly higher cut on the leg. The cheeky star detail provides the perfect festival look, just add a slightly shorter top or tie a shirt over if you prefer a bit more coverage on top. These shorts look great with a pair of boots or high-top trainers to dance the night away.
Festival Outfit Ideas: Best Festival Cowboy Boots
Simply Be Leather Embroidered Cowboy Boots [18] (£65)
Western influences are by no means new, but ever since cowboy boots went from ranch to runway, they have become a firm favourite in this season's festival field too thanks to the likes of Dua Lipa, Gigi Hadid, and Kendall Jenner. There are endless choices when it comes to heel height, colour, and length so you're bound to find a style to suit you. We love these white ones for their versatility as their neutral base will not only go with anything, but also add that current Y2K vibe to your look. This leather pair will be super durable and wipe clean so there's no need to worry about the mud-fest.
Festival Outfit Ideas: Best Festival Wellies
Barbour Abbey Wellington Boots [19] (£65)
Is any festival wardrobe complete without a pair of wellies? We think not. Fusing fashion with functionality, a good pair of wellies are a must in our eyes. Of course, you can try and avoid the cliché festival look and opt for a lace-up chunky boot instead but the chances are it's bound to rain at some point and the field will turn into a mud-fest, so your feet will be thankful from some waterproof protection in the portaloos. Barbour's reputation for quality and durability makes them the perfect choice, we're into this chic navy as an alternative to classic black or green.
Festival Outfit Ideas: Best Festival Dress
Karen Millen Mirror Disc Mini Dress [20] (£118, originally £169)
After Harry Styles stepped out at Coachella [21] last year in a Gucci mirror-disc jumpsuit, sales in similar oversized sequins have surged. All over the high street you can now find dresses, tops, skirts, and one-pieces adding some extra shimmer to our lives. Festivals are a great place to embrace the joy of dressing up and these high-shine pieces are perfect additions to any wardrobe for standing out in the crowd. Wear layered over a bikini top if you prefer a little extra coverage and throw on a denim jacket or oversized shirt when the sun goes down.
Festival Outfit Ideas: Best Festival Jacket
Free People Vegan Shacket [22] (£118)
This timeless, versatile shacket will elevate any festival outfit in an instant. Throw on over a little white dress, your favourite denim shorts, or a pair of this season's crochet trousers. The slightly cropped cut will nip you in at the waist compared to more covered-up longline jackets. We love the soft olive hue as an updated take on the tan suede seen in previous seasons, but if green isn't your thing, then there are four other shades to choose from. Not just for festivals, you should see this piece as an investment that'll see you through those in-between seasons as the perfect lightweight cover-up.
Festival Outfit Ideas: Best Festival Sunglasses
Ray-Ban Round Metal Sunglasses [23] (£146)
A pair of sunglasses are an absolute essential to pack for any festival you go to. Not only will you be standing in the sun for long hours, they also cover tired eyes if you didn't get much sleep in your tent and, perhaps most importantly, they complete any outfit! A pair of Ray-Ban's will look good with any ensemble, these round frames will suit most face shapes and the blue lenses offer a more up-to-date look. Be sure to add the sunglasses case to your across-the-body bag so that you have a place to safely store them when the sun goes down.
Festival Outfit Ideas: Best Festival Waterproof
Colombia Unisex Waterproof Poncho [24] (£160)
Sadly, we're unable to rely on the sun shining all summer long so it's essential we're prepared for a possible downpour. A pack-down poncho is a wise addition to any festival packing, and this one from Columbia packs into a handy across-the-body sling for easy storage. Although pricey, it's well worth investing in a proper waterproof as the alternative of being cold and wet all weekend is never appealing. This poncho one has waist adjustable straps so you can bring it in for a more fitted shape as well as Omni-Tech ™ waterproof seam-sealed technology for a completely dry wear. You'll use this poncho time and time again — trust us.