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Festival fashion tips
Gone are the days of dreadlocked hippies being the predominant fashion statement at festivals.
Being seen while being comfortable is now the motto for festivalgoers everywhere; and really, anything goes! Here are some tips to make sure you are aware of what’s hot for this summer’s festival-style:
For girls, dresses are huge this summer…both in fashion terms and in actual sizes. The fashion houses are describing their creations as ‘tent’, ‘trapeze’ and ‘sack’... you get the picture. But before you think of unhooking the pegs of your neighbour’s tent or throwing on a black sack, consider the beautiful, colourful and 60’s inspired dresses that are on the high street.
Dresses are great for stuffing in your rucksack (the crumpled look is very acceptable!), wearing dresses during the day involves preserving your modesty while crowd surfing by wearing them over jeans, shorts or leggings. Dress it up in the evening with a light bolero or some funky accessories (no expensive jewelry!). A lot of the pretty dresses have nifty pockets, great for holding your mobile or a piece of fruit to keep up your energy while dancing (beware of banana mashes!)
Outrageously patterned wellies are everywhere this year and you can grab yourself a pair at either Penney’s or Dunne’s for next to nothing. Great as a fashion accessory but also for slushing through the unthinkable sludge at the portaloos! For hotter summer weather, flip-flops are cheap and fit neatly in your rucksack but are also a fashion statement. Ladies and gents, a pair of Havaianas is ‘the’ flip-flop of choice for Copacabana sunbathers but also for any backpacker and festivalee worth their salt!
Skinny jeans are a must this season for both guys and girls. Fantastic for tucking into those eye-catching wellies and they will put an end to jean hems trailing in the muck and the subsequent rat-tail look (sooo last season!).
For guys, long shorts (bit of a contradiction!) are an important part of your wardrobe for the festival. Combats are also a fantastic durable item of clothing that are sexy in a grungy way! A statement t-shirt is bound to get you noticed but keep the statement to a non-offensive level! Topman have a dedicated online section to festival fashion for men, so if in doubt, get surfing!
Fashionable and oh so practical…
For protection, fashion and practicality all rolled into one, a hat is a great purchase for both sexes. Express your individuality with oversized, colourful headgear. It will also cover up the matted beehive of hair the day after sleeping in tents.
Sunglasses are a must for all festival attendees. While protecting your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays, they will also add a dash of Bono mysticism and cover up the giveaway black shadows from lack of sleep!
The key to festival fashion is layers. If it’s cold, wear a few different layers and peel off as you warm up dancing.
Another essential factor to consider when festivaling in Ireland is raingear. A lightweight, foldable rain jacket that can be clipped to your belt is always a good and cheap investment.
A money belt that can be secured invisibly under your clothes is a great item to consider, keeping your money both safe and dry.
If you are lucky enough to have secured a ticket, enjoy it! Festival preparation is essential; think out your wardrobe beforehand for fashionablity but also practicality. It IS Ireland after all – consider all weather possibilities, but a bit of fashion savvy will mean you can get away with bringing just the key items that you don’t mind getting dirty!
By: Claire Murphy
