The crinkle of raincoats, the thunder of boots stomping through glitter and mud, the thudding base ringing in your ears - festival season is so close we can almost hear it.
If you’re reading this, then we assume you've secured your precious tickets and you’re gearing up for the best summer yet. But no festival season is complete without an outstanding wardrobe to match. Considering you’ve already battled it out for the hottest ticket in town, it would be a travesty to fall at the first fashion hurdle.
Festivals present the opportunity to go all out on the fashion front. Whether hauling yourself and your festival essentials off to Glastonbury, Wireless or Reading, there are no dress codes to abide by. The field is your runway.
Crochet, sequins and sheer are synonymous with festival dress. Yet ultimately, what you pack is weather-dependent. Light layers are key for those of you jetting off to Coachella or Burning Man. Brit bonanzas however require waterproofs and some a spattering of gorpcore attire to combat the enviable drizzle.
While festivals remain fashion free-for-alls, there are unspoken stereotypes to lean into. Reading and Leeds = plaid shirts, band tees (preferably The 1975 or Arctic Monkeys), wellies and floral garlands. Gottwood and Houghton = deconstructed lace, rave shades and mullets. Boardmasters = swimming gear, bucket hats and surfboards. You get the gist.
Festival veterans such as Kate Moss, Alexa Chung, Mia Regan and Suki Waterhouse are the first port of call when inspiration fails to flow. Rarely are they seen in a field without their Barbours, bucket hats and some fringing thrown into the mix. Forget the tent, food and toiletries, clearly, clothing is the most crucial aspect of festival attendance.
Revamp your tired festival favourites and gear up for a devilishly stylish summer in the sun. Discover the best festival pieces for 2024 below.
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Best festival waterproofs
Patagonia Women's Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket
Regular hikers and adventurers should invest in this year-round, packable saviour from none other than Patagonia. With three layers of waterproof coating and a PFC-free DWR finish, this breathable yet insulating piece of kit adapts to your environment.
What’s more, after a fair few years of hard-worn use, you can send your jacket back to Patagonia and they’ll re-apply their patented waterproof coating to prevent you from unnecessarily purchasing a new one.
Buy now £179.95, Alpine Trek
Nike Windrunner
Though technically marketed as a men’s running jacket, this hi-tech Nike Windrunner can certainly be considered a unisex piece. Waterproof specifications aside – what’s most impressive about this sustainably crafted piece is how it packs up into a handy bum-back for the ultimate wearable portability.
Buy now £99.99, Nike
Sweaty Betty Motion Longline Waterproof Parka
Looking for some hardcore protection from the elements? Turns out, Sweaty Betty aren’t just good for athleisure, they also do some mean raincoats. Presenting the Motion Longline Waterproof Parka. Not only has it been built with exercise in mind, it looks chic (basically a trench coat turned raincoat) and is completely waterproof to boot. Its length means the drops will also slide right off, while its loose fit won’t hamper movement. Sorted.
Buy now £220.00, Sweaty Betty
totes Supermini Umbrella and Foldaway Shopper Set
Inside this super set, you’ll find a sassy pink ditsy print umbrella and a foldaway bag. Keep both to hand for rainy days when a food shop calls.
Buy now £18.00, John Lewis
Best festival clothes
Champion MLB Quilted Jacket
Take a leaf out of Hailey Bieber’s Coachella look and show allegiance to your team with this MLB Yankees bomber. It’s quilted to keep you warm when the sun goes down.
Buy now £130.00, Champion
Tach Cassia Nazarene Co-Ord
Tap into the crochet revolution without straying too far from your comfort colour palette with this matching set from Tach.
Buy now £389.00, Free People
Free People Billy Tux Vest
The festival waistcoat gets a glow-up this summer, transforming into a tux-inspired silhouette. Pair Free People's design with skin tight jeans and smudged eyeliner to channel rock chic style. The best bit? Tousled, slightly dirty hair finishes the look off perfectly.
Buy now £140.00, Free People
Cro-Che Beaded Butterfly Dress
For festival season and beyond, Cro-Che is the brand you need on your radar. In a soft pastel pink, this dress takes crochet with its boho sentiments and gives it a nostalgic 90s feel with beaded butterflies that have been sewn by hand. The piece comes alive during the day when the light reflects on the 3D design and makes it shimmer.
Buy now £106.00, Cro-Che
Peppermayo Addie Mini Dress - Midnight Bloom
Driven by the latest trends, Sydney-born Peppermayo is taking the UK fashion world by storm. Special occasion wear is the brand’s expertise and you will see the selection at home through wedding season as well as on the festival field. Among the selection of co-ords, playful prints, tie details and cutouts is the Addie mini dress with a one-shoulder neckline and stomach flashing cut. It cmoes in five hues but the midnight floral print is our favourite.
Buy now £51.00, Peppermayo
Topshop Cow Print Crinkle Top
Moo-ve through the crowd in a statement look. Topshop’s high-neck tank top features easy-wear monochrome shades in a striking animal print.
Buy now £26.00, ASOS
Citizens of Humanity Ayla Shorts
They may sit on the pricier end of the scale, but Citizens of Humanity’s Ayla Shorts are worth every penny. A soft yet sturdy denim construction is cut into a boxy silhouette. Pair yours with brown cowboy boots for a chic androgynous aesthetic.
Buy now £290.00, Harvey Nichols
Sinead Gorey Multicolor Lace Bandage Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Let there be lace! For those pining after an unusual lace piece to re-wear, look to Sinead Gorey. The designer has curated a colourful, creative range of must-have lacewear to elevate your going-out wardrobe.
Buy now £150.00, SSENSE
Reformation Abby High Rise Straight Jeans
Reformation, one of Gigi Hadid and Taylor Swift’s favourite brands, is the proud source of the ever-popular Abby jeans. The soft wearable trousers radiate party girl glamour, thanks to their glittering, all-over rhinestone finish and black wash backdrop.
Buy now £198.00, Reformation
Lucy & Yak Original Dungaree: ORGANIC TWILL - Sunflower
When energy levels are zapped from two or three days of hard festivalling, a simple outfit can be the lifesaver you need. Lucy & Yak has lounging sorted with its signature dungarees made from cotton twill and finished with fun prints that you can wear on and off the festival field. The cut is spacious with plenty of room in the hips and pockets to carry snacks and essentials.
For sunshine vibes when the weather is anything but, our money is on the sunflower edit. Pair with a plain tee and sandals for a wholesome daytime look.
Buy now £69.00, Lucy & Yak
Coachtopia Loop Cropped Crochet Tank Top
Coach’s more price-friendly Coachtopia collection has some real festival gems, from tie-dye tees to bags to spark envy on the field. This knitted tank comes in a vibrant red colourway with a tonal swirl. It is constructed from recycled materials and can be layered up come winter.
Buy now £125.00, Coach
Free People We The Free Firecracker Flare Jeans
These jeans are all business in the front but turn around and their star power shows. The playful style is giving Daisy Jones & The Six.
Buy now £158.00, Free People
ASOS DESIGN low rise mini skirt co ord in fruit print
ASOS is reminding us all to eat our five a day with its festival collection that is showcasing fruit on coordinating styles. You can find the vibrant design set on the mini skirt and crop top pictured as well as a pink variation.
Buy now £11.00, ASOS
Wild Lovers Lucia Trousers
If its chilly out, statement trousers are on the agenda and this option from Wild Lovers at Urban Outfitters will bring a touch of sunshine no matter whether the weather plays ball.
Buy now £52.00, Urban Outfitters
Wild Orange Tree Stardust Multicoloured Crochet Star Cardigan
Whether you choose to pair this knitted crochet cardigan with the coordinating skirt for an eye-popping matchy-matchy look or you wear with more neutral tones, you will stand out on the festival field in this number from Wild Orange Tree.
Buy now £50.00, Wild Orange Tree
Colorful Boho Cardigan
This crochet cardigan is colour and comfort combined. The festival season is the perfect excuse to break away from your all-black winter wardrobe and inject vibrancy into your look. This is the ideal place to start.
Buy now £147.49, Etsy
Wrangler Vintage Striped Shorts
For a festival look that you will wear beyond the field, invest in a pair of striped shorts like this relatively pared-back option from Wrangler.
Buy now £45.00, Anthropologie
We The Free No Boundaries Pieced Jeans
Patchwork jeans are one of our favourite nostalgic trends right now and this style from We The Free sets the design on a flared silhouette to up the retro ante.
Buy now £188.00, Free People
Mango Leopard-print straight shorts
You will live in these leopard print shorts from Mango all summer long. Pair with a shirt to make it suitable for the 9 to 5 and an equally bold top for Worthy Farm.
Buy now £35.99, Mango
Caperlan Fishing GILET 500 - Khaki
In the sea of crochet and colour, this may seem like an odd choice but hear us out. We’re thinking of practicality with this style. You can stash away all your festival essentials in the multitude of pockets and prevent backaches while you dance the day away.
Buy now £29.99, Decathlon
Intimately Sand Bar Bodysuit
Think tactically and opt for a dress for your look and you only need to think about throwing on one item. It’s easy too when it’s as fun as this crochet dress. The black colourway makes it an easy win for those who typically opt for neutral tones.
Buy now £140.00, Free People
Realisation The Paloma in Crush
We are seriously crushing over this two-piece from Realisation. The halterneck top is paired with a wrap mini skirt with a side closure and offered with a rose print and ruffle trim.
Buy now £170.00, Realisation
Reformation Avielle Dress
Turn up the heat of your festival fashion finds with this chilli print dress from the experts at Reformation.
Buy now £128.00, Reformation
Cider Round Neck Ruched Glitter Asymmetrical Tank Top
You can never go wrong with a touch of glitter.
Buy now £7.90, Cider
Nasty Gal Metallic Leather Look Seam Detail Wide Leg Trousers
Metallic trousers may have been ubiquitous at festivals last summer but they have made their way into our everyday apparel. Dive into the trend with these wide-leg iterations from Misspap.
Buy now £25.00, Nasty Gal
Monki Long sleeved structured lace shirt
From the green colourway to the sheer construction, there’s a lot to love about this long-sleeve top from Monki. The structured lace fabric offers intrigue, while the styling potential is endless.
Buy now, Monki
Monki Cropped bandeau top
This bandeau top can be paired with the pencil skirt of the same design for a ready-to-go look that offers a trompe l'oeil. Alternatively, you can opt for the motif on a mesh dress.
Buy now £8.99, Monki
Feeling For Lace Shorties
Available in a variety of gorgeous pastel tones, these lace bloomers are a definitive aspect of the coquette aesthetic. Though bloomers would’ve been traditionally worn as undergarments in the Regency period, modern aesthetics and sensibilities have seen them become a summertime favourite.
Buy now £44.00, Free People
Damson Madder Tilly Gilet
You will spot Damson Madder on festival fields across the country, whether it’s the brand’s signature leopard print pieces or this denim gilet that will work perfectly for double-denim looks.
Buy now, Damson Madder
Pretty Little Thing Orange Waved Open Knit Cut Out Top
Featuring warm tones of orange, pink and yellow, this top can be paired with the matching skirt for a summer-ready look.
Buy now £13.01, Pretty Little Thing
Reclaimed Vintage limited edition suede skirt
Take inspiration for your festival look from the Wild West with this suede two-piece from Reclaimed Vintage.
Buy now £72.99, ASOS
& Other Stories fitted linen waistcoat in beige
Take your style cues from Kate Moss and keep it classic this summer with a waistcoat, denim cut-offs and Hunters to ace the Glastonbury aesthetic.
Buy now £67.00, ASOS
Reclaimed Vintage Limited Edition crochet festival midi dress
Fill your festival arsenal with crochet and you can never go wrong.
Buy now £72.99, ASOS
Element Craft cord jacket in blue tie dye
When you think of festival fashion, it is likely that either crochet or tie-dye comes to mind. Nail the latter with this jacket that puts an eye-catching twist on navy.
Buy now £125.00, ASOS
Vero Moda mesh kimono, cropped top and maxi skirt in pastel ombre print
This coordinating look at ASOS is made up of three pieces; you have the cropped top, maxi skirt and a kimono with tie fastenings to complete the dreamy aesthetic.
Buy now £22.00, ASOS
Star Shine Tank
With a classic tank silhouette, this style has infiltrated the festival space with its glitter knit construction of peek-a-boo star cut-out.
Buy now £44.00, Free People
Understated Leather Western Rachel Love Waistcoat
Dip your toe into the Western trend that has taken over the fashion world with this waistcoat. Design elements are kept minimal save for the studded heart design.
Buy now £88.00, Free People
H&M Rhinestone-Embellished Soft Bra
A simple mesh bra is imperative for party season. Wear H&M’s crystal-clad piece under swathes of mesh for a subtly sexy club night look.
Buy now £18.99, H&M
Collina Strada Floral Trousers
Turn heads in dazzling sunset hues wearing Collina Strada’s floral trousers. The American brand is a dazzling source of quirky ravewear, from long sleeve graphic prints to star-printed socks.
Buy now £150.00, Desigual
Siedres Divy printed stretch-jersey top
Conjure up images of Mediterranean summers with Siedres’ kaleidoscopic jersey top. The long-sleeved number is perfect for partying the night away. Team with the brand’s matching skirt to craft a joyous, colourbomb ensemble or pair with some relaxed jeans and let the garment speak for itself.
Buy now £150.00, Farfetch
Best festival shoes
Dr. Martens Jetta Hi Max Distressed Leather Platform Boots
Upgrade your boot collection with some pink-tinted Dr. Martens. The brand’s Jetta Hi Max platforms will keep the rain and mud at bay while serving up rock chick glam.
Buy now £240.00, Dr. Martens
Stradivarius Flat Cowboy Boots
Slip into a white mini dress and let these cherry red Westerns take centre stage. Both affordable and covetable in equal measure, these puppies are set to sell out. Trust us, it’s not our first rodeo.
Buy now £69.99, Stradivarius
Salomon XT-6 mesh and Rubber Trainers
Salomons are topping our footwear wish lists for many reasons. From the slick design to the athletic lattice panels, this is a performance-fashion hybrid that deserves your attention. The brand’s running-inspired XT-6 trainers are made from lightweight, sage-green mesh with resistant TPU film that sits atop an EVA sole. This means the foot is protected from possible injury and the mercurial British weather while you're out and about.
Buy now £165.00, JD Sports
River Island cowboy boot in silver
Forget wellies, you will stand out among the grass in these striking silver cowboy boots from River Island.
Buy now £94.00, ASOS
Boot Barn Shyanne Maisie Floral Embroidered Western Leather Boots
We’re going to let you into a secret - and that secret is Boot Barn. Based in the USA but available to shop from the UK, Boot Barn is the best place to find authentic, creative cowboy boots. These Shyanne Maisie Floral Embroidered Western Leather Boots simply scream ‘Take me to Coachella’ - don’t you think?
Buy now £210.00, Boot Barn
Best festival accessories
bloobloom The Boss
Look good, feel good in a pair of bloobloom sunglasses. The French brand has a striking but chic silhouette and best of all, with every purchase made, a set of specs is donated to one of the 2.5 million people without access to eyecare.
To participate in the ‘Pair for a Pair’ scheme, all you need to do is add one of the playful frames to basket, be it the diorite finish one pictured, or brighter hues. Prices start from £99 and you can add polarised lenses for just £30. What’s more, there’s a previously unheard of scheme where you can choose the price of your second set. Get ready to transform your sunny weather wardrobe.
Buy now £99.00, bloobloom
Jayley Orange Eco Bamboo Bucket Hat
You heard it here first, furry bucket hats will be everywhere this festival season. Get yours from the experts at Jayley in which you’ll find the style in every colour under the sun.
Buy now £66.00, Jayley
Urban Outfitters Mermaid Knit Scarf
Considering the brand’s repertoire with Gen Z, it would almost be rude not to commend Urban Outfitters for its dedication to Y2K styles. This shimmering pale pink scarf is ideal for younger consumers wanting to perfect their pop princess circa 2006 look.
Buy now £11.00, Urban Outfitters
AWAY The Sling Bag by Ashish
Better known for smart, hard-wearing travel luggage, AWAY has three styles of bumbag to swoon over. Our pick is the graphic floral one made in collaboration with lauded fashion designer Ashish. Printed on 100 per cent recycled polyester, it also has plenty of pockets and clips to keep your most precious things close. A limited edition, this design won’t stick around for long, so if you want one - well, you know what to do.
Buy now £135.00, AWAY
Idea Techno Is My Boyfriend Cap
Slogan pieces are always acceptable at festivals. Idea’s adjustable cap couldn’t be better suited to techno events, plus it provides shelter from the sun when standing stage-side.
Buy now £39.99, Consortium
Raeburn x Chillys Raft Bag
Hydration is key for festivals - and no, cider doesn't count. Keep a personal supply of water to hand in style thanks to Chillys tie-up with luxe sustainable brand RÆBURN.
The fashion label has transformed ex-RAF liferafts into nifty water bottle bags. Each comes armed with zipped pockets, compartments and even an additional sling bag to stuff essentials, so you're not bogged down by bags at the main stage.
The raft bag comes complete with a matching Chillys water bottle finished with a laser print shark design. Find limited edition bundles (£199) or go for a chic black option (£82) for a bag that goes with everything.
Buy now £82.00, Chillys
Free People Xena Studded Hip Belt
Inject some Noughties sentiment into your summer look with a Y2K studded belt. This white leather edition by Free People showcases shining metal studs and a loose fit to perch neatly your hips.
Buy now £88.00, Free People
Swarovski SK7023
Someone call the Y2K police because Swarovski has been let loose. The brand’s SK7023 sunnies are the perfect pick for summer days spent in festival fields or girls' holidays overseas. The tongue-in-cheek specs showcase clear gradient pink lenses that transition from light to dark hues, teamed with a pale gold frame and temples. As for the pink crystal embellishments, well, a bedazzled Noughties statement never hurt anyone, did it?
Buy now £237.00, Sunglasses Hut
bloobloom The Boss
Look good, feel good in a pair of bloobloom sunglasses. The French brand has a striking but chic silhouette and best of all, with every purchase made, a set of specs is donated to one of the 2.5 million people without access to eyecare.
To participate in the ‘Pair for a Pair’ scheme, all you need to do is add one of the playful frames to basket, be it the diorite finish one pictured, or brighter hues. Prices start from £99 and you can add polarised lenses for just £30. What’s more, there’s a previously unheard of scheme where you can choose the price of your second set. Get ready to transform your sunny weather wardrobe.
Buy now £99.00, bloobloom
