Festival Fashion: What to Wear to a Music Festival in 2024

It’s that time of year again! Summer festival season is well underway and although we haven’t had the best weather, the excitement for festival season is building. But you want to look your best, so if you’re asking “What should I wear to a music festival?”, you’ve come to the right place.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned festival veteran, figuring out the perfect outfit can be a bit daunting. The right festival attire combines style, comfort, and practicality, ensuring you’re ready for anything the day (or night) throws at you – rain and shine! 

In this blog, we’ll take a look at some of the festival fashion trends for 2024, providing you with all the inspiration you need to make a statement and stay comfortable, no matter the weather.

Festival Fashion Trends for 2024

This year’s festival fashion is all about individuality and self-expression. Sequins, cowboy boots, breezy dresses and less-is-more! Bold statements, unique styles, and eclectic outfits have been doing the rounds this year already. Here are some festival fashion trends to look out for in 2024.

Shimmer and Shine with Sequins

Sequins are making a massive comeback this festival season, bringing sparkle and glamour to the front row. Whether it’s a sequined top, skirt, or full-on dress, this trend is all about standing out and shining bright under the festival lights.

• Sequined Tops and Jackets: Pair a shimmering top or jacket with simpler bottoms to let the sequins be the star of your outfit. This look is perfect for nighttime performances when you want to catch the light and turn heads.
• Sparkling Dresses: Go all out with a fully sequinned dress. Opt for bold colours like gold, silver, or vibrant hues that reflect your personality. Keep accessories minimal to avoid overwhelming your look.

Fringes and Cowboy Boots

Western vibes are back with fringes and cowboy boots, a festival fashion trend that’s perfect for adding a bit of western flair to your festival outfit. This look combines the rugged charm of the Wild West with contemporary fashion styles.

• Fringed Jackets and Tops: Fringes add movement and fun to any outfit. A fringed jacket or top paired with denim shorts or a skirt creates a playful and dynamic look.
• Cowboy Boots: Sturdy yet stylish, cowboy boots are perfect for navigating festival grounds. Choose a pair with unique embroidery or detailing to make your footwear a focal point.

Breezy Dresses for Effortless Style

Light, airy, and comfortable, breezy dresses are a festival must-have. These dresses are perfect for hot summer days and can easily be layered for cooler evenings.

• Flowy Maxi Dresses: These dresses provide both comfort and style. Look for lightweight fabrics in floral or bohemian prints to keep the festival vibe alive.
• Mini Dresses: For a less-is-more option, go for a mini dress and pair it with sandals or chunky sneakers for a look that’s both cute and practical.

90s Baggies are Back!

Continuing the 90s style clothing trends, baggy cargo pants are in this year. Sure, they’re practical with a million pockets – making them perfect for carrying all your essentials without needing a bag – but they’re also laid back! 

• Functional Fashion: Cargo pants are great for festivals because of their utility. Pair them with a simple top and chunky sneakers for a relaxed and functional outfit.
• Stylish Variations: Look for cargos in different fabrics, like ripstop, and colors to mix things up. From classic khaki to bold colors, there’s a pair for every style.

Don’t Forget a Hat or Two…or Three

Hats have never really been off trend, but certain styles come and go throughout the year. This year, it’s all about bent-peak baseball caps, cowboy hats and bucket hats.

• Baseball Caps: Casual and easy to pair with any outfit, baseball caps are a versatile choice.
• Bucket Hats: These are still going strong on the festival circuit and add a retro touch to your festival attire.
• Wide-Brimmed Hats: Perfect for a boho-chic look, wide-brimmed hats provide excellent sun protection.

Tote Bags are Out…It’s All About Bum Bags

A practical bag is essential for carrying all your festival necessities, but it doesn’t have to be boring. Look for something that is both functional and stylish like the current trends:

• Crossbody Bags: These are perfect for keeping your hands free while ensuring your belongings are safe from pickpockets. They’ve been on trend for a few years now and aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.
• Backpacks: A small backpack can hold all your essentials without being too much to lug around. Micro-backpacks work especially well with breezy, loose fitting clothes.
• Bum Bags: Americans call them fanny packs, but we’ll let them off. Bum bagson this side of the pond were a staple back in the 80s, but had a bit of a “dad vibe”. They made a comeback as a crossbody bag, but now theyre coming into their own again to be worn around the waist.

Dressing for the Weather: Rain or Shine

We know the weather in the UK – unpredictable to say the least. It’s essential to be prepared for both sunny skies and unexpected showers, because it will 100% rain. Here’s how to dress for various weather conditions:

Sunny Days

• Lightweight Fabrics: Opt for breathable materials like cotton and linen to stay cool. Flowy dresses, loose tops, and airy, baggy shorts are great choices for hot weather.
• Sun Protection: A stylish hat, sunglasses, and plenty of sun cream are must-haves. These items not only protect you from harmful UV rays but also add a fashionable touch to your outfit.

Cooler Evenings

• Layer Up: Even if the day is warm, evenings can get chilly. Bring along a jacket, an oversized shirt or a cosy jumper that you can easily layer over your outfit.
• Warmer Fabrics: Incorporate pieces made from wool or other insulating materials to keep you warm as temperatures drop.

Rainy Weather

• Waterproof Essentials: Don’t let rain dampen your festival. Let’s face it, it’s going to rain. Invest in a waterproof jacket, coat, or reusable emergency poncho that packs down.
• Practical Footwear: Mud will be a festival reality, so pick some shoes that can handle wet conditions. Vans are probably not a good idea. Wellies or waterproof boots are great options that keep your feet dry and comfortable, but if you want to stay true to your outfit, cowboy boots, chunky sneakers and goretex hiking boots are your best bet.

 

Conclusion

Music festivals are all about expressing yourself, having fun, and making unforgettable memories. In many ways, you can forget our festival fashion recommendations, just wear what you feel most comfortable in.

Your festival outfit should reflect your personality, but try and prepare for anything – especially rain! This year, embrace the sequins, fringes, cowboy boots, breezy dresses, hiking gear, baggy cargos, and chunky sneakers…or whatever it is you want to wear, to create a look that stands out.

So, what are you waiting for? Now that you know what to wear to a music festival in 2024, it’s time to start planning your outfits and packing your essentials. Get ready to dance, sing, and create amazing memories at the best festivals the summer has to offer!