What to wear to a festival: the summer edit.
Who’s amped for festival season? Offering the chance to get away with mates, soak up some rays and vibe to amazing tunes, music festivals are basically the GOAT summer activity.
The question is, what will you wear? In lieu of a dress code or theme, deciding what to wear to a festival can be surprisingly tricky. You’ll need to be able to dance and relax comfortably throughout the whole event, so practicality and quality materials are important. You’ll also want temperature-appropriate clothes that keep you cool while protecting you from the sun.
Not to mention, your fits can help you get into the festival spirit and express what makes you *you*. So they should reflect the music genre and your personal style in one go. (Here’s your chance to go OTT if you want to!)
There’s a few boxes to tick, but don’t fret! In this article, we’re dropping some on-trend outfit ideas for five different flavours of festivals – from rock to EDM to blues.
Edgy threads to rock out in.
Rock festivals have long been the place to express your rebellious side. If the crowds at top events like Adelaide’s Harvest Rock are anything to go by, your get-up should be cool and edgy but not as wild as what you’d wear to a techno rave. Leather jackets, ripped jeans and band tees are classic choices, as are darker colours (can’t go wrong with black) and metallics.
As an easy one-piece solution, the Insight Nikki Maxi Boilersuit will have you looking as good as you feel. It hugs the figure in an oh-so-flattering way without restricting movement. The dark-blue denim is at once classic and contemporary, and the pockets give you somewhere to stash stuff. We could go on.
Need some guidance on footwear? For literal decades, festival goers have ranked Dr. Martens as THE best festival shoes, period. With an elevated sole, yellow welt stitching and a scripted heel-loop, the 1460 BEX SMOOTH PLATFORM brings all the attitude and the durability you could want.
Dance like everyone’s watching.
Live dance music is the ultimate opportunity to move your bod and get lost in the tunes. If you’re stumped for what to wear, a trendy boho-leaning fit will have you looking the part. (Tix for Wildlands have just dropped, by the way. And yep, you can Afterpay them!)
A strong contender for the best festival shoes around, the Tony Bianco Biker Cognac Calf Boots are a fitting choice. Crafted with leather and a chunky rubber sole, these boots are made for dancing.
For a top that’s flirty, floaty and breathable while still providing sun protection, we highly recommend the Lioness Barely There Tie Top. You’ll also want to pack a light layer for cooler evenings – the ROLLAS Bowler Knit Shirt Sleeve Shirt in stylish Moss Green is a perfect option.
EDM essentials.
EDM ensembles are loads of fun to put together. They should be as vibrant and high energy as the music you’ll be vibing to. Being extra is pretty much expected!
For a badass look everyone will be raving about, try pairing the cute EDEN LACE UP CORSET GREEN with a pair of black Carhartt Elmwood Shorts. Corset tops are set to be a summer fave, so you’ll be bang on trend at Strawberry Fields (or your EDM festival of choice!)
When it comes to festival camping wearables, a compact cross-body bag is a must. The Crumpler Goose (Large) has plenty of internal pockets for keeping things handy and a rich blue hue we’re obsessed with. Yay for hands-free partying.
Express your indie-viduality.
Got your Laneway tix? No? Swing by Ticketek and snap ‘em up now with Afterpay. With that sorted, let’s talk about what to wear to a festival when the line-up is dripping with the indie and alternative artists you love.
For foolproof festival footwear, you can’t go past the adidas SAMBA OG SHOES. Their timeless street aesthetic, soft leather upper and iconic three stripes hit all the right notes. *chef’s kiss*
Unsure what bottoms to bring? Leave the skinny jeans and Daisy Dukes at home – it’s time to sport some jorts! These throwback denim hybrids (where jeans meet shorts in a knee-grazing stroke of fashion genius) are everywhere right now.
Bluesy bits and pieces.
Bluesfest babes, listen up. Laid-back boho-leaning fits are the way to go at any contemporary blues festival.
A pair of rustic Blundstone 1306 boots will suit the blues aesthetic like a charm and serve you well for many years to come. Wear them with a classic sundress like the AERE Linen Tie Shoulder Midi Dress for a chic, easy-going look that jives with the festival atmosphere.
To finish your fit, pop on some JIMBOB - BRUSHED TORTI sunnies, low-key jewellery pieces (think dainty bangles and stack rings) and neutral DIY gel nails. Hello, cool cat.
Get festival-ready with Afterpay.
One of our favourite things about summer has got to be the fashion. Now you’ve got some ideas for what to wear to a festival, don’t forget to plan some easy festival makeup looks (stick-on rhinestones, glittery eyeshadow and bronzed skin are great go-tos).
Between the tickets, the clothes and the gear, paying for festival essentials upfront can be tricky. Why not nab it all with Afterpay? That way, you can pay in four neat instalments and won’t have to stress about missing out. Girl math at its finest.
Afterpay BNPL late fees, eligibility criteria and T&Cs apply. See afterpay.com for full terms.
