outfit inspiration

British Festival Fashion: 6 Outfits for Summer's Biggest Events

Wed 08 May 24

Summer heralds the arrival of the festivals we've eagerly awaited all year, and in the UK, we're fortunate to boast some of the finest. From indie melodies to pulsating drum & bass, there's a festival to suit every musical taste.

Beyond bringing the essentials like sunscreen and water bottles, these events offer a chance to play dress up and go wild with your looks. You can be bold, creative, and over the top, because even ensembles that might normally seem cringeworthy find acceptance and celebration in festival season.

Here is our style guide featuring six looks tailored for six different iconic UK festivals.

Shambala

Nestled amidst the tranquil beauty of Northamptonshire lies an independently run festival that joyfully defies the mainstream. Instead of chasing after big-name headliners, Shambala beckons a vibrant community of free spirits in search of niche sounds and uplifting vibes.

Here, the concept of an "indie outfit" is refreshingly nebulous—individuality is key, and conformity is cast aside. If this festival serves as your own personal retreat, then embrace your happy hippie self with harem pants and a loose linen tee.

If you’re planning on dressing up, then vintage pieces, patchwork denim, pattern clashing, and texture mixing are all welcome and encouraged. Don't forget to accessorize with interesting pieces, like statement glasses, pins, jewelry, and whimsical headgear.

Forget the fashion rule book and show off your personal style—it’s often how the best looks are created.

Boomtown

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of festivals like Boomtown or Lost Village, where electronic beats and techno rhythms converge to create a mesmerizing wonderland unlike any other.

These aren’t your typical hardcore raves—they are vibrant, colorful spectacles brimming with secret venues and hidden storylines, waiting to be explored.

So, to make the most of your time, join in on the fantasy with a themed outfit. Lots of people dress up as their favorite characters, create their own persona or simply indulge in glitter, sequins, and props.

Even if you're not dressing up, you can elevate your classic rave outfit and take it to the next level with loud colors and prints. Get inspired by psychedelic patterns and don a pair of kaleidoscope glasses, but don’t get lost down the rabbit hole!

Let your imagination run wild and have fun with it because at Boomtown, more is more.

Wireless

Wireless is the ultimate destination for hip-hop, grime, and R&B fans, consistently hosting some of the genre’s biggest names. This year's lineup is stacked with heavy hitters like 21 Savage, Nicki Minaj, Doja Cat, and J Hus.

For fans, it's a chance to rep their favorite artists in style—Dave fans breaking out their beloved Stone Island gear, while Adidas and Nike get pulled out of wardrobes for sporty streetwear fits.

While utility vests and bucket hats are solid choices, why not throw it back to the '90s with some baggy denim, comfy Calvin Klein undies, and a loose sports jersey or a snug vest?

Preserve your pristine Air Forces—Timberlands are the better choice for surviving the festival frenzy.

It's all about that old-school flair, so don't forget a touch of bling with a chain and conspicuous belt.

Toss on your go-to hoodie or sports jacket if the evening chill hits, and you're set to dive headfirst into the Wireless mosh pit.

Glastonbury

Boasting the biggest acts and most celebrity attendees, Glastonbury holds a special place in the UK festival scene and is comparable to Coachella, albeit with a distinctively rainier, muddier charm.

The fashion might not get as much coverage as Coachella does, but it’s still one of the main attractions.

So, get your cowboy boots out if it’s hot (avoid finicky materials like suede), or wellies if it’s raining, and embrace classic festival fashion like double denim, fringes, crochet, macramé, and lace.

Don't forget to accessorize with bold sunglasses, ideally heart or star-shaped. Leave the flower crowns in 2012 and integrate some floral through patterns instead.

Grab your face glitter, get a sassy slogan onto a t-shirt, and get ready to dance to pop’s biggest hits.

City Splash

With the infectious energy pulsating through City Splash, fueled by the rhythms of afrobeat, reggae, and dancehall, it's imperative that your outfit passes the vibe check.

Basically just embrace the essence of the islands, allow the music to stir your soul, and dress as if you’re going to London carnival.

Think Rastafarian colors of red, yellow, and green, vintage tees, vibrant patterns, and colorful silk scarves.

Whether you're just chilling Bob Marley style or you are planning on non-stop dancing, prioritize comfort and freedom of movement with relaxed fits and baggy trousers.

Download

For those ready to rock, the uniform is simple. Expect a sea of all-black ensembles punctuated by metal hardware and band tees.

At Download, the British punk spirit is celebrated through DIY safety pinned vests, distressed jeans, leather jackets, and stud earrings.

If you’re feeling adventurous, inject some color with a plaid pattern—simply tie a flannel shirt around your waist. Then just throw on your favorite band tee, lace up your chunky boots, and get ready to headbang along to electrifying guitar riffs.

As you prepare for your festival adventures this summer, remember- when it comes to fashion- go big or go home.

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Thu 04 Apr 24