Summer Festival Style: 5 Picks to Wear at Music Festivals

Sasquatch may have passed but if you are anything like us, you will be gearing up for the next music festival, which means you will need a whole new set of festival-appropriate attire to get you from set to set. Shorts and sandals (or even a lightweight bootie) with a thicker sole are our go-to choices but we love tweaking the formula and mixing it up a bit too.

Our staples include a small camera, sunscreen, sunnies, and a small crossbody bag. Whether you are lounging, rocking out, camping, or hoping to get street style-snapped, we’ve got your festival attire covered.

Trooper
If you are in it for the long haul, you will need to be strategic about your outfit choices. Go for something super comfortable yet playful, like printed silk shorts and a tee. Add a little rocker glam to your look with a studded cross body-bag and be strategic about what’s on your feet.

These chunky sandals almost feel like a booty, and either option will keep you comfortable and feeling festival-ready all day – and night long. If warm weather is in the forecast, remember to think beyond the scorcher of a day – be sure to pack that extra layer for when the sun goes down and the lights go out.

Talula jean jacket, H&M jersey top, Talula shorts, Shopbop crossbody bag, River Island sandals, Vans sunglasses.

Street Style Subject
If you are hoping to get street style snapped (by Vancity Buzz, of course), a mixed print ensemble is a breezy, cool look that will make you sartorially stand out. Be unafraid to mix your prints, especially if they live in the same colour family or complement each other as these do.

Go for a cute pair of flatforms, or if you are a front-row fanatic, swap them out for a pair that protect your toes and provide you with a little balance. Add in a pastel hue, like one of our seasons favourite blue or mint varieties, or opt for a bright colour that sets you apart from the crowd. Feel free to unleash your inner magpie by piling on accessories but still keep the ‘arm party’ subtle and chic.

Topshop jean vest, Sunday Best crop top and shorts, Nasty Gal flatforms, sunglasses, and tote.

Poolside Partier
Overalls over a bikini make for a playful and versatile look, and can easily transition afterwards by switching out your bikini for a halter top or bralet with more coverage. Elevate the look with a hawaiian print or otherwise, and finish with a pair of versatile sandals or waterproof Native’s that can take you from poolside to stage-side.

H&M denim dress, Topshop bralet and bikini, Shopbop crossbody bag, and Native Shoes.

Festival Lounger
If you’re the lounging type, a pretty sundress or maxi in a colourful print will keep you comfortable and stylish all day long. Neons are a lot of fun for the warmer weather season, especially when mixed (think hot pink and neon yellow). Your friends certainly won’t have trouble spotting you lounging on the grass amidst the crowd.

Gladiator sandals will take your look next level, but you can also opt for a pair of pretty flats to help minimize tan lines. Protect yourself from the sun’s rays with a brimmed hat, and since you will just be lounging, feel free to bring something stunning.

H&M tunic, Paradise Mine shorts, Shopbop bag, Aldo gladiator sandals, Asos sunglasses, and Club Monaco bracelet.

Happy Camper
Forgoing a hotel stay in favour of camping with friends? Be sure to bring along versatile ensembles that are either inexpensive or at least destruction-proof. You are definitely in for a few days of fun, so bring along pieces that you can just easily dance in as you can lounge in. We love these bright sunnies by Nasty Gal, and this fringe top by Zara for dancing, as it has a lot of movement. Given that you are in it for the long haul, we’ve barely covered any ground.

So, what else is in your bag? A scarf that doubles as a headband or to drape over your shoulders, a swimsuit, sunscreen, a giant tote that comfortably fits all your gear, a smaller purse and sneakers for when you head to the festival grounds, and warmer layers for when the sun goes down.

Zara top, Aritzia shorts, Nasty Gal sunglasses and duffel bag, River Island boots, and Instax Mini.