How to Dress for a Festival When You're a Fashion-Conscious Grown-Up

When you think of festival fashion, do floral crowns, denim hot-pants, body glitter, fringed waistcoats, and wellies come to mind? Well, times have changed, and now, the festival uniform has evolved into something much chicer and grown-up.

Turns out that your field attire can be practical and pretty in equal measure, as long as you avoid a few key items. Firstly, jumpsuits and playsuits are a no-go. Sure, they may look cute, but when you can no longer avoid using the portaloos, you'll wish you'd worn something easier to navigate yourself out of.

Flimsy sandals are ill-advised, too. Not only will your feet look disgusting before the day's out, but you'll also run the risk of stepping in something unsavoury or having your tootsies stepped on. If you insist on wearing footwear other than boots, we recommend investing in more substantial, chunky-strapped sandals instead.

So what do appropriate festival outfits look like in 2019? Handily, the ones below. We've scoured the feeds of our favourite influencers to bring you four festival-ready outfits that will hold up should the heavens open (and will look incredibly cool in the process). From Lucy Williams's coated jeans to Megan Ellaby's skirt and jacket set, keep scrolling to shop the ultimate festival capsule.

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FOR QUESTIONABLE WEATHER FORECASTS
(Image credit: @lucywilliams02)

Style Notes: Lucy Williams is a festival regular, so naturally she's well-versed in dressing for them. Cleverly, she's opted for coated jeans which will offer her more protection in a downpour, while her embellished jacket will keep her toasty and bestow her with a bohemian vibe. 

Related: £1000 Boots and £2250 Bags: How Much Coachella Outfits Cost

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SHOULD THE OUTLOOK BE SUNNY
(Image credit: @monikh)

Style Notes: A midi skirt is an excellent festival option, as it's longer length will give you slightly more warmth should it turn chilly. Wear yours with a band tee, chunky cardigan and clunky boots just like Monikh for an edgy vibe. 

Related: Summer 2019 Fashion Trends: Looks You Need to Know

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THE ULTIMATE ONE-DAY ATTIRE
(Image credit: @meganellaby)

Style Notes: If you're not spending the entire weekend camping, then perhaps a miniskirt will do the trick. It's not the most practical, we know, but it's actually an excellent option, as the hem won't get soggy or muddy should the heavens open. Opt for a thick fabric, snap up the matching jacket if there is one, and then finish with some wipe-clean cowboy boots.

Related: The Best High-Street Pieces We've Seen on Instagram This Week

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FOR VIP EXPERIENCES
(Image credit: @asos_lotte)

Style Notes: If you're a dress kind of girl, make a big style statement by opting for a statement print—it'll make it easier for your friends to spot you in the crowd. Then, complete your look with a leather biker and—if the weather permits—leather sandals. 

Now, discover the one thing Adwoa Aboah won't be wearing to a festival this summer

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others. Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.