I am so excited for the return of live music, including festivals! I got my 3-day weekend 2 ACL tickets and am already daydreaming about all the wardrobe possibilities and necessities. I think it’s safe to assume that SXSW will be back next spring, as well! Music festivals are a whole different breed of live-music experiences and wearing the right thing is crucial to maximizing your enjoyment of the day. This is going to focus on my personal preferences for festival-style and certainly isn’t all-encompassing. Different festivals and different genres have their own trends, so keep that in mind, as well. Most festivals happen in the warmer months, so keeping cool will definitely be a main component to many of these outfits.

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COMFORTABLE FOOTWEAR

Probably the most important part of your outfit – your shoes! You’re going to be walking a lot and you’ll be on your feet for most of the day. While I love a cute shoe, definitely go for comfort over cuteness in this scenario. Wear sneakers, flat sandals, flat boots, or ankle boots with a thick stacked heel. I would avoid wearing wedges or anything with high heels. This probably isn’t the time to bust out a brand new pair, either! Wear something you know for a fact is comfortable and won’t hurt your feet.

SUNGLASSES

Not only will you look cooler, but these will come in handy until the sun goes down. Throw on your favorite pair and maybe a chain in case you want to wear it around your neck for a while and not worry about losing it. I’d recommend a pair without the nose things, too, so you can push it up on your head and not get it tangled in your hair.

A CLEAR BAG

Most large gatherings, whether it be a music festival or a professional sports game, only allow in super tiny bags or clear bags nowadays. I recommend a clear bag so you can take in a larger bag with your essentials. Check with the festival website on the dimensions they will allow in. You can do a backpack, crossbody bag, wallet, and so much more!

COOL TOP

When I say cool, I mean a top that will keep you cool in the heat. Be mindful of the material and color so you don’t overheat. Also, wear what you’re comfortable in. For some people that might be a bikini-esque top, but it doesn’t have to be if that’s not your vibe or if you’ll be self-conscious all day. Not worth it!

DENIM SHORTS

Tried and true, a pair of denim shorts will always look great at a music festival. Choose the fit and style that you like best and feel most comfortable in.

A BREEZY DRESS

Dresses are a great alternative that look effortless. Again, stick with something you’re comfortable in and can move around without having to worry if your lady bits are popping out.

A BANDANA OR SCARF

A bandana is not only a stylish accessory, you can use it to protect yourself from any dust, the sun, or even wet it down and put it on your neck to cool off. Why stop at just stylish if it can be useful, too?!

ACCESSORIES

Your accessories can transform an otherwise simple outfit, so don’t be afraid to go bold our “out there” with your choices. Festivals are a great time and place to experiment with items that you might feel are “too much” in everyday wear.

OUTFIT IDEA

CLASSIC FESTIVAL OUTFIT

Shirt | Shorts | Hat | Purse | Sunglasses | Earrings | Necklace | Shoes

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