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What to wear for your next festival: Your festival fashion guide for summer 2023

You've got your festival ticket - now it's time to decide what to wear

Festival fashion
Hollie Brotherton
Lifestyle & Commerce Senior Writer
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Dust off your dancing boots because festival season is finally here. Glastonbury may be over but Wilderness, All Points East, Field Day, Boardmasters, Lost Village and many more are still incoming.

You probably know the drill when it comes to British festival fashion - a waterproof and comfortable shoes always make the dress code, but otherwise, there's no better place to wear that outfit you were dreaming of all winter.

With high street and designer brands offering styles that are just asking to be worn for a hedonistic, mud-filled weekend, we've found all of the best pieces from ASOS to Free People and Urban Outfitters to & Other Stories. Scroll on to the shop the edit, plus a shopping list of essentials.

Festival essentials

The biggest festival fashion trends at Glastonbury 2023

Sienna Miller Glastonbury
Sienna Miller wears Self-Portrait at Glastonbury 2023

The most viral outfit from this year's Glastonbury goes to Sienna Miller. The fairly simple ensemble of double denim and white cowboy boots was exactly what we'd expect from one of fashion's longest serving It-girls: effortless. Her jacket and shorts are from Self-Portrait while you can shop similar boots all over the high street.

Poppy Delevingne wears Nobody's Child
Poppy Delevingne wears Nobody's Child

We weren't surprised to see crochet dominate at Glastonbury - it's one of this season's biggest trends after all. Poppy Delevingne looked gorgeous in her striped crochet mini dress by Nobody's Child and it's still available to shop on the website in limited sizes (plus lots of similar styles). Just add wellies or chunky boots.

Gemma Chan wears Barbour at Glastonbury
Gemma Chan wears Barbour and a graphic tee at Glastonbury

Wax jackets are forever a festival staple and none are more iconic than Barbour's. From Alexa Chung's longstanding penchant for the British brand to both Gemma Chan and Lily James stepping out in them this year, they're a failsafe fashion piece. Shop Gemma's Barbour Eddleston zip wax jacket on sale now at Very.

Festival fashion dos and don'ts I've learnt over the years

Do: Take layers. The British weather can change very quickly, so anything you can chuck on and off quickly depending on the sun and rain will be a lifesaver. Think mini dresses, lightweight jumpers and rain jackets.

Don't: Buy a brand new pair of trainers for the occasion. If you're lucky enough to avoid the mud and rain, they'll probably still get ruined in a dust bath as soon as you go near a stage. Bring an old pair you don't care about or stick to boots. And it should go without saying, but you'll definitely regret wearing heels.

Do: Mix high street pieces with vintage finds. If you've ever considered thrifting, a festival is the perfect opportunity to start. A vintage fringed jacket worn with your new Mango mini will make sure you're in an outfit no one else is wearing.

Don't: Forget your sunglasses. Not just ideal for saving your eyes when you want to watch your favourite band in the blaring sun, they'll also hide a multitude of sins the next morning (ditto to face glitter).

Shop the best festival fashion for summer 2023

  • Free People Twist & Shout Vegan Shacket

    Free People Twist & Shout Vegan Shacket

    Kate Moss and Sienna Miller made tassel jackets a festival staple. This vegan jacket from Free People has a boxy cut and comes in seven different shades.

  • Mango mini dress

    Mango Openwork Mini Dress

    Never underestimate the appeal of a mini dress you can pull on quickly and still look chic. Especially if you're changing in a tent. This one from Mango is made from flowy, pleated fabric that's so flattering and features adjustable straps.

  • & Other Stories knit maxi

    & Other Stories Open Tie-Back Pointelle Knit Dress

    & Other Stories' maxi hits the crochet and sheer trend in one. Featuring an all-over open geometric pattern, three-quarter sleeves and scalloped edges, it's so comfortable and shows just the right amount of skin.

  • Self-Portrait denim shorts

    Self-Portrait High-Rise Denim Shorts

    The exact denim shorts Sienna Miller wore to Glastonbury are still available to shop at Mytheresa. Cut to a classic fit, the Self-Portrait pair feature a high-rise waist with contrast stitching and a cargo pocket at the front.

  • GANNI T-Shirt

    GANNI Printed T-Shirt

    Wear this Ganni tee with distressed denim shorts and black cowboy boots for understated festival style.

  • Dune Pardner boot

    Dune Pardner Cowboy Boots

    Cowboy boots are the perfect festival footwear. We love this real leather pair from Dune, which come in a classic mid-calf silhouette that will go with everything from denim shorts to midi dresses. They feature stitch detailing, a functional pull tab and comfortable 6.5cm Cuban heel.

  • Karen Millen disc dress

    Karen Millen Mirrored Disc Chain Halter Mini Dress

    Because when else can you wear a mini disc sequin dress? Style it with chunky boots for a stand out festival outfit if you're lucky enough to get warm weather. It's semi see-through so you'll probably want to take a bodysuit or bikini for underneath.

  • AllSaints jacket

    AllSaints Chelsie Leopard Print Jacket

    You can't go wrong with a lightweight parka in the British weather and we love the subtle leopard print design of this one from AllSaints. Cut to a relaxed silhouette, you can use the drawcord at the waist to change the shape. It's hooded and crafted from a water resistant fabric - chuck it on as soon as the rain appears.

  • Dr Martens sandals

    Dr. Martens Clarissa II Quad Sandals

    If the sun is out, these Dr. Martens sandals are totally suitable for dancing or trekking from tent to tent. Made from soft leather, they have an adjustable buckle at the ankle and an air-cushioned sole.

  • Urban Outfitters midi dress

    Urban Outfitters Renewal Sheer Maxi Dress

    Urban Outfitters' sheer shimmery maxi dress is made from textured plisse and has a soft column, sleeveless silhouette. Wear it with everything from trainers to chunky sandals to boots.

  • Revolve cardi

    More to Come Malya Tie Cardigan

    Layer up with this open knit cardigan by More to Come. We'd style it with wide-leg trousers and a bralet.

  • Arket denim shirt

    Arket Denim Shirt

    A denim shirt is a festival essential as it can be chucked on over anything and will keep you warm in the evening. Go for this one from Arket which has a loose, boxy fit and cool curved hemline.

  • H&M crop top

    H&M Smocked Off-The-Shoulder Top

    Looking for a crop top to wear with denim shorts or wide-leg trousers? With its smocked bodice and statement sleeves, we love this off-the-shoulder style from H&M.

  • Crochet maxi dress Nobody's Child

    Nobody's Child Chevron Racer Midi Dress

    For a chuck-on midi, this chevron printed piece from Nobody's Child is effortlessly cool and easy to style.

  • Nasty Gal leather jacket

    Nasty Gal Star And Moon Embroidered Leather Jacket

    Nasty Gal's embroidered leather jacket is a forever piece you'll wear for years to come. Adorned with a celestial design and cut to a slightly oversized fit, it's the perfect finishing touch for any festival outfit. 

  • Reformation cargo pants

    Reformation Bailey High Rise Utility Pant

    Pair these cargo trousers with a crop top and trainers for a low maintenance look. You'll want to wear them long after festival season is over.

  • AllSaints sandals

    AllSaints Cosmo Leather Studded Crossover Sandals

    If the heatwave holds out, these are the exact sandals we want to be wearing with all of our Wilderness outfits.

  • Miss Selfridge jumpsuit

    Miss Selfridge Premium Embellished Jumpsuit

    How amazing is this sequin jumpsuit? It has sheer wide-legs and all-over embellishments - just add chunky boots and a crossbody bag. Shop it now while it's on sale.

  • Warehouse star top

    Warehouse Metallic Georgette Star Top

    For an easy chuck on top, go for this flattering wrap style from Warehouse. Adorned with metallic stars, style it with boots and dark denim shorts.

  • Choose Love Bucket Hat from Tk Maxx

    TK Maxx Bucket Hat

    Two days in and you'll be thankful for a bucket hat to hide your hair and shield you from the sun. This one is a bargain from TK Maxx.

How to pack your clothes for a festival

A rucksack you can both wear on your back or pull on wheels depending where you are is ideal for a festival, and will take you from the city to the muddy fields as painlessly as possible. Consider investing in packing cubes so you can pack all of your outfits (including accessories) separately, which will make your life so much easier when you're (possibly hungover) putting together your outfits in the morning.

When it comes to toiletries, makeup and haircare, a hard case like Antler's Clifton Vanity is a game-changer. It's robust but lightweight and comes with a detachable strap.

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