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What to wear to Notting Hill Carnival 2023

Make sure you're the best dressed on the streets of Portobello

Crochet bikini top, denim shorts, rainbow platforms, yellow sunglasses, pink mesh bag
Natalie Salmon
Fashion Digital Editor
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The legendary Notting Hill Carnival is just around the corner, and if you're planning on hitting up the annual celebration of Caribbean culture, it's time to get your 'fit in order

In the past we've seen huge celebrities and fashionistas take part in the festivities including supermodels Jourdan Dunn and Cara Delevingne, looking amazing in their ultra-vibrant, carnival-ready outfits. 

READ: 5 outfit ideas that are utterly perfect for Glastonbury 2023

Supermodel Jourdan Dunn wearing sheer, yellow ruffle ensemble  © Getty
Supermodel Jourdan Dunn championed sheer, yellow ruffles

Making it even easier for you to have the best experience this year, the official Notting Hill Carnival app is free to use and you can download it for a live, GPS-tracked map showing all of the floats and their locations on the August Bank Holiday, plus food vendors, toilets, transport links and sound systems. You can also post in-app to meet fellow carnival-goers and vote for your favourite bands.

When is Notting Hill Carnival?

The carnival, which began in 1966, traditionally takes place during the August Bank Holiday, and this year is no different. The festivities start on Sunday 27 August and wrap up on Monday 28th. 

MORE: Wimbledon Style: The best dressed guests at Wimbledon 2023

RELATED: 8 easy ways to embrace boho style in your wardrobe

Cara Delevingne wearing a vibrant floral crop top at Notting Hill in 2013 © Getty
Cara Delevingne enjoying the festivities in 2013

What do you wear to Notting Hill Carnival?

Feathers, sequins and neon brights are firmly on the agenda for the street festival. The vibe is celebratory and playful - great news for devoted dopamine dressers.

Leigh-Anne Pinnock wore a crochet bikini top to the carnival© Getty
Leigh-Anne Pinnock wore a crochet bikini top to the carnival

How we chose the pieces:

  • Colour: We've scoured the internet's top fashion sites for pieces in fluorescent, metallic or just general larger-than-life shades. The procession is filled with colour and glitz, and so we've searched for both high street and designer picks that will help you put together a seriously high-octane ensemble. 
  • Texture: This plays a key part in carnival costume - feathers, sequins, beading and the like. We've included pieces that champion crochet, chainmail-effect meshes, fraying and lustrous finishes to infuse your look with a sense of drama.

Hello! Fashion shares the best party-appropriate pieces to shop in time for Notting Hill Carnival:

  • Crochet-look Triangle Bikini Top - H&M
    Crochet-look Triangle Bikini Top

    Crochet-look Triangle Bikini Top

    This vibrant bikini top would make for the perfect Notting Hill 'fit addition. The colours add depth and a sense of warmth, while the crochet-effect technique feels super playful. Snap it up for just a tenner while it's still on sale and reserve your funds for more glitzy accessories.

  • Small Metallic Bag - Mango
    Small Metallic Bag - Mango

    Small Metallic Bag

    This glitzy pink shoulder bag is giving major festival vibes - think Paco Rabanne meets Barbicore bargain. The gleam of the material catches the light beautifully and is guaranteed to inject your look with a dose of all-eyes-on-me energy.

  • Denim Shorts - Isabel Marant Étoile
    Denim Shorts - Isabel Marant Étoile

    Eneidao Frayed Denim Shorts

    Isabel Marant Étoile

    These shorts by Isabel Marant Étoile present a seriously stylish alternative to a summer denim classic. The frayed hem emphasises the high cut, giving off a daring, hot pant-style effect. Plus, they're created from durable cotton and would make for a great end-of-summer purchase so that you've already got your pair sorted for next year.

  • Pierra Platform Sandal - Kurt Geiger
    Pierra Platform Sandal - Kurt Geiger

    Pierra Platform Sandals

    These Kurt Geiger platforms are serving some serious disco energy. The lustrous rainbow hues feel very in keeping with the carnival's spirited aesthetic, and we love the detail of the crystal buckle on the ankle strap for some extra Y2K-reminiscent glitz.

  • 06 Sunglasses - Chimi
    06 Sunglasses - Chimi

    06 Sunglasses

    Chic shade purveyor Chimi has seriously delivered with these yellow tinted frames. The cat-eye feels super flattering, plus the squared edge gives the shape a fresher, less Old-Hollywood, feel. Team yours with a slick of cream highlighter and glossy lids for maximum impact.

HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.

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