The legendary Notting Hill Carnival is just around the corner, and if you're planning on hitting up the annual celebration of Caribbean culture, let's talk outfits.
In the past, we've seen huge celebrities and industry insiders take to the streets for the festivities including Jourdan Dunn, Cara Delevingne, and Lily Allen - all looking unmatched in their ultra-vibrant, festival-coded looks.
Feathers, sequins and neon brights are firmly on the agenda for the street festival. The vibe is celebratory and playful - great news for people who like to drop a dose of dopamine into their outfits. You can't also talk about carnival without mentioning the one and only Rihanna, whose appearances at the Crop Over Festival in her native Barbados are legendary. If in doubt, channel your inner Riri.
However, there are key elements to keep in mind when curating your dream carnival look. Firstly, practicality is key. You'll likely be smushed between crowds, jamming and dancing all day - so an outfit that says fashion yet functional is of the utmost importance.
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 24 August and finish on Monday 25 August.
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.
What to wear to Notting Hill Carnival 2026:
The Reconstituted Bike Top
Conner Ives
Conner Ives' distinctive Reconstituted Bike Top, originally a maxi-dress from SS19’s ‘Nature Boy’ collection, is made from 80s cycling jerseys, football shirts, motocross layers, and tie-dye spandex - melding clashing prints into a bold, vibrant statement piece perfect for carnival.
Deva Sequin Knit Trousers
Jaded London
Channel your inner disco princess with a touch of glistening sequins - perfect for shimmying the summer day away in the streets of West London.
Blue Snow Leopard Scarf
Collina Strada
Unsure what to wear to your favourite festival this year? Tie dye is always your best bet. Crafted in the US from 100 per cent silk, Collina Strada's embellished headscarf is set to become the accessory of the summer.
Fly My Love Carabiner Necklace
Chopova Lowena
Nothing beats a Chopova Lowena look. The design duo's carabiner necklaces forever remain hot property among the style set - and we have our hearts set on this Y2K-infused butterfly statement.
My Little Micro Mini Stripe Skort
Free People
Stripes took SS26 by storm. Free People's fun yet flirtatious mini is a rainbow creation made from lightweight fabric - perfect for flaunting your sun-kissed summer glow.
Treasure Necklace
Nude Project
Unapologetic design is at the core of Nude Project's cutting-edge, inclusive collections. The brand's Treasure Necklace is both a striking and nostalgic choice, ideal for amping up the fun this season.
Lace Bandage Off-The-Shoulder Top
Sinead Gorey
Sinead Gorey is your go-to girl for kaleidoscopic flair. A fashion week regular, the designer's archive is brimming with statement picks - including this long sleeve number that's topping our wishlist.
The "I Love Football...?" Dress
Hairy Mary
Introducing Hairy Mary - the new cool-girl brand on the block. Championing sustainability and innovative design via reworked materials, the independant label is set to kit out your carnival wardrobe with ease.
Bag Designed By Mr. Christian Lacroix
Desigual
Created in collaboration with woman of the moment Zara Larsson, this multicoloured slice of arm candy is set to turn heads wherever you go.
Daisy Shorts
Samanta Virginio
Nobody does dopamine dressing quite like Samanta Virginio. The designer's dreamy Daisy Shorts come in an array of joyous hues, ready to take you from beach club to carnival in a jiffy.
Belle Jewel Top
Gimaguas
Marry girlish glamour and punkish embellishment with a helping hand from Gimaguas. The brand's online collection is irresistible - and this inkly blue halterneck tank is ideal for weekends spent at carnival.
Topshop Flo 3 Pack Resin Bangles
ASOS
The perfect stack to add to your collection, Topshop's sun-toned bangle trio will enhance your tan while making for a striking focal point.
Pink Mesh Sequin Cami
River Island
Channel your inner 00s It-girl with River Island's sequin-flecked cami top in pale pink. We'd style ours with khaki cargos and ridiculously oversized shades.
Oversized Aviator Sunglasses
ASOS Design
Shield your eyes from those hot London rays with ASOS' uber-affordable XL aviators in crimson. A red hot finishing touch to any outfit.
Striped Cut-Out Dress
Oséree
Oséree is often our first port of call for festival-themed partywear. Glittering and glorious, the brand's colourbomb offerings neatly tap into the fun and flair that Notting Hill promises during the bank holiday weekend.
Picnic Bikini Shortie
Fruity Booty
Who said checks were reserved for winter? Fresh in at Fruity Booty, these nostalgic checked bootie shorts are set to elevate your off-duty summer style with ease.
Bikini Charm
The sweetest addition to your carnival look, Agent Provocateur's tutti-fruity bikini charm may be petite - but it packs a big punch.
Afia Bralette in Butter Yellow
Noon by Noor
A luxury piece to wear for many summers to come, Noon by Noor's sunshine yellow bralette will pair effortlessly with a sequinned mini skirt for a wholly radiant look.
Zuma Embellished Mini Dress
Ghospell
Whether you're heading to carnival or Capri this summer, look no further than Ghospell's embellished Zuma dress to get the part started. A lightweight layer steeped in party glamour, this throw-on mini is set to steal the show.
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, bound to get you noticed.
- 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 super shiny finishes.
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