Music lovers and crochet fiends rejoice as it’s officially festival season. Whether it’s cider in hand at Reading & Leeds, singing every word at Zara Larsson, or squeezing onto packed tube platforms with thousands of glitter-covered Harry Styles fans (speaking from first-hand experience, Take That absolutely delivered), summer is gearing up to be one for the books.
Yet, as we all know, the UK has adopted a Mediterranean climate overnight, meaning portable fans, SPF and iced drinks have been rebranded as essentials by sweltering gig attendees. Somehow, we’re still expected to dance for hours wearing sequins - which aren't exactly the most breathable option.
No matter, dressing up for a festival is still half the fun - sweat and all. Despite the suffocating heat, stadiums remain filled with tiny sparkly skirts, cowboy boots, baby tees and more. Evidently, fandom fashion is here to stay.
© RedfernsForget trying to follow fashion ‘rules’ – this year's festival fashion is leaning fully into whimsy styling and curated chaos for all ages. It's one of those rare excuses to really toy with your clothing - after all, unlike being in the office, festivals are notably devoid of an HR department. Think shimmering (preferably secondhand) sequins, cutesy crop tops, chunky jewellery and on-trend football shirts, most recently championed by Glasto headliner Olivia Rodrigo herself.
Festival trends to note:
© Instagram/@zaralarssonClub Girl Revival
If you’ve seen people talking about the ‘Club Girl revival’ and wondered what it actually means, you’re definitely not the only one. Put simply, it's a move away from the minimalist ‘clean girl’ aesthetic and towards bold, unapologetic self expression of dressing up just because.
Think back to the early 2000s: big hair, body shimmer and statement accessories. The fashion goers have been pairing this with mini skirts, flowing maxis, oversized leather or suede jackets, slouchy silhouettes and plenty of sparkle.
© Getty ImagesAnimal Prints
Leopard and snake print are everywhere this summer – taking over bags, dresses, and especially maxi skirts to bring a bold, expressive edge to festival styling. A leopard-print maxi paired with a simple white vest, biker boots and stacked silver jewellery feels completely effortless.
© Getty ImagesScarves
Scarves have become another unexpected hero of the season, acting as either an additional piece to complete the look or the main event. Worn as tops, wrapped around the waist, or tied into dresses, it’s one of the easiest ways to make an outfit feel unique without spending a fortune.
© Getty ImagesCrochet
To the surprise of absolutely no-one, crochet remains a must for colourful festival dressing. The quirky sister of traditional knit, crochet exudes festival flair with ease, due to its rainbow tones, counterculture connotations and crafty aesthetic.
If you’re ready to lean into the curated chaos, I've rounded up the essentials. From sequins to statement accessories, here are the key pieces to help you create your own look
Best festival fashion to shop now:
Marvin Dress
Hand Over
Hailing from cool-girl label Hand Over, this shimmering mini dress is set to turn heads as you map the field. Team yours with chunky jewels and biker boots for a seriously statement look.
Andante Lavender Top
Susmies
Susmies remains our go-to for vibrant summer pieces. We love the shimmering sequin finish on this slinky, violet top. Destined for nights spent dancing the night away.
Bojou Necklace
Rat & Boa
A stunning statement piece, glamorous and completely chic and ready to elevate any festival or concert look. This necklace paired with a simple tee would look phenomenal.
Polka Dot Short Sleeve Jersey
Adidas
Adidas' polka dot jersey has Gen Z dress codes written all over it. Complete with a pale blue backdrop and on-trend chocolate spots, this affordable piece is set to fly off the shelves.
Elli Loni Stripe Crochet Short
Triangl
Crafted from a soft-touch fine knit, Triangl's multicoloured crochet shorts are set to pair perfectly with your favourite bikini during sun-drunk holidays.
Knitted Metallic Crochet Mini Dress
Topshop
Showcasing a dreamy silver-gold hue, Topshop's crochet mini dress is a lesson in after-hours glamour. team yours with kitten heel mules and chunky jewellery.
The Chloé Plage Woven Necklace
Chloé
Brilliantly colourful and brimming with personality, Chloé's gold-toned show-stopper is finished with a sleek twisted design, resin accents and beaded embellishments.
Trudi Tankini Top
Damson Madder
A striking blend of fresh mint, chocolate and pale yellow hues, Damson Madder's tankini doubles down on nostalgic dressing with its Y2K silhouette that's finished with a brown picot trim and dolphin embroidery.
Button Me Up Mini Dress
Jaded London
Glitter under the club lights with a helping hand from Jaded London's Button Me Up Mini Dress - perfect for Ibiza outings and beachside lounging.
Sterling Silver-Plated Liv Bracelet
LIÉ STUDIO
Simple yet striking, a perfect bracelet to go with any festival look and perfect for stacking.
Layered Sequin Mini Skirt in Pink
ASOS
A budget-friendly sequin skirt that brings a fun, party-ready sparkle without a high price tag. Ideal for concert and festival styling where you want maximum shine for minimal spend.
Wrappy Multicolour Silk Narrow Scarf
Fendi
A refined printed scarf from Fendi designed for elegant layering and styling versatility. It can be worn around the neck, in the hair, or tied to a bag to add a polished designer look.
Tiny Messenger Bag
Weekday
Ideal for housing the festival essentials, this affordable mini bag is set to become a summertime hero piece.
Sequinned Marilyn Mini Skirt
Oséree
A premium pink sequin skirt with a bold, statement finish and a more polished feel. Designed to standout and brings main-character, playful yet elevated energy to any event.
By Ella Ahmed
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.
