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Festival outfit inspiration: Your festival fashion guide for summer 2024

Sequins, leather, leopard print & more festival season staples

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Hollie Brotherton
Lifestyle & Commerce Senior Writer
Updated: July 19, 2024
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Dust off your dancing boots because festival season is finally here. Glastonbury may be over, but Wilderness, Lost Village, Field Day, All Points East and many more are still to come later this summer.

You probably know the drill when it comes to British festival fashion - a waterproof and wellies always make the dress code, but equally there's no better place to go all out with an outfit you've been 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, I've found all of the best pieces to shop for a festival this summer.

Celebrity festival style

[L-R Gemma Chan, Sienna Miller, Poppy Delevingne, Alexa Chung]
[L-R Gemma Chan, Sienna Miller, Poppy Delevingne, Alexa Chung]

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

As one of the biggest trends of the summer, crochet dominated the 2023 festival season, and Poppy Delevingne looked gorgeous in her striped crochet mini dress with bright fluro detail from Nobody's Child. 

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 last year, they're a failsafe fashion piece. Speaking of Alexa Chung, I had to include this metallic mini dress look that's so easy to replicate.

Festival 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 packable 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 pronably goes without saying, but you'll definitely regret wearing heels.

Do: Mix new 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).

The best festival fashion for summer 2024

AllSaints Billie Embellished Leather Gilet

AllSaints jacket

  • Sizes available: XS-L
  • Colours available: Black

Leather jackets are a festival staple, and a gilet is ideal for layering. AllSaints just dropped this oversized style, which has been heavily washed and tumbled for a vintage effect, and embellished with studded detail.

Rixo Ridley Silk Mini Dress

Rixo dress

  • Sizes available: UK 6-26
  • Colours available: Tiger Print

If in doubt - a dress and chunky boots every time. A bit different from your classic leopard, this tiger print mini dress is perfect for a festival (and beyond). Let it do the talking alone, or add colourful accessories for a maximalist look.

GANNI Printed T-Shirt

GANNI T-Shirt

  • Sizes available: XXS-4XL
  • Colours available: White

An easy go-to - wear this Ganni tee with distressed denim shorts and black cowboy boots for understated festival style.

Mango X Siedres Knitted Dress

Mango knitted dress

This Mango maxi hits the crochet and sheer trend in one. Made from a knitted fabric, the colourful flower detail is festival perfection. I'd style it with chunky boots.

Ariat Heritage R Toe Western Boot

Ariat boots

  • Sizes available: UK 3-8.5
  • Colours available: Black, Brown

Lean into the western trend with a pair of cowboy boots you can wear with literally everything. I love this real leather pair from Ariat, which come in a classic mid-calf silhouette.e. They feature stitch detailing, removable All Day Cushioning insoles and a Duratread™ sole for maximum wear.

New Look Gold Sequin Shorts

New Look gold sequin shorts

  • Sizes available: UK 6-22
  • Colours available: Gold

I love these gold sequin shorts styled with a dark graphic tee, but they'd also look amazing with a bralet and oversized jacket at a sunny festival this summer.

Free People Fame Straw Cowboy Hat

Free People hat

  • Sizes available: One size
  • Colours available: Black

A cowboy hat not shields you from the sun, wind and rain, it also helps hide the fact you haven't washed your hair for three days. I love this western style from Free People.

Reformation Ivanna Knit Dress

Reformation dress

  • Sizes available: XS-XL
  • Colours available: Brown

From the Ibiza collection, Reformation's Ivanna dress is made for holidays and festivals. Made from a semi-sheer lightweight knitted fabric in metallic brown, wear it over a bikini when the hotter temperatures hit.

Nobody's Child Dark Blue Denim Wide Leg Jumpsuit

Nobody' Child jumpsuit

Sizes available: UK 4-18

Colours available: Indigo

There are some obvious downsides to wearing a jumpsuit at a festival (one word: portaloos), but this wide-leg denim style is cool and comfy. It features removable straps and pockets.

Nasty Gal Striped Crotchet Top And Shorts Co-ord

Nasty Gal co-ord

  • Sizes available: S/M, M/L
  • Colours available: Multi

Channel Poppy Delevingne in Nasty Gal's striped crochet co-ord. The British brand has the best festival collection if you want to go all out. Just pray for the warmer weather.

& Other Stories Leather Cross Strap Sandals

Stories sandals

  • Sizes available: UK 3-8
  • Colours available: Black

If the sun is out, these & Other Stories sandals are totally suitable for dancing or trekking from tent to tent. Made from real leather with a durable Polyurethane sole, they feature a platform and studded detail.

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