Osheaga here we come! We style 3 looks that will keep you looking festival-approved from the folk shows to the dance parties

Date August 2, 2012

Read ahead to see all three festival looks! »

Festival style has become such a sartorial staple that even mega retailers like H&M have jumped on the festival style wagon, creating entire collections inspired by the motley crew of Aztec print wielding, face-paint dabbing festival goers that make the trek to far-away locales every year.

Canada’s very own Osheaga is coming up this weekend and I’m making the pilgrimage (read: six hour drive) out to beautiful Montreal myself to see this year’s amazing lineup for the first time! I’ve rounded up three dream looks for each day of the weekend, outfits that will comfortably take me from catching The Walkmen earlier in the day to a Justice dance party late at night.

Canadian Tuxedo

Though Canadian tuxedos once had a bad rep for being the epitome of tacky (a stereotype that was only further amplified when Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears showed up to the 2001 American Music Awards looking like a denim sandwich), they’ve been having a sartorial resurgence over the past few years. The modern (and infinitely chicer) take on a Canadian tuxedo is all about pairing denim tops and bottoms that have contrasting elements. Different colours, textures and treatments keep it from looking too matchy-matchy.

Denim was originally created for working in the fields, so given the potential muckiness that often accompanies music festivals, I’ll know my denim-on-denim look will hold up. A backpack, comfortable wedges and worn leather belt help break up the denim and are also festival-friendly, while reflective aviator sunnies (a festival must) and layered jewellery gives the look an added dose of chic.

T by Alexander Wang denim top ($210, holtrenfrew.com), Alexander Wang backpack ($895, holtrenfrew.com), Aviators ($19, joefresh.com), Enamel bangle ($19, joefresh.com), Dream catcher earrings ($80, iheartblackbird.com)

Romantic dress and boots

This look is an ode to music festivals’ ‘60s, folk music roots thanks to this romantic, loosely cut dress, while the studded boots give the whole look some edge and functionality. The weather forecast for this coming weekend has been on a rollercoaster so far, swinging from thunderstorm forecasts to sunny skies, so in case Mother Nature opts for stormy weather, I’ll know my feet are safely covered.

A tribal-inspired necklace, fringe leather bag and a loosely knotted belt are all requisite festival wear, while the fishtail braid means hair maintenance can be kept to a minimum throughout the day.

Denim & Supply by Ralph Lauren dress ($98, thebay.com), Topshop studded boots ($190, thebay.com), Topshop necklace ($35, thebay.com), Aviators ($19, joefresh.com), Golden bracelets ($14, joefresh.com$50, liasophia.ca), Stacked rings ($98, liasophia.ca), Leather belt ($29, joefresh.com), Sam Edelman bag ($248, holtrenfrew.com)

Bralette and skirt

This breezy bralette and high-waisted skirt pairing may be slightly dressier than its two counterparts, but it’s every bit as comfortable. The bandeau-style bralette’s tropical print makes it completely summer-appropriate, while the below-the-knee skirt ensures that the look is cute rather than revealing.

Retro-inspired sunglasses, comfortable wedges and a bright pop of colour courtesy of this adorable Marc by Marc Jacobs bag gives the whole look a ’50s-throwback feel. I’ll definitely make plans to wear this on the hottest (and driest) day of the weekend!

Vero Moda skirt ($45, thebay.com), Retro-inspired sunglasses ($19, joefresh.com), Stacked rings ($98, liasophia.ca), Dream catcher earrings ($80, iheartblackbird.com), Marc by Marc Jacobs mini ($275, holtrenfrew.com), Topshop wedges ($76, thebay.com), Gold bracelets ($14, joefresh.com)