festival dressing
Photography via Instagram/joansmalls

The New Rules for Festival Dressing (Buh-bye Flower Crowns!)

WayHome starts tomorrow, which only means one thing – outfit planning starts now. Whether this is your first music festival of the summer or you’ve been on the circuit for months, this weekend is your chance to change things up. But with flower crown burnout on the brain, what are the modern rules for festival fashion?

We went straight to the source, Topshop personal shopper, Jessica Luffman, to answer our most pressing questions about dressing for a weekend of music, parties and amazing food. Between trying on printed tees and denim skirts in her personal shopping suite, we talked everything from the anti-boho babe to chilly evening cover ups and the return of the fanny pack.

Read on for Jessica’s top tips to take you right through the WayHome weekend in style.

What are the top 3 trends you’re seeing for festival dressing this season?
There are so many great trends this season at Topshop to fit any mood or style. Three of my favourites are slogan tees (they’re fun and make a strong statement), florals (always a festival favourite, we’re seeing them in smaller and larger prints, mixed with touches of lace for a fun, feminine feel and done in darker colour patterns) and summer stripes and checks (this trend is still going strong – try mixing prints and colours or adding fun accessories that complement the look).

If I’m not a boho girl, what do you recommend for a look that’s still cute and casual enough for a festival?

Festival doesn’t have to mean boho! If you’re not a boho girl, I would recommend a graphic tee tied in a knot or try a little DIY and cut it into a crop top! You can wear this with overalls or a cute skirt paired with sneakers or boots. Add a hat or scarf to complete your festival look.

How should I plan wardrobe-wise for the unpredictable weather?

Planning for unpredictable weather is important! I always try to keep in mind that the weather can change quickly and rely on layers to keep comfortable. During the day, even in an open field there may not be much of a breeze so clothes that are lightweight and breathable are perfect. In the evening you will want to stay warm so pack a denim jacket, army print or a kimono style jacket that will add to your outfit. When it comes to footwear, I wear shoes I am comfortable walking and dancing in and that I don’t mind getting dirty in case the rain turns the ground to mud.

Let’s talk accessories. How can I take my cutoffs and tee into festival territory?

I love accessories! They can pull cutoffs and a tee together to really make the outfit. I would wear a couple of rings, fun earrings and a few different length chains to get the layered look. I especially love a longer necklace with a pendant, it’s fun to mix things up. I also like fanny packs or bags worn cross-body so you can keep your sunscreen and sunnies close and still be able to dance with hands free. Hats and sunnies are another way to add interest to your outfit and stand out in the crowd and keep you protected from the sun.

If I’m going to more than one festival this summer, how can I change up my look?

If you’re going to more than one festival this summer, try and buy a few pieces that mix and match really well. A denim skirt or cutoffs can be paired with different types of tops for a whole new look, try a slogan tee, a fun striped shirt or a pretty feminine top for a whole new look. Update your accessories as well for a whole new vibe. They are an easy and affordable way to update an outfit.

Coordinating items are another way to change up a look. Matching tops and bottoms can be worn together for a truly showstopping outfit and then broken up and paired with other pieces. It’s three outfits in one!

You can also wear a pretty feminine dress and sneakers for day and throw a denim jacket over the dress with cute booties for night!

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