What to wear to a summer festival
Light, breathable fabrics in pale colours, a hat, flat shoes you can stand in and a thin layer for the evening. Think of a garden party that lasts all day and ends after sunset.
Two outfits that work
Linen midi dress, cardigan, straw hat
- cream linen midi dress
- light beige cardigan
- flat leather sandals
- straw hat
- small woven bag
Linen stays cool in the afternoon, and the cardigan covers your shoulders when the sun drops and the breeze picks up.
Linen shirt, chino shorts, canvas shoes
- white linen shirt
- beige chino shorts or trousers
- tan canvas shoes
- straw hat
A loose linen shirt and shorts handle a day on grass and dust, and canvas shoes are easy to stand and dance in.
By weather
| Hot22° and up | Loose linen or cotton, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a refillable water bottle. |
|---|---|
| Mild10° to 21° | Light layers, flat shoes, and a thin jacket or shirt to tie round your waist. |
| ColdBelow 10° | A warm jumper and long trousers, with a rain jacket in the bag. |
Do and don’t
- Wear shoes you can stand in for hours
- Put on sunscreen before you leave and again at midday
- Carry a layer for the evening
- Choose fabrics that dry quickly in case of rain
- Wear new shoes you have not walked in
- Bring a large bag; small ones go through security faster
- Wear heels on grass
- Wear dark heavy fabrics in the midday sun
Check the night before
- Check the forecast for evening and rain
- Put sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat by the door
- Pack a thin layer and a pocket-size rain jacket
- Charge your phone and bring a power bank
- Fill a water bottle and check what you may bring in
Questions people ask
What shoes are best for a summer festival?
Flat, closed or strapped sandals or trainers that you have already worn in. Grass, dust and standing for hours are hard on new shoes.
Do I need a jacket at a summer festival?
Yes, a thin one. Evenings can be 10 degrees cooler than the afternoon, and a light layer weighs almost nothing.
What colours work best in the heat?
Pale colours such as white, cream, sand and light blue reflect the sun and feel cooler than dark ones.
What should I wear if it rains at the festival?
A packable rain jacket and shoes that can get wet. Umbrellas are awkward in crowds and often not allowed.
Pick Summer festival in FeinLens and see what you already own
FeinLens builds complete outfits for this occasion from photos of your own clothes, dressed for the forecast where you’ll be.
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