Certain events remind us that summer is about to arrive any second. For us, being California girls, it’s all about Coachella—the two weekend music festival in the desert—and then the rest of the country seems to jump on the band wagon and the outdoor music festival season sets into full swing.
Whether you’re heading to the Governors Ball (June 3-5 in NYC), Bonnaroo (June 9-12 in Manchester, TN), Firefly (June 16-19 in Dover, DE), Newport Folk Festival (July 22-24 in Newport, RI), Lollapalooza (July 28-31 in Chicago), Outside Lands (August 5-7 in San Francisco) or one of the others, it’s as much about who is headlining as what to wear. Festival style needs to be practical, able to beat the heat and stand up to heaving crowds, grass stains and selfies.
HERE ARE OUR TIPS FOR YOUR SUMMER MUSICAL FIELD TRIP:
1. SHOULDER SMOULDER
One of the hottest trends for summer is the cold shoulder and when it comes to hitting the field, this is the chicest way to show some skin. Whether you’re showing off both with our JENE OFF THE SHOULDER WOVEN COTTON STRIPE TOP, or a single slip like the ABBELINE GAUZY WHISPER ONE SHOULDER TEE, this silhouette is on point and pretty.
2. UNDERCOVERETTES
Especially if you need to do a quick change in the middle of the day, its key to have the right lingerie. A COTTON BRALETTE or is perfect for switching tees in the middle of a field and perfect for cold shoulder, strapless and lacy styles.
3. DENIM 24/7
For day, there is nothing better (or easier) that slipping on some denim cut-offs or FRAYED SHORTS. Evenings can get cooler so cover up with a classic pair of blues but keep the vibe casual with cropped hemlines or frayed detailing. Avoid straight-up tight skinnies, they’ll just make you feel constricted after hours of sitting cross-legged on the grass. The TWIGGY HIGH RISE CROP JEAN is our festival pick because it has the perfect amount of stretch (translation: you can nap in them).
4. LET'S TALK LAYERS
If you are outside form dawn till dust, chances are the temps are going to vary. A lot of festivals have lockers you can rent and its wise to load one up with a cool army jacket, BREEZY CARDIGAN or SWEATER. Also, anything long sleeved can be tied around your shoulders or waist, and is a cool way to clash prints and colors with zero effort.
5. WHITE ON
There’s nothing fresher than summer white. OK, you may have to be a wee bit careful when sitting on the grass (that’s where that army jacket (like ANDREEA and RUBY) comes in that you left in the locker right? See above). A LIGHT DRESS, made of a cotton gauze will have you looking like a cross between Kate Moss, Stevie Nicks and Sienna Miller (she does the laid back dress thing seriously well).
6. FEMININE VINTAGE
We love the look of lace, it’s got a vintage feel but still very now. Also, a LACE TOP is the perfect festival gear because it looks unexpectedly girlie and with a contrasting bikini top or bralette poking out from between the detailing, is the perfect feminine foil to your denim cut-offs.
7. HIPPIE CHIC
Summer is all about boho details like embroidery and PEASANT BLOUSE SILHOUETTES. Crafted from breezy fabrics and with artisanal-inspired stitching; perfect for outdoorsy days. They also give us serious vintage festival vibes, like all those groovy women from the 60’s and 70’s who were the originators of this classic festival look. Always cool, always easy.
8. FRINGE BENEFITS
In keeping with our throwback theme (see above) we are also on board with fringe and its effortless ease. Try a small detail on a bag, or go full-on fringe with our PETUNIA COTTON WOVEN FRINGE PONCHO from our collab with Kirsty Hume. She co-designed the pieces and used vintage picks from her own closet for inspiration.
9. CHECK MATES
We have a serious CRUSH ON GINGHAM, always have, always will. This simple plaid has a vintage inspired sex appeal (just look at throwback pictures of Liz Taylor for inspo) and always feels fresh. Keep it simple by slipping on a gingham button down—a perfect layering piece over a tank—and knot it at the waist.
10. ALL ABOUT ACCESSORIES
The most important parts of your ensemble will be the accessories. You’ll need a hat with a decent size brim and big sunnies. Veteran festival goers suggest a flat shoe with a closed toe, like a retro sneaker, to keep feet clean and blister-free. Keep jewelry minimal but statement-making with a few dangly necklaces or wrap bracelets in bold hues, and adorned with tassels and crystals. CHECK OUR OUR FAVORITES.
FINALLY, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, don’t forget a portable phone charger—a must-have for keeping connected with friends, taking a snap of your car so you remember where you parked, sending a Venmo payment for a falafel sandwich and posting about your whole experience on Instagram because this much style deserves to be seen.