Dos and Don’ts for festival dressing

It’s June! Which means not only festivals of every description and in every hemisphere but features on what to wear to a festival in every publication from Vogue to Heat. At this point I hold my hand up and say I don’t actually do festivals (I’m too obsessed with washing my hair) but I reckon I know what looks good in a water-logged field.

DO:
Go denim-heavy.
You can practically get anything in denim these days from 80s-style cocktail mini-dresses to capes to rompers. Blue denim is easy to colour co-ordinate and of-course, any grass stains will wash out with just a dab of Vanish and a squirt of shower gel.

Layer on the stripes.
Two-tone jersey stripes are forever youthful and outdoorsy so pack a couple of fitted long sleeve stripe Henleys for layering under floral tea dresses against the morning and evening chills and when the temperature hots up, you can whip them off and drape them over your shoulders or tie them round your waist.

Find an alternative to gladiator sandals.
I know they’re lovely but everyone will be wearing them! The next best thing? A simple demi-wedge sandal and a pedicure.

Think outside the box.
Go to your nearest camping shop and snaffle a foil blanket or two. Lovely as a scarf, obi-style wrap or to sit on. Its reflectiveness will help you tan too (but don’t forget the Factor 30).

Invest in a bum bag (fanny pack).
American Apparel and Le Sportsac have the snazziest but don’t wear it round your waist tourist-style, sling it over your shoulder.

DON’T:
Go down the printed wellies route.
Wellies are sensible but you’re better off in comfy classics by Hunter, Aigle and Tretorn. Pack some legwarmers to go underneath them in case the weather gets really bad (translation: sub-zero temperatures).

Think practical equals boring.
Load up on some cheap army surplus and style with sexy shorts and skimpy tops for all-weather eventualities.

Forget your accessories.
A pair of rock star aviators, a vintage diamante necklace and a sassy silk scarf will make sure you look hot for the inevitable Facebook photo-shoot.

Be misguided by maxi dresses.
Yes, they’re a big trend this season but they just have a whiff of WAG-does-festivals to them. Much better to opt for an obscure vintagy print tea dress, just above the knee.

Pic: Vogue