Whether you’ll be soaking up the California sun at Coachella, jamming at the Perry’s stage at Lollapalooza, or camping down south at Bonnaroo (or all three!), you’ll need three days of fashionable and functional festival attire. As you’re running from set to set to see all of your favorite artists, the last thing you’ll want to worry about is an impractical outfit or unruly hair. Here are some do’s and don’ts when it comes to dressing cute and comfortable for these cool concerts.
Do: Be bold. Loud prints in simple, airy cuts make a statement without weighing you down and look effortlessly chic. Topshop carries lots of pieces with eye-catching patterns.
Don’t: Wear a bra as a top. If it was made to go under your clothes, it belongs under your clothes. If you’d like to show off toned abs, try a tribal bandeau with high-waisted shorts. Free People and Black Milk make fun styles with some support, so you won’t have to worry about a wardrobe malfunction.
Do: Keep your hair out of your face. When it’s 100 degrees outside and it feels like 150 degrees in a mosh pit, leaving long hair down will only make you feel even more sweltering. Try keeping your hair back in a tight fishtail braid or a high pony (but not so high that people behind you can’t see the stage!)
Don’t: Wear sandals. A fresh pedicure and strappy sandals will be trampled within minutes at a packed festival. Bright sneakers or canvas shoes like Converse or Keds are a comfier option.
Do: Wear a hat and sunscreen. You want people to know you enjoyed your festival by looking at your Facebook muploads, not by seeing a sunglasses tan (or burn – yikes!). Lather on plenty of SPF beforehand and opt for a cap or sunhat.
Don’t: Bring your Raybans. No matter how responsible you are, designer shades have a great likelihood of falling your head and getting crushed. Get a cheap pair of aviators, wayfarers, or oversized sunglasses at Forever 21 that wouldn’t break your heart if you broke them.
Do: Bring a fanny pack or cross-body bag. Purses can fall off your shoulder, and backpacks usually aren’t allowed at music fests. Urban Outfitters has plenty of cute studded fanny packs that make it easy for you to keep track of your stuff.
Don’t: Forget a poncho. Ok, they might be a little dorky, but your future self stuck in an impromptu rainstorm will thank you later.