It's that time of year again when the open-air festival season gets into full swing. Deciding which festival to attend is only part of the process; figuring out what to wear is vital! From the desert at Coachella to the often rain-soaked muddy fields of Glastonbury, weather is always a consideration. Light layers work best in most environments, and comfort really is key.
Normal fashion rules don't apply to festival gear, but there are some guidelines to keep in mind. Eclectic styling like mismatched prints is not only permitted, it's practically required. Experiment with vintage by introducing select elements, but don't feel pressured to go head-to-toe with the effect. Mix in some modern pieces, even designer items. Here are some styles from past festivals to provide some inspiration.
Coachella (April 15-17, 2011)
One of the largest festivals in the United States, Coachella takes place out in the sweltering California desert. Now in its 13th year, this is a great star-gazing opportunity; tons of celebs attend the annual event. In addition to music on the five major stages, artists like Duran Duran and Kanye West are on this year's bill, there's also interactive artwork on display.images: style.com
Back in 2008, Brandy went vintage, paring a dress with shorts, and adding in some strappy Payless sandals. Another vintage frock was spotted that year combined with Jet Rag accessories courtesy of Cassandra.Images Courtesy of Wenn.com
Kelly Osbourne worked the layers, pairing a grey cardigan, sheer floral tank, and bright blue shorts, with socks and sandals. The pale pink dress model Agyness Deyn had on was toughened up by a pair of combat boots.Images Courtesy of Wenn.com
Solange Knowles stood out in all white and ruffles with extreme cat-eye shades. Kellan Lutz of Twilight fame topped off a Playboy tee with a straw fedora.Images Courtesy of Wenn.com
Showing off the art of festival dressing, Whitney Port wore a coral colored dress for Day 2, before slipping into a cleverly mismatched loose top and shorts the following day.