What Should You Wear To A Music Festival? Top Picks For 2024

We have all seen the amazingly aesthetic Instagram photos of the festival gods and goddesses. It is almost a right of passage to snap a shot of your show day look and share it with the world. Not to mention that it feels incredible to dress up and rock a crazy new look. 

So, What Should You Wear To A Music Festival??

Well, there are so many ways to dress up for a music festival, and we are here to share the most important things to think about when planning for your next big festival fit!

What Should You Wear To A Music Festival?

What To Consider When Dressing For A Music Festival

guys and girls dancing at a music festival

There are a million different things you could consider when planning what to wear for your next festival. We’ve decided that the most important variables are weather, comfort, festival genre and wow factor. If you consider these four different things while planning your festival outfit, you are sure to steal the show. 

Let’s break down these factors.

Consider The Weather

Depending on what festival you’re going to and what time of year it is, you’re going to want to plan on different weather scenarios. With the bulk of festival season being in the summer, or at least in a warmer climate, we’ll dive into that one. 

For any festival, you’re going to want to come ready to go with layers. Depending on the time of day, the amount of people around you and the forecast, you can go from freezing to a heatstroke in just a few hours. 

Some good options for your festival style is to come prepared with layers to keep you warm and dry. Some good ways to do this would be to add a fun coat, a cozy pashmina, or a clear poncho if you are trying to distract from the outfit as little as possible.

Make Sure You’re Comfortable

No matter how you dress for this festival, be sure that what you’re wearing is going to be comfortable enough for you to wear all night long and dance your heart out in. If you’re there to enjoy the festival, then you shouldn’t risk being stuck on the sidelines because you’re cold or your feet hurt. 

 For some this might mean rocking six-inch platforms, and for others, it might mean sneakers. 

If you are really committed to the aesthetic, despite the pain, maybe consider bringing something more comfortable to change into after when things really start to get fun. There is no shame in switching things up half way through the day, especially if it means you can party all night long. 

What Kind of Festival Is It?

While I would never dream of telling you what to wear, it is important to know what the general vibe of a festival is before you plan your outfit, even if you choose to disregard it entirely. 

women at an Afro-Caribbean music festival wearing cultural attire

Depending on the genre of the festival, the style may be a little different. The general style of an EDM fest versus a Country Music Festival is going to vary, and it can be super useful to check out what fans of the following years have worn when coming up with inspiration. 

At the end of the day, you are really allowed to wear whatever makes you happy, so take your wildest dreams and run with them. 

Determine Your Wow Factor

When workshopping your outfit for an upcoming festival, take a minute to decide how much of a wow factor you want to have with it. Just keep in mind that you’ll have to carry that wow factor around with you all day. 

It is totally okay to rock a simple, understated look, but if you’re looking to turn some heads, then pay attention to things that are lightweight, easy to move in, and fun to wear. You could consider purchasing accessories for this or making them yourself. 

With all of this in mind, we can take a further look into styles and other, more specific factors of what to wear. 

What Should Girls Wear To A Music Festival?

What Should Girls Wear To A Music Festival

So now that you’ve got an idea of some of the things to think of in the big picture, let's take a deeper look into how people really dress at music festivals and why.

While gender typically doesn’t matter when it comes to what you wear to a festival, there are some things girls and women tend to go for when choosing their festival attire.

Of course, if you are a guy and want to borrow some of the tips below, feel free!

The Makeup

Makeup is a big part of the music festival style. No matter the festival's genre, people are sure to pull out all stops with creative looks, bright colors, and lots of glitter!

Just about anything that catches the light can be found on the skin of festivalgoers of all kinds. If makeup is something that you enjoy, then it is certainly something you can really show off with.

The Hair

Festival hair is another big part of the culture of music festivals. Often done to keep it out of the way for the entirety of the festival, this is a crucial part of many people’s outfits.

The fun part of festival hair is that it can be full of color and super intricate. Festivals are a perfect way to represent yourself through your hair. 

The Outfit

The traditional feminine festival outfit is one that tends to show a little bit of skin. Maybe it’s because of the hot weather, or maybe it’s just because of the wild and accepting energy that a music festival brings.

If you want to partake in this incredible presentation of sexuality and skin, then you should definitely go for it! Of course, people of all shapes and sizes are welcome to festivals in whatever they feel comfortable wearing. 

If you do not feel safe or comfortable wearing a bikini or short shorts to a festival, no worries at all. You should only be wearing things that make you feel comfortable and as amazing and magical as the music you’re listening to.

Festivals are the place to really dig into your style, and if that means wearing jeans and a t-shirt, go for it. Truly, the sky's the limit with festival fashion. 


What Should Guys Wear To A Music Festival?

What Should Guys Wear To A Music Festival?

Music festivals are the perfect opportunity for guys to let their fashion sense shine. With so many different styles and looks to choose from, it can be difficult to know what to wear.

However, there are a few key accessory pieces that every guy should consider packing for a music festival. Plus, they help you stand out from the crowd!

Let's explore some of them…

The Shoes

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A comfortable pair of shoes is essential. With all the walking and dancing you'll be doing, you'll want to make sure your feet are well-supported. Some guys go for flipflops or sliders while others keep it simple and practical in a pair of tennis shoes or some comfortable loafers.

You may not want to wear your best or most expensive joints, however, as they might be destroyed! Just choose something that matches your outfit and sustain the long day ahead!

The Eye-Wear

Sunglasses are a must-have accessory. Admittedly, we aren't necessarily talking about protecting your eyes from the sun; they always do a good job at looking cool and mysterious.

Sunglasses do not need to be a big, expensive designer purchase, and thankfully, you are inundated with choice.

The Headwear

Hats, headbands, and bandanas always go down well at festivals. Additionally, they can be a great way to keep your head cool and shield your face from the sun.

The Outfit

This aesthetic is focused on something more comfortable and easy to put together. Often you’ll see guys at a festival in shorts and a comfortable, loose shirt; It’s breathable, easy to dance in, and perfect for any festival experience. 


Tank Tops

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Tank tops are ALWAYS in. They give you the casual, fashionable and practical all in one. You can go for a bold and vibrant flavor or a top that makes a statement. Statment tops do well for pics (I'm sure you know this).

Conclusion

No matter what your personal style is, these items will help you stay comfortable and look great all day long.

About Author

Arielle P

Arielle P

Songwriter | Music Producer | Engineer.

With a background in music production and a strong passion for education, Arielle is dedicated to helping emerging artists navigate the music industry. She has worked with a diverse range of artists, from indie rock bands to well-known hip-hop and grime artists. Arielle's unique approach to teaching focuses on empowering artists to take control of their brand, ensuring they retain creative ownership throughout their journey. In her free time, she enjoys experimenting with new sounds in her home studio and sharing her insights through music production tutorials and workshops.

📧 Email Arielle