What to wear to a festival

What to wear to a festival comes down to three things: clothes you can move in all day, broken-in shoes, and a layer each for sun, rain and cold. Get those right and the rest is style.

Expressing yourself through clothes is all part of the festival fun. Festival style is all about creativity, so go a little crazy.

If you’re not sure where to start, we can help. Read on for our guide to fun, stylish festival wear.

Build a Festival Kit for Safety and Comfort

Before you plan your outfits, it’s important to create a festival kit. Our festival packing list covers the whole bag, from tickets to tent. These are the three basics you wear or carry all day.

Sun Protection

Festivals are often held in warm, sunny places. It’s fun to dance under the sun all day, but a severe sunburn can ruin the experience.

Shade your face with a cute, wide-brimmed hat. A baseball cap works well too.

Stylish sunglasses will complete your sun-safe look. Protecting your peepers is forever fashionable. Don’t forget to apply sunblock regularly.

Water Bottle

Prepare to stay hydrated. Keep a reusable water bottle with you at all times. If you plan to consume alcohol, be sure to sip plenty of water in between drinks.

Tote or Backpack

For hands-free fun, carry a tote or backpack with you. You’ll need to store your phone, money, keys, and tickets. There will also be plenty of festival freebies to collect.

What to Wear to a Festival in Sun, Rain and Cold

Check the forecast the day before, then dress for the day you’ll actually get. Glastonbury’s own advice is to bring sun protection, warm clothes and wet weather gear.

Hot, Sunny Days

For heat, the US National Weather Service advises lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing, because it reflects heat and sunlight.

For sun cover, the NHS in the UK suggests a wide-brimmed hat that shades the face, neck and ears. It adds a long-sleeved top, and trousers or long skirts in close-weave fabrics. One way to follow both: a loose, long-sleeved shirt over a tank top.

Rain and Mud

Pack a rain jacket or a poncho that goes over any outfit. You may not want to wear a poncho all day, but it beats getting soaked.

For your feet, Glastonbury’s packing list names wellies or sturdy boots. Wellies is the UK word for rubber rain boots.

Cold Evenings

A hot day can still end in a cold night. Glastonbury’s list notes that it can be hot in the day and chilly at night, and asks for a cozy sweater. Tie it around your waist until you need it.

Shoes

You’ll be on your feet for most of the day, so wear shoes you’ve already broken in. Sneakers or worn-in boots suit dry days. If you’re camping, pack a second pair: Glastonbury tells visitors to bring a spare pair of shoes.

Festival Outfit Ideas: Pick a Theme

When you plan your festival outfits, choose a theme and stick with it. You can keep your luggage light by taking a mix and match approach. Here are some of our favorite ideas.

Rock and Roll

Go rock and roll with black, shredded jeans. Other options include a pair of cutoffs or a denim skirt. Comfortable leather combat boots are crucial.

Pick a lighter color on top to stay cool. A classic band t-shirt or tank top will be great for dancing.

Use your accessories to add some edge. Studs, leather, and suede will give you a big dose of street cred. Try a studded belt or a leather choker.

Add a pair of classic dark sunglasses to protect your eyes and complete the look.

Boho

Bohemian outfits are another option. Channel your inner hippie with a long, floaty skirt and a macramé crop top. Or choose something short and floral.

Look for accessories with fringe and round sunglasses. Add a flower crown if you like. Make your own or search for adorable, handmade options online.

Wear your shells, rocks, and stones with pride. Boho babes are all about decorating themselves with natural elements.

A wide straw hat will look perfect and provide shade for days.

Rave Style

If neon colors and shiny fabrics are more your speed, take a cue from ravers when you pack your festival bags. This is a time to go all out and show off your wild side.

Gold, silver, animal prints, and bright colors are allowed. There are no style rules. Now is the time to wear fishnets with a hot pink, sequined bralette.

If your goal is to attract attention while you show off your dance moves, get ready to succeed.

Accessorize with body paint, glitter, and body jewels. Because where else can you dress like a club kid in broad daylight?

Casual and Cute

Would you rather not be the center of attention? It’s possible to be casual and cute at the same time. Slip your favorite pair of cutoffs on with a comfortable tank.

Tie a flannel shirt around your waist in case there’s a chill in the air. Wear a pair of canvas sneakers or your broken-in boots on your feet. A baseball hat and sunglasses will help you go incognito.

Twinning

If you’re heading to the festival with friends, consider wearing matching outfits. You’ll look adorable in photos. It will also be easier to find your pals in the crowd.

Twinning doesn’t have to be cheesy. Choose a color palette that each friend can customize with her own personal style. Or have matching festival t-shirts made before the event.

You could also shop for a variety of different pieces in the same print. Have each friend choose her favorite and accessorize independently. Be sure to bring your camera, you’ll want to share your coordinated looks on social media.

How to Style Comfortable Yet Stylish Festival Looks

No matter what theme you choose, there are a few factors to consider when you plan your festival looks.

Most importantly, make sure your clothing is comfortable. Festivals are all about moving around and having fun. Uncomfortable shoes make for a long day.

Rompers and jumpsuits are awkward in a small portable toilet. You’ll get tired of adjusting complicated underwear. If you plan to crowd surf, consider wearing shorts under your dress.

You should also choose clothes that are photogenic. There will be plenty of photo ops at the festival, and you’ll want to remember how great you looked.

Check the dress rules too, because some of them cover what you wear. These examples come from the festivals’ own pages, as of November 2026. Lollapalooza lists large chains and spiked jewelry as prohibited. Glastonbury asks visitors not to bring body glitter. Reading Festival’s list bans balaclavas, ski masks and face coverings.

Have Fun, Stay Safe, and Look Great at Your Next Festival

With a bit of planning, it’s possible to have fun, stay safe, and look like a million bucks in your festival wear. Be sure to enjoy choosing your outfits and packing your bags, it’s all part of the experience.

Don’t forget the essentials, you’ll be so glad you brought them along.