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How can I dress for a music festival in my forties? (We are going in and out on day tickets, so no camping!)
How marvellous. Can I come?
It occurs to me that this raises a really important point. I am regularly asked about age-appropriate dressing and I always say the same thing. If something looks good on you, if you like it and feel confident in it then wear it. I feel strongly that any discourse on what you can and can’t wear at certain ages is immaterial.
I also understand that once you’ve got the tickets the dread sets in about what to wear. These are the issues as I see them: the location, the mercurial nature of the British weather and exactly what you plan to be doing at said festival. Mainly sitting, mainly dancing, eating, drinking, or all of the above? And lastly, and this one is important, what is your style type?
It’s a similar phenomenon with occasion dressing, when people often feel that they need to branch out and be someone else. Festivals seem to provoke the same feeling — some women plaster themselves in head to toe glitter or buy cowboy boots when neither of these things has ever remotely appealed before. There is nothing wrong with any of these but try to stick in your style lane, at least loosely.
Mix the practical elements with the fun. One always needs to be prepared for hailstones, freezing cold temperatures, torrential rain (and ensuing mud bath) or even a heatwave. I’ve had all these at festivals over the years. Always have a raincoat of sorts — Rains make great inexpensive options that can be stuffed in a bag or tied around the waist. Eco-brand Protected Species has fully waterproof, breathable (so you will not roast), rollable coats that can also go in the washing machine (see earlier mention about mud). I rather like the waterproof parka in dark olive (£225, protected-species.com) as it’s a classic that doesn’t date, looks fabulous over denim shorts, vest top and shirt and can be whipped on and off easily. Alternatively, if you want structure, Plümo’s waxed one (repellent, not waterproof) along with matching hood (£369, plumo.com) sits well with dark denim, black and reds.
Have a welly too. Go short with this punchy Camperlab Walden style from Camper (£180 in the sale, farfetch.com) — good with denim, navy, purple or greys — or try Aigle for a long boot (£120, aigle.com). Be advised they don’t do extremes of temperature very well so you will need a warm sock for cold nights and a cotton sock for hot ones! The brave could try a jelly shoe instead — I love the chunky Homeria pair from Ancient Greek Sandals (£155, ancient-greek-sandals.com).
I would argue that the iconic Kate Moss outfit of jean shorts, waistcoat and wellies is one of the top looks of all time (if I had a festival moodboard). This slubby linen Frida waistcoat from Plümo is a perfect casual summer addition (£129 in the sale, plumo.com). For a less bottom-skimming pair than Moss favoured, I like this Bermuda Suzy style from Gather and See (£135, gatherandsee.com). If you want a plain tee, the Sonoma by American Vintage is really great, flattering around the neck, and offered in a smorgasbord of colours! (£55, americanvintage-store.com).
If it rains you can add knee-length wellies, a hoodie, a T-shirt and your raincoat. If the sun is shining go for a vest and sandals, with a shirt tied around you for good measure. Start looking at some images of famous festivalgoers. I always like to see what DJ Jo Whiley, who is almost 60, wears. She usually favours a fantastic dress and trainers but switched this year to an array of co-ords, such as shimmering shorts and shirt by resortwear label Oseree, which can be replicated in cottons if you want a more daytime look. Try Rise and Fall’s organic cotton poplin shirt (on sale from £57, riseandfall.co).
If shorts really aren’t your thing, then how about a denim skirt instead (less easy to sit in, mind). Look at Picknweight or Vinted for easy denim skirts or The Outnet currently has 170 to choose from, anything from Re/Done or Ganni. But if you favour a ’70s or more boho vibe, then there are special maxis everywhere. Frame’s Dorothy distressed denim midi skirt (£270, harveynichols.com) works if you’re tall and opt for the Midaxi if you’re more petite. Add a relaxed top like this pretty floral Garden blouse from Plümo (£98, plumo.com).
Double denim also works a treat — lightly tuck in your denim top or shirt if you have a shorter leg — this lengthens it and positions the waist higher up or leave the shirt untucked if you are longer limbed. If you want one that’s more like a jacket then you could go a bit longer and heavier — like the Camryn from the always brilliant Agolde, (£300, netaporter.com). Please note it is long and oversized so it may be more dress-like on a petite height.
If you’re after something for the evening or just a little more glamorous, why not add some metallics? Start with a simple white tee and then add a sequin or metallic trouser — check out the charity shops for these. Or you can flip it and have a gold jacket or top with a simple jean or easy trouser. Styland’s incredible hooded jacket will literally turn any simple denim, black, cream or red outfit into a party look (£302, farfetch.com). If you’re a dress person then a tank dress is easy to dress up or down and can be layered with a shirt, knit, jacket — whatever, really. These shapes look fantastic on a curvy figure.
Lastly, why not finish it off with a flourish? Add a hat! Always a festival favourite. I usually grab a big old straw hat (usually from my last hot holiday) as it helps with festival hair and keeps the sun off. John Lewis has a good crochet one (£25, johnlewis.com). If there’s a deluge you could try L’Hood’s leopard Ritza style that turns into a wristband when the rain abates (£49.99, l-hood.com). Last but not least a large pair of sunglasses. Essential for covering up tired eyes. Don’t take your best pair though, just in case! Le Specs Liar Lair sunglasses are just right (£55, johnlewis.com).
Ask Anna
Anna Berkeley is a London-based personal stylist. Every month, she answers readers’ questions about fashion and what to wear. Have a question for Anna? Email her at [email protected]
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