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When you go to an outdoor festival, you need to dress the part. Obviously a hat, a pair of sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen are essential for the heat of the day, but what should you drape over your bod? To maximize fun and minimize discomfort, dress for convenience and weather. Wearing cute, comfy and appropriate clothing means you can enjoy yourself outside.
Comfort Clothing
You need to make comfort a priority when you spend time outdoors. If you're miserable in a pair of constricting, too-tight jeans, you're going to miss that magic moment when your favorite band plays your favorite song and you get to sing along with the crowd. To feel totally comfy, opt for a loose, flowy sundress. If dresses aren't your thing, go for a soft cotton T-shirt or tank and a pair of comfortable shorts.
Layers
Smart festival-goers work their options by layering up. Wear a bikini under your dress in case you want to bask in the sun during the hottest part of the day, and bring along a cardigan, hoodie or a flannel shirt to throw on when the sun goes down and it starts to cool off. Throw some leggings in your bag to slip on when your legs get chilly, and bring along a compact plastic poncho in case it rains.
Footwear
Good footwear is essential when it comes to outdoor festivals. You're going to be spending a lot of time on your feet, so you need to make sure your feet have good support. You can't lose with a comfortable pair of tennis shoes -- though if you're worried about blisters or foot sweat, wear socks. Broken-in sandals or flip-flops are also a safe choice, but bring some bandages with you just in case they start rubbing you the wrong way.
More Advice
Check the weather before you make your clothing decisions to get an idea of what you're in for. If you're going to a multiday festival, pack some options: bring a sweater or jacket, extra socks in case your feet get wet and a shawl or wrap for when it gets windy. You'll also need pajamas or a T-shirt and shorts to sleep in. In general, try to avoid synthetic fabrics that may start to rub or chafe. Save your leather or polyester for indoor events. You need breathable fabrics, not ready-to-wear sweat huts.
