One of the most fun things about a music festival is the fashion. By contrast, one of the absolute worst things is lugging all your stuff from the car to your campsite (and back again!).
|Sponsored post |
Packing light for a festival doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice your style, it means you can spend more time dancing and less time rummaging. I’ve put together this post with all my favourite pieces to help you pack light for your next festival.
Clever layering, hard-working items, and repeat-wear outfits are all your besties when it comes to a few days of seeing your fave bands in a field. Read on to find out what to pack for a festival so you’ve got plenty of outfit options without overloading yourself.
Clothing: what to include in your capsule festival wardrobe
1. Midi dress
Midi dresses should be the top item on your festival packing list. They’re breezy enough to keep you cool on sun-soaked afternoons, long enough to keep you comfortable when sitting on the ground, and easy to layer with trainers, wellies, or an oversized jacket when it gets chilly.
They can take you from day to night effortlessly so you can go from wandering around the food vendors to late night dancing with no need for an outfit change.
A midi dress is also a perfect option if the music festival you’re going to is based in a city, rather than in a field, like Tramlines in Sheffield. A midi dress can take you seamlessly from a bar or restaurant to the next gig venue.
2. Denim jacket
Once the sun sets, your denim jacket is really going to earn its place in your bag. Even at the height of summer, it can get cooler in the evenings, especially if your festival is in the UK.
The great thing about denim jackets is that they go with absolutely everything. Wear open over a midi dress or even buttoned-up with denim shorts for a double-denim vibe that’s so wrong it’s right.
I like a slouchy, oversized jacket that can work with several layers underneath.
3. Footwear
What’s on your feet is absolutely crucial for a festival and will depend on how the weather’s been recently. If we’ve been lucky enough to have a red hot summer then the ground should be nice and dry – difficult for putting your tent up but great news for your shoes!
In this case, I’d go for a gorgeous chunky sandal, like these Barbour ones, or a pair of trainers like the New Balance 530s. Both these options will be comfortable for all the steps you’ll be doing – and perfect for raving to your fave bands!
If it’s muddy (which is more often than not the case!) be sure to take a pair of wellies to keep your feet clean and dry.
No matter what shoes you decide on, remember to wear them in before the festival. You’re going to be covering some miles in between stages, the bar, and your tent so the last thing you need is blisters.
4. Shirt
Having a shirt in your festival capsule wardrobe will do some heavy lifting when it comes to your outfits. Throw over a crop top for a bit more coverage, tie around your waist, or button up for a whole new outfit.
It adds protection from the sun, warmth, or simply a bit of style to your outfit, without taking up too much space in your bag. You can also fold it small and keep it in your backpack during the day.
5. Denim shorts
These are without a doubt my festival (and holiday) must-haves. A cool pair of denim shorts go with everything and really bring the festival vibes.
I love a faded cut off pair. Denim is such a good material to wear to a festival as it doesn’t really get dirty – no matter how many drinks get spilled on it when you get over enthusiastic!
They work well with a simple t-shirt or a statement top so you can pretty much wear them all weekend long.
6. Lightweight waterproof jacket
Of course, a waterproof jacket is an absolute must, especially if your festival is in the UK where the weather can change in an instant. Bring a lightweight, easy to pack jacket that you can have with you in your bag, should the heavens open.
Toiletries and beauty
When it comes to toiletries and beauty at a festival, you can strip your lotions and potions right back. Chances are you’ll just be doing your makeup once a day and having it on all day so you won’t need a huge amount.
Decant your fave products into smaller containers to save space and leave the shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel at home – chances are you won’t be washing while you’re away.
Here are some essentials to bring with you:
- Suncream
- Baby wipes – needed for removing makeup AND cleaning when there are no showers!
- Glitter – no explanation needed – glitter is essential for a festival!
- Dry shampoo
- Moisturiser
- Mascara
What not to pack (and why you won’t miss it)
The key to building your festival capsule wardrobe is to leave some things behind and pack lighter. Here’s what you shouldn’t take:
- “Just in case” outfits and options – plan the outfits you’re going to wear and stick to them!
- Anything you’d be devastated to lose – it can be easy to misplace things at festivals so leave expensive or irreplaceable items at home.
Top tips for packing light for a festival
- Layering is key. Bring pieces that you can wear over the top of each other when the temperature drops, or just to give your outfit a new look.
- Keep it light – remember, you’ve got to take all your luggage from your car to your camping spot so you really don’t want a heavy bag that you’re going to struggle with. It’s even worse on the way home!
- Pack items that can be worn in multiple combinations to give you more outfit options.
- Wear your bulkiest items to travel in – it’s easier than carrying them!
- Be brutal and cut items you don’t need – have a final look before you zip up your bag and leave anything that doesn’t make the cut behind.
Packing light for a festival isn’t about having less style, it’s about having more freedom. When every piece in your bag earns its place, getting dressed becomes easy and your energy stays where it should be: on the music, the people, and the moments you didn’t plan for.
Trust your capsule wardrobe, embrace the outfit repeats, and remember that the best festival memories are made when you’re not thinking about what you packed at all.
