How to Choose Practical and Colourful Festival Fashion

Festival fashion is a distinctive blend of personal style, creative flair, and practical dressing, shaped by the type of festival and the atmosphere it creates. Unlike everyday fashion, it invites a sense of freedom and experimentation. At its heart, festival fashion is about expressing who you are, whether you’re dancing in a field in Yorkshire or strolling through a Californian desert.

Leeds Festival fashion, with its love of chunky boots, layered mesh, and band tees, is a world apart from the breezy crochet and flower crowns seen at Coachella. UK festivals often lean into grunge, layering, and weather-proof style, while international events favour lighter fabrics, gemstone embellishments, and flowing silhouettes.

Festival outfits often include elements like fringing, glitter, bold prints, and sheer fabrics. Statement pieces are layered up with practical items, and comfort is always a quiet priority. Hairstyles tend to be unique and eye-catching, with braids, colourful clips, temporary hair dye, and face gems turning heads just as much as the outfit itself.

No matter the location or music genre, the best festival fashion is fun, functional, and full of personality.

Creating a vibrant festival outfit is all about layering colour, texture, and playful accessories. Start with your hair; the Blue Gingham Hair Scrunchie or the Burgundy Bow Hair Claw instantly adds flair and keeps your style in place throughout the day. Pair it with face glitter or hair gemstones for a festival finish that catches the light with every movement.

Layering jewellery is key. Mix beaded and metal pieces to stack necklaces, bracelets, and rings with ease. Combine our Green Ombre Beaded Necklace in Gold with the Stainless Steel Dual Link Chain Necklace or pair semi-precious beaded bracelets with sterling silver bangles for a bold and balanced look. Waterproof pieces are perfect here; they’ll survive any weather and stay looking fresh all weekend.

A backpack may be essential, but it doesn’t need to be plain. Clip on the Beaded Turtle Keyring and Bag Charm or the Beaded Hamsa Hand Keyring and Bag Charm for a touch of sparkle and personality. Practical and eye-catching, they’re a fun way to customise your look.

Finish off with a colourful water bottle. Options like the Moonrise Blue Metal Water Bottle with Bamboo Top or the House of Disaster Coral Water Bottle keep you hydrated in style and can complement your outfit beautifully. Add in some bold make-up or face jewels, and your colourful festival look is complete.

Festival style in your 40s is all about combining comfort, confidence, and a dash of playful creativity. Age does not mean you need to tone down your look. In fact, it is the perfect time to express your individuality with bold colours, patterns, and layering. Practicality is key, so start with versatile pieces that adapt to the day’s changing weather. Lightweight scarves such as the Bright Multicoloured Florals Watercolour Lightweight Scarf are fantastic for adding a pop of colour while doubling as a shawl or head wrap when it gets cooler or windy.

Do not overlook the importance of practical accessories like a hands-free bag such as the Vegan Leather Weekend Holdall Bag in Black or the Vegan Leather Half Moon Crossbody Bag in Silver, which keep essentials close and your hands free for dancing or eating. Adding a splash of fun with colourful hair accessories - think our Orange Gingham Hair Scrunchie or the White Patterned Hair Claw - gives your look a colourful edge without trying too hard.

Ultimately, festival dressing in your 40s is about feeling good in your skin and ready for anything the day throws at you. Embrace playful details, stay practical with your choices, and do not hesitate to sparkle with statement jewellery and accessories that reflect your unique spirit.