Your guide to 2018 festival trends*

We’ve had Coachella, Lovebox, Tomorrowland, Wireless and Bestival. The long-awaited festival season is in full swing – whether you’re going to a large festival or a local festival, getting dressed up in festival gear is all part of the festival fun. 

With Coachella being in April, it kicks off the summer festival season and leaves us fashion commentators with wagging tongues in anticipation of the summer's fashion trends. I am however a bit of a sceptic when it comes to trends, so it takes me a while before I take out my contactless card and cement a trend purchase. 

With that said, on the 18th August I am attending a pop up screening of the movie Dreamgirls hosted by Block Party Cinema. As part of the 'Great Fete' festival event at Alexandra Palace, the event will feature food stalls, wellbeing classes and live music from Jazzie B, and I need an outfit.
Block Party Cinema hosts events and multicultural film screenings with a twist for like minded cinema loving Londoners. If you’re in London and have an interest in movies, music, and/or street food (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?) – head over to the Block party cinema event on Eventbrite in order to get your tickets for a truly unique Outdoor Cinema experience. 

So, once you’ve got the date of a festival or summer event down in diary, if you’re anything like me, the clocks in your brain will start ticking and you will wonder what to wear. There’s no better place to turn to than the Internet for a bit of inspiration for this summer’s trends...

Safe or street?

If you’re attending a festival and want to wear something safe yet stylish - crotchet, 70s and western style clothing are the go-to options. Although these safe bets will more than often make an appearance at almost every festival, this look isn’t for everyone. And thankfully, there’s a new kid on the block. According to Lyst.com, searches for cropped hoodies have gone up by 23% in the last six months especially for pastel sweatshirts stocked by outlets such as NICCE and Adidas. I am here for this! 

There’s nothing better than a pair of  chunky white trainers and a comfy hoody for when you’re at a festival and the sun has gone down and the temperature has goes down with it. And if you don’t fancy going full street, you can pair an outfit with a personalised over sized denim jacket to complete that 90s look.

All that glitters is gold...

My ultimate festival favourite is not going anywhere anytime soon. I am a massive fan of all things related to glitter, sequins and gems. Last year, I was invited down to a NYX Make up masterclass where I fell in love with their Metallic Glitter collection - a versatile pot of glitter which can be used for Glitter eyeshadow or face and body decorating. I’ve been to 3 festivals over the summer, with one more, the Block Party Cinema event at Alexandra Palace being the final planned event this summer – these little pots have never failed me.  

But the diva in me is saying why stop there? Glitter and gold doesn’t have to be restricted to makeup. Sequined crop tops, sparkly co-ords and jackets are all I’ve been seeing this festival season and I love it. Think the glitzy and glam outfits from the film Dreamgirls coupled with a bit of edge.

The trusty co-ord

I’m a strong believer that a co-ordinate makes you look put together and gives off the message that you have your life sorted. 

Playsuits are great but heavily impractical for festivals. 2018 was the summer where co-ordinates took their spotlight, almost all retailers stock a coordinate or 10 as part of their summer range.  

My favourite co-ordinates for the festival season are the multitude of pieces available in the Maya Jama x Pretty Little Thing range. The great thing about a co-ordinate is that you can re-wear the pieces as separates – win win for all. 

Animal print

Animal print is everywhere. My recent post ‘The Pat Butcher guide to Leopard print’ talked about how to style leopard print without looking over the top. If you’re heading to a festival this summer, there is no such thing as looking over the top. The wilder (no animal pun intended) and wackier, the better. Full leopard print cat suit? No one bats an eye lid at a festival.

Accessories  

No outfit is complete with a couple of accessories. 

At present, it feels like everyone and their nan has the Gucci Marmont matelassé leather belt bag. You know, that designer bum bag that is everywhere.  There’s no denying it’s practical and fashionable at a festival. Need all your belongings in one place and want to dance the night away at the silent disco until 3am? Get a trusty bum bag. There’s also no denying said Gucci bag is expensive. Priced at £795, I don’t think Gucci was meant to be worn in a festival portaloo or to contend with festival mud for that matter. Thankfully, as the bum bag is a massive trend for all festival goers, there are plenty of Gucci dupes on the market. New Look via ASOS do a great mimic of the bag for a fraction of the price.

Whilst we’re on the subject of accessories, another thing that I love the look of is the teeny tiny sunglasses, as worn by Kendall Jenner. Are they even practical at protecting your eyes from the sun's ultraviolet rays? Maybe, but if not, they look amazing nevertheless

Mark my words, everyone will be wearing these at festivals this summer.

Mx 

NB: This post was a collaboration with Block Party Cinema. However all opinions are honest and my own.