STYLING
WHAT TO WEAR TO A FESTIVAL THIS SUMMER
By Ayis Stephen-Diver, 4 May 2026
#1: RETURN TO BOHO
Picture: Getty
Pictures: ASOS
Boho festival outfits are always winners. Coachella made the aesthetic its unofficial uniform (see: Kendall Jenner and Vanessa Hudgens’ mid-2010s festival looks) and brands like Chloé and Isabel Marant have ushered in a boho renaissance over the last few years. Trying out the trend is simple – just mix vintage-inspired pieces with modern accents. Think flowy silhouettes, maxi skirts and dresses, as well as crochet, lace, and Western details. Fully boho-ify your festival 'fit with oversized sunglasses and a fringed bag.
GET THE LOOK:
Vero Moda crochet knitted cami maxi dress in cream, £36
ASOS DESIGN Cami studded fold over boot in sand, £65
Free People boho sweet saloon maxi lace top in black, £228
Bershka Fold-over waist midi skirt in white, £25.99
#3: DOUBLE DOWN ON DENIM
Pictures: ASOS
Possibly the most effortlessly cool look you could go for? A denim festival outfit. Whether it’s jeans, a dress, a micro mini or a co-ord, denim is a festival-season staple. Nod to the 70s with Stevie Nicks-approved high-waisted flared jeans, make it Y2K with baggy jorts or opt for Kylie Jenner's simple jeans and a white top formula. Double denim is even bolder – mix your washes for a dimensional look.
GET THE LOOK:
Wrangler 70's flare dotted stripe jeans in navy, £85
Monki fold up denim mini skirt in blue wash, £25
COLLUSION 90s utility drop waist denim dress in dark wash, £39.99
COLLUSION denim capri with turn up in rinsewash co-ord, £29.99
#3: MAKE IT A MINI
Picture: Getty
Pictures: ASOS
If configuring the perfect top, bottom and layering combo feels overwhelming, strip your festival core down to one item: a mini dress. As 2026 is the new 2016, we’re seeing a resurgence of some iconic silhouettes – think ruffles, fluid crochets and dresses with metallic embellishments. Style your mini dress like Kate Moss circa Glastonbury 2005 with knee-high wellies – embrace the Britishness of it all with a Hunter or Barbour pair.
GET THE LOOK:
Lioness Elements petite chiffon drape dress, £68
Mango knitted halter mini dress with disc detial in red, £55.99
ASOS DESIGN double layer mini dress black and khaki, £26.99
ASOS DESIGN crochet knit halter mini dress in brown, £28.99
#4: DON'T SLEEP ON YOUR BASICS
Pictures: ASOS
Even easier than the mini dress? Going straight back to basics. Whether you’re a festival vet or all-out newbie, your main priority should first and foremost be ease. These simple looks still serve serious style, without any of the fuss. If you’re stumped on what to pack, a bright co-ord can secure a full look without any effort. Basic doesn’t have to mean boring, either. A baby tee with a fun slogan can be teamed with just about anything, from balloon trousers to jorts.
GET THE LOOK:
Motel co-ord Jules shimmer halter knit top in yellow, £22
Collusion denim pull on balloon jean in white, £39.99
ASOS DESIGN Curve ribbed v neck vest in ivory, £8
COLLUSION pull on longline jort, £35.99
#5: GET NOSTALGIC
Picture: Getty
Pictures: ASOS
Pay tribute to the early 2000s this festival season. Let bright colours, low-rise everything and butterfly or floral accents rule your wardrobe. When in doubt, just look to the Hilton sisters for true Y2K inspo. They defined the age’s most recognisable trends, often wearing flowy skirts and head-to-toe Juicy Couture. Plus, a Y2K outfit is the perfect opportunity to experiment with your festival makeup looks. Try out metallic eyeshadow and a hot-pink lip this season. Need more inspo? Look to Zara Larsson for a 2026 take on this trend.
GET THE LOOK:
I.AM.GIA Vira mini dress in pink ombre flower print, £85
Hunter Original Tall wellington boot in black, £120
Juicy Couture dog crest logo baby t-shirt in white, £35
Cotton On Saturday denim short in blue, £25
HOW CAN I STAY COMFORTABLE WHILE LOOKING STYLISH AT A FESTIVAL?
Optimising comfort during festival season requires the least layers possible. British weather means rain is almost inevitable, so pack lightweight layers like track jackets or windbreakers to keep cool. The nylon track jacket + satin slip combo is everywhere right now, and we’re predicting it’ll be a mainstay this festival season.
WHAT ARE SOME EASY FESTIVAL OUTFITS FOR NEWBIES?
If you’re nervous (but excited) for your first festival, don’t overcomplicate your look. Simple outfits we swear by include mini dresses and sandals, T-shirts and jeans, and shorts and a nice top. You can mix and match the formulas – layer capri pants underneath your shorts during chilly spells, or choose a different top to instantly transform the vibe of your look.
Pictures: ASOS
WHAT ARE SOME TRENDY FESTIVAL OUTFIT IDEAS FOR THIS YEAR?
Crochet hats are anticipated to be one of summer’s biggest trends – and it's an easy one to recreate. Another accessories trend to watch? Studded styles. Grungey belts, boots and bangles will be everywhere come festival season. Ponchos are also having a comeback – style yours with capris, a mini skirt and fringed boots for an instant festival win.
