3 OUTFITS TO TRY OUT AT CARNIVAL THIS YEAR

This year, Notting Hill Carnival is being held from Saturday 29 to Monday 31 August. J’ouvert – which marks the official start of Carnival – begins at 6am on Sunday, and you can enjoy live reggae, lovers rock, soca and more at the Sound Systems from 12-7pm on Sunday. For even more information about key events and timings, head over to the official Notting Hill Carnival website.

Being held during the August bank holiday each year, Notting Hill Carnival is a great way to spend a sunny weekend. That being said, the recent heat has made having something to cool you off throughout the day – like a handheld fan – a priority. Oh, and be sure to wear comfortable shoes – Carnival sees millions of attendees each year, so sitting spots are often few and far between. Editor and veteran attendee Jazmin Duribe has some advice: ‘Unless you’re dressing up for mas, wearing heels for carnival just isn’t necessary. I think even if you’re wearing heels for your outfit’s sake, packing a pair of flip flops or flat shoes into a bag is a safe bet. I always wear sandals or boots to prevent pain from ruining my experience.’

Now that you’re loaded with information about Notting Hill Carnival, it’s time to talk outfits. You can wear just about anything to carnival, and many people take it as a chance to let loose and experiment with bolder pieces. If you’re lost for ideas, scroll for our three ‘fits below.

This outfit has seen plenty of variations already, so it’s only right we put our spin on it. Believe us, you can style a babydoll cami + denim shorts with just about anything, but we’re leaning into the sunny weather with a sarong. In recent years, beachwear has entered everyday wardrobes, and this orange South Beach sarong is a simple way to inject a pop of colour into the neutral palette. For footwear, moto boots feel like a natural choice – they're flat, meaning you can party for hours without achey feet. Accessorise with nature-inspired jewellery to nail that sun-and-sand vibe.

 

GET THE LOOK:
01: Bershka Resin pendant cord necklace in burgundy, £9.99
02: ASOS DESIGN lace detail broderie babydoll vest in white, £18
03: ASOS DESIGN Asher flat biker boots in brown burnish, £45
04: Stradivarius Low-rise denim shorts in medium light blue denim, £25.99
05: South Beach X Liv Silverman sequin sarong with fringe detail in orange, £28

Noticed the popularity of cargo capris lately? They’re one of our favourite exports from the 00s, and they’re so easy to style. While football season didn’t go exactly as planned, your football T-shirts still deserve to see the light of day. This ringer tee paired with the capris is an instant win. Padded sandals will ensure comfort while you progress through the streets. And lastly, it’s not a Y2K ‘fit without a Y2K brand somewhere – like Von Dutch. Tossing on one of their iconic logo caps proves your commitment to the aesthetic.

 

GET THE LOOK:
01: ASOS DESIGN Baby tee with football graphic, £14
02: Teva ApreAqua Drift sandals in black, £40
03: Pull&Bear Ring detail shoulder bag in khaki, £27.99
04: Von Dutch trucker cap in infinite gold, £39
05: Bershka Capri trousers in grey, £29.99

When we said beachwear has transcended the beach, we weren’t only talking coverups. If you’re unafraid to show some skin, layer a bright bikini top underneath a mesh poncho. If you’ve got evening plans later (assuming your stomach still has space after all the Caribbean street food on offer), you could opt for a midi skirt. Another great option? These Bershka flared jeans – they feature embroidered detailing for an elevated touch. To complete the look, bring some boho into the mix with some studded sandals.

 

GET THE LOOK:
01: Bershka Embroidered low-rise flared jeans in blue, £45.99
02: Bershka Oval sunglasses in brown, £15.99
03: Motel Maliha crochet knit poncho in silver, £42
04: Bershka Buckle flat slider sandals in brown, £49.99
05: Cotton On String triangle bikini top in pink, £19