What To Wear to a Music Festival: Outfit Inspiration

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When building a music festival outfit, you need a look that’s stylish enough for Instagram, comfortable enough for dancing, and practical enough for surviving outdoors. That’s a tall order!

Thankfully, this guide will help you decide what to wear to a music festival that balances style, functionality, and comfort. Whether you gravitate toward boho-chic dresses or weather-ready footwear, our tips will help you nail festival fashion as unforgettable as the event itself.

Outfits for festivals: 16 styling tips

When it comes to music festivals, clothing is almost as important as the tunes. Here are 16 styling tips for women’s festival outfits so you feel your best while you rock out.

Tops

Below are our favorite tricks for finding the perfect trendy top so you look great (and stay cool) from sunrise to sunset.

1. Choose breathable materials 

Music festivals are usually hot, so reach for lightweight fabrics like cotton, linen, and mesh to keep cool. Pair a crochet crop top with high-waisted shorts or a skirt for a boho vibe with good ventilation.

If you’re shopping for this aesthetic, brands like Free People and Anthropologie have great options—find them at a fraction of retail price on ThredUp.

2. Layer with oversized shirts or jackets 

Festival weather can be unpredictable, so don’t forget your layers. An oversized denim jacket or flannel shirt doubles as a stylish accessory and will keep you warm if the temperatures dip when it gets dark. During the day, you can tie the flannel around your waist. 

3. Embrace bold prints and colors

Festivals are the perfect opportunity to get creative, so channel the event's energy by wearing band tees, patterned psychedelic shirts, or tie-dye crop tops. Try these pieces with neutral bottoms so they stand out. 

4. Avoid restrictive fits 

Choose loose-fitting or stretchy tops that let you move freely at the festival. Tight shirts might look great in photos but can become uncomfortable while dancing and walking. 

Dresses and skirts 

Dresses and skirts are the ultimate cheat code for festivals—they’re a quick way to add flair to an outfit and stay cool while dancing. Here are a few tricks for choosing one.

1. Try a flowy maxi dress 

A maxi dress from a store like Urban Outfitters is a festival favorite for a reason. It’s breezy, super-comfy, and effortlessly chic. Search for skirts with bohemian patterns or fringe details for added flair, and pair them with sneakers or combat boots for an edge.

2. Wear a miniskirt 

Miniskirts are great additions to any outfit, but prioritize options with shorts underneath for added security. Wear a distressed denim mini with a crop top and sneakers for a casual vibe, or try a sequined tee for extra sparkle. If a skirt isn’t your style, try cropped denim jeans or leather pants instead. 

3. Layer a mesh dress over bike shorts

Mesh dresses are all the rage for the festival season. If you love this party dress trend, wear bike shorts and bandeaus underneath see-through items for coverage. Match the top to the shorts for a cohesive look, and add a mini backpack to store your water bottle and snacks. 

4. Stick to low-maintenance fabrics

Festivals can be dusty or muddy, which is rough on your clothes. So when choosing a dress or skirt, avoid fabrics that wrinkle easily or require special care, like suede or silk. Instead, wear clothes made of cotton or polyester blends that can handle a day in the sun. 

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Accessories 

Fun accessories are the finishing touch that ties your music festival outfit together. Here’s how to find the right pieces to help you enjoy the festival to the fullest. 

1. Add statement sunglasses 

No festival season look is complete without a cute pair of sunglasses. Go oversized, mirrored, or geometric—the choice is yours. For maximum impact, pick a pair that suits your face shape and ties your outfit together. 

2. Don’t forget a hat

A hat is another stylish way to protect yourself from UV rays at a festival. For instance, try a cowboy hat with a Western-inspired get-up. Or, reach for a bucket hat, sleeveless knit tank, and duster jacket for a street-style vibe. 

3. Choose a hands-free bag 

A belt or crossbody bag is the ultimate festival accessory—with your hands free, you can dance harder and snap more photos. This type of purse puts small essentials like sunscreen, your smartphone, a power bank, and a protein bar within easy reach.

4. Experiment with jewelry and bandanas

Layered necklaces, chunky bracelets, and fun earrings add personality to your music festival outfit. Bandanas are a versatile accessory you can tie around your neck or head to absorb sweat and add a pop of color. They also double as dust protection when tied around your face (Looking at you, Coachella and Burning Man!).

Footwear

When you go to a music festival, you’re in for plenty of walking, dancing, and maybe even hitting the mosh pit. Shoes can make or break your festival season experience, so here’s how to choose the perfect footwear. 

1. Opt for durable sneakers 

Sturdy sneakers are the star of festival footwear, as they keep your feet cool and comfortable in the crowd. Shop for a pair with cushioned soles and breathable materials for the ultimate cozy fit. 

Chunky dad sneakers will add a retro vibe to your outfit, while the classic white canvas style works well with boho dresses and distressed shorts.

2. Embrace combat boots 

Combat boots are excellent for stomping through festival grounds and looking great while you do it. Pair them with a flowy dress for contrast or denim shorts for something more grunge-inspired. 

‍Pro tip: Make sure the shoes are broken in to avoid blisters.

3. Skip open-toed shoes

Open-toed options like flip flops and other sandals are tempting, but don’t do it. These shoes are no-goes for music festivals because they leave your feet vulnerable to dirt, mud, and being stepped on in the crowd. They also don’t offer any support—your ankles will thank you for skipping this footwear.

4. Add insoles for extra comfort 

Festival season’s long days call for extra support, and that’s where insoles come in. Add gel or memory foam insoles to your favorite festival shoes for added comfort. 

‍Pro tip: Test the insoles beforehand to ensure they work for your feet. 

Thrift clothing for festivals on ThredUp

Building your dream music festival outfit doesn’t have to drain your budget. With ThredUp, you can thrift affordable, fashionable, preloved pieces that fit your budget and style. 

Visit our digital thrift store to buy tops, bottoms, and dresses online. With 50,000 new items dropping daily, ThredUp has everything you need for unique festival outfits, from denim jackets to cowboy hats.

If you need inspiration for the festival season, try our AI-powered Style Chat feature. We’ll help you mix and match pieces to find your perfect festival fit—just let us know the look you’re going for, and we’ll show you options to shop.

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