29 Non-Boho Ways to Nail Festival Chic
Crocheted tops, flowy maxi dresses, fringe and flower crowns — they’re classic festival style essentials, and so not your thing. And that’s totally cool. You don’t have to channel your inner flower child to get in on the main stage action. Whether you’re hitting up Glastonbury, Osheaga or the Newport Folk Festival, you do you, girl — even if that means tie-dye and all boho everything are out — because getting into the free-wheelin’ spirit is a whole lot easier when you feel comfortable (and confident) in your own skin. So how do you answer the question of what to wear to a festival then? We’ve got you covered. We scoured the interwebs for 29 stylin’ pieces that go well beyond hippie chic. From minimalist muses to athleisure queens, these are the pieces you’ll want to add to your festival capsule wardrobestat.
1. Zara Printed Jumpsuit ($70): Okay, so just because you’re not bustin’ out the whole boho thing doesn’t mean you can’t don a few psychedelic florals. This streamlined jumpsuit is majorly modern with a unexpected twist — a bright and bold botanical print. Let the good vibes flow with silver flatform steppers, a structured camera bag and sleek ear climbers.
2. Bet Barcelona Burgundy Box ($197): Who says paring down has to mean parting ways with impeccable style? This ultra sleek crossbody bag is totally fringe-free (AKA right up your alley) and doubles as a clutch, giving your essential swag a stylish home no matter what the occasion. The best part? Exchangeable front flaps mean you can switch up your look in a snap without having to do the dreaded “bag change.”
3. ASOS Camo Bucket Hat ($20): No fussy fedora for you — you’ll be keepin’ it real over here in a watercolor bucket hat with serious ’90s appeal. DO style it alongside a sporty t-shirt dress, bomber jacket and slides for an endlessly cool athleisure ensemble.
4. ADAY Late or Never Jumpsuit ($140): Lazy girls, this one’s for you! When you’re not feelin’ the maxi dress, pop this one-and-done stunner on with white sneaks, a messy ponytail and a bright bandana for a standout look that comes together in seconds.
5. Reformation Blanka Top ($58): Say nah to crochet tanks and add this flirty apron top to your festival must-pack list instead. Spotted on It girls near and far, it has the runway’s stamp of approval, especially when paired with pleated skirts, lace-up sandals and bright red lips.
6. Vans Printed Leather Slip-On ($100): Comfy kicks are a festival must, and these painterly steppers will more than deliver. The abstract leather uppers and effortless styling are enough to make any fashion-conscious lazy girl swoon. Whether you wear ’em with cropped denim or a throw-on-and-go romper, you really can’t go wrong.
7. Mango Embroidered Skirt ($60): When temps are sizzlin’ and it’s too hot to rock your favorite pair of boyfriend jeans, this embroidered denim skirt is ready to step up to the plate. Play up its rockstar vibes with a bright leather jacket and vintage band tee that’ll do you right from day to night.
8. Madewell Wide-Leg Crop Jeans ($128): As a rule of thumb, a good ol’ pair of denim is always a smart investment, and this cropped pair is no exception. The major difference between these wide-leg stunners and your go-to pair of distressed jeans? You’ll steal the show when you bust ‘em out with a graphic silk cami and bright strappy clogs.
9. C/meo for Saint Heron Perfect Lie Top — Bauhaus ($210): So much YAS. Making a statement is kind of your thing, so adding this cold-shoulder number to your lineup is non-negotiable. Stand out in a sea of floral frocks and ruffled off-the-shoulder tops by pulling out this Bauhaus-inspired architectural style with culottes and minimalist sandals.
10. Private Party Slay Sweatshirt ($78): This ultra cozy topper says it all. Even when you’re kickin’ back and keepin’ it real, you’ll be racking up the style points with this sassy sweatshirt on standby. Statement shades are obligatory.
11. Another Feather Marble Discus Anklet ($170): Stacks of bling? Not your thing. This minimalist anklet is just the little something your #OOTD needs to achieve new haute heights. Sometimes less really is more.
12. J.Crew Straw Market Tote ($50): You’re going to be gettin’ down from dawn until after dusk, so you need a bag that can handle all your main stage essentials (think: sunscreen, water bottle, kimono, etc.) — and that’s definitely not a trendy mini bag. This timeless straw tote lives up to your fuss-free style sensibilities, plus it easily folds flat so you can stash it in your backpack or weekend bag.
13. Staud The Freddie Top ($95) and 14. The Brad Skirt ($145): Acing your look is as easy as throwing on this trend-right combo with espadrilles and a messy topknot. Besides upping the ante on your festival #OOTD, it comes together just like that, so you can spend more time swaying to the music than worrying about pulling together a killer ensemble.
15. Free People Mystic River Sunglasses ($25): Protect those peepers while groovin’ to the beat with sculptural shades that will put a fashion-forward spin on any festival-ready getup. Team them with a sleeveless t-shirt dress, metallic Birkenstocks and a square scarf for a look that reads cool-girl in training.
16. Samantha Pleet Beacon Dress ($279): Festivals aren’t just about the music — they’re a great place to scope out emerging artists too. Dotted with paintings by artist Jenna Gribbon, this one-of-a-kind frock will feel right at home among awe-inspiring installations and endless creative vibes. Take it there with holographic kicks and round sunnies.
17. Zara Long Printed Bomber Jacket ($129): Dropping temps ain’t no thang when you have this longline bomber that demands attention. Team it with denim overalls, a no-frills shirt dress or a linen romper for an effortless look that always gets it right.
18. Topshop Strappy Metallic Body ($40): Oh, this old thang? For major style cred, ditch the expected fringe and rib knits for this quicksilver bodysuit with Studio 54 flair. Style it with high-waisted denim and a look-at-me lariat necklace for a ‘70s-chic look that’ll straight-up slay.
19. Need Duo Top ($78): If you want to stand out this festival season, try thinking inside the box — as in styling this boxy pocket-front top with patchwork denim shorts, gilded slides and a luxe leather backpack FTW.
20. Mango Straw Hat With White Band ($36): By the end of your main-stage stint, your locks likely aren’t looking their best (and that’s even after a good spritz of dry shampoo). Keep day-three tresses in check with a messy fishtail braid and a straw hat that would pair perfectly with a flirty floral romper or an airy maxi dress.
21. Article& Janice OTS Crop Top ($48): Pass up the chance to test drive a new trend? Not likely. Do the off-the-shoulder thing in true minimalist style with this sophisticated-yet-flirty cropped number and white ankle denim. For a ‘90s twist that has It girl written all over it, round out the getup with a choker and a berry-colored pout.
22. Zara Large Floral Print Scarf ($20): Taking along your entire wardrobe simply isn’t an option, so double-duty pieces that fuse fashion and functionality are essential. A perfect example? An oversized scarf. Sarong, kimono, blanket — you get to decide. It serves as a sartorial chameleon, ready to take on whatever comes your way.
23. Samantha Pleet Welcome Shorts — Premonition ($169): When you’re feeling so over cutoffs and ditsy floral shorts (snooze), a pair of graphic retro bottoms can do no wrong. Play it cool with a modern crop top and a statement cuff, or take the more casual route with a lace-up tee and cork wedges.
24. SixtySeven Echos Iridescent Espadrille Flatform Sandals ($106): Leaving your favorite pair of heels at home doesn’t have to mean surrendering to a weekend of gliding low. Flatform espadrilles — with iridescent straps, no less — deliver the height you crave with serious style to boot. Cue the ikat frocks and leather jackets, because you’re about to take every one of your festival getups into It-girl territory.
25. CAMP Collection Drew Ringer Stripe Tee ($52): Rocking a t-shirt at a festival isn’t exactly groundbreaking, but there’s no denying their casual-cool appeal. Swap out the expected band tee for a vintage camp shirt and proceed to style with an A-line skirt and high-top trainers for a throwback look that veers on the other side of groovy.
26. Mango Soft Fabric Shorts ($50): Because there are so many other ways to nail your music fest #OOTD than donning cutoff shorts and crochet dresses. Paired with a batik print top and glitzy ear jackets, these cheery belted shorts show boho-chic styling who’s boss.
27. Nasty Gal Can’t Even Polo Dress ($58): Bohemian babe is so not your style, but athleisure ah-mazing? Now we’re talking. This oversized polo dress is right up your alley with its relaxed silhouette and sporty chic edge that are practically begging to be paired with aviator shades and a suede baseball cap (decked out in cheeky pins, of course).
28. Mango Premium Embroidered Cropped Top ($130): Score a few extra style points with an embellished cami that’s all about the #details. Dare to be different by going monochromatic, teaming this textured top with tailored shorts, but add an arsenal of vibrant accessories for a pop of obligatory color. #nailedit
29. Zara Shirt With Embroidered Back ($70): Lazy-girl festival dressing done right goes a little something like this — silky shorts, metallic-toe slip-on sneakers and this embroidered pajama-style top. Not only will it be ideal after a long night (don’t think — just toss on and go), but it’s perfect for busting a move — no need to worry about restrictive duds or potential wardrobe malfunctions.
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