Festival fashion trends 2019

Whichever festival you've secured tickets for, it's a chance to switch off from your usual stresses and escape your everyday life. Which perhaps explains the continuing evolution of festival fashion from practical waterproofs and wellies to statement pieces and scatterings of sequins.

Image credit: Rosa Bloom

The basics of your festival wardrobe will be dictated by the weather. If there's even a hint of rain forecast packing an adequate waterproof could be the difference between enjoying yourself and shivering sadly as you make an early retreat back to base camp.

Wellies might seem overkill if it's warm but after even a short shower those green and pleasant lands quickly turn into churned up mud-pits. Shorter wellies are a good compromise, while the hiking boots, dad trainers and sporty sandals that are so on trend right now are perfect for festivals with a promising forecast.

Clockwise from top left: Chelsea boots £90, Hunter Original; sandals £45, Office; hiking boots £455, Proenza Schouler; western boots £112, Dune; walking boots £370, Ganni; trainers £25, Topshop

Wellies, waterproof and plenty of thick socks packed, it's time to add in the stalwarts: cut-off denim shorts are almost mandatory, while a chunky sweater (Ganni make our favourites) and thermal layers will keep you warm through all sorts of after-dark debauchery.

There's something about the communality of a music festival, the way you're submerged entirely in a crowd of people, pleasure-seekers all, that encourages a real relaxing of your usual boundaries. Even the most minimalism-minded dresser can find themselves swept up in the sea of sequins and (bio-degradable) glitter.

Image credit: Peggy Pollock for Burnt Soul

Most festivals will have plenty of vintage and clubwear stalls where you can upgrade your outfit should you feel the urge, but we love Rosa Bloom and Burnt Soul if you're in the market for some serious sequins, a deluxe leotard or even a catsuit - although the compatibility of the latter with a portable-loo is questionable.

The fashion world loves a bit of sparkle too, and while a dusting of disco from Halpern, Isabel Marant or 16 Arlington doesn't come cheap it is likely to become your go-to partywear piece long after you've cut off your festival wrist band.

Clockwise from top left: top £840, Halpern; camisole £165, Needle & Thread; bustier £415, Attico; trousers £470, Isabel Marant; dress £320, Self-Portrait; dress £295, Rixo + Laura Jackson; top £345, MSGM

If sequins really aren't your thing - or you just want to mix it up a bit, there are a host of Spring/Summer 19 trends that are perfect for festivals. Tie-dye or leopard print make a slightly more subtle statement, while the prairie dress trend is an ironic nod to the abundance of nature in your surroundings. A slinky slip dress and denim jacket, cycling shorts and a tie-dye top, a utility-inspired vest and denim shorts will all look great with chunky footwear.

Clockwise from top left: bucket bag £235, Bimba Y Lola; crop top £35, Dot & X; dress £30, Dorothy Perkins; jacket £115, Hunter Original; bike shorts £12, ASOS Design; utility gilet £40, BDG; belt bag £69, Guess; headband £9, Accessorize

Keeping your hands free is vital, but lugging a loaded backpack will soon become a bore for you - and the person behind you. A clever strategy is to carry two bags: a bum bag will keep your valuables close at hand, while a small bucket or cross body bag is ideal for toting around any other essentials.

Wardrobe sorted, be sure to hone your festival beauty look with our guide to the best products to keep you feeling fresh and party-ready all weekend.