Tajinder HayerIf there is one thing that the UK does famously well, it is festivals. The season is upon us and in the coming weeks we have Wireless, Reading & Leeds, Creamfields, the mother of all of them, Glastonbury to be excited about – to name but a few.
One thing that the UK does less well is a display of stylish men at these festivals. Perhaps it is because of the excessive drinking or the extreme weather conditions; for some reason, British festivals have always come up lacking in the style stakes. Men seem to favour straw hats, unsightly vests and slogan tees, all looking the same.
We thought it a good idea to come up with a quick guide for anybody trying to approach the festival experience with a little more sartorial savvy. Read on for our top tips for building an easy ensemble of festival style staples.
The Jacket
If there is a guarantee for your UK festival outing, it is that it will rain at some point. As such, an absolute essential is an overcoat or jacket to protect you for the mud, rain and whatever else may be flying about. There is a great selection of lightweight styles around at the moment – perfect for the most British of summers.
The T-Shirt
The vest has always been somewhat of a festival fashion staple. It really should not be. When it’s cold, it is useless. When it’s warm, it simply allows for strips of sunburn on your shoulders. Invest instead in a great t-shirt, which you will wear again, festival or no festival. To dance to the beat of current trends, opt for something printed (we love this bold Givenchy number) or oversized.
The Short Sleeve Shirt
If you are lucky enough to experience one of the finer days of summer (or just at one of the many festivals hosted in sunnier climes) s short sleeve shirt in another great alternative to the dreaded vest. Once again, we would encourage embracing the collective penchant for print that this season has brought with it – massively popular at the moment and great with a plainer chino or short. We’re particularly fond of Topman’s sunflowers.
For The Legs…
If it’s jeans, it has to be skinny jeans. Skinny skinny. Circulation-restricting-and-almost-castrating skinny. Seek out a decent pair made from a good quality denim and you’ll avoid too much discomfort but still look the part. Otherwise, chinos are always a great alternative. Maybe even the chino short? The latter will work well in bright colours as part of an outfit sunnier than the skies as you and your Britishness do what you can to defy Mother Nature.
Festival Footwear
Always the trickiest element of a festival look – it is recommended that you take at least two, maybe even three pairs of shoes with you. Hunter Wellingtons are the go-to for mud and rain, whilst a pair of trendy espadrilles or even sandals would work well for when the mud has baked dry.
A Final Note
There you have it: a fail proof guide to staying stylish at your most debauched this festival season. Of course, whatever the weather, a great pair sunglasses is integral to the look. They’ll protect your eyes whether because the sun has indeed made a guest appearance, or because your intoxicated little peepers are feeling the drag of the long days, late nights and their activities.