Summer festivals are often the best places to people watch and check out the latest trends.
When it comes to festival fashion, an underlying theme this summer is “everything old is new again.” Some of your favorite styles from the past are back but freshened up for 2014. Here’s your festival fashion cheat sheet!
1. Birkenstocks
Although “Birks” haven’t been trendy since the early ‘90s, this summer they’re hotter than ever. Today’s versions are available in prints like florals and stripes or bedazzled with studding and colored stones. Best of all, they’re comfortable—which is perfect since you’ll be on your feet all day.
2. Overalls
Overalls are making a comeback, but the new versions aren’t loose and baggy. Most popular for summer in a denim wash or clean white, overalls are shown straight through the leg and look best paired with sandals or booties to elongate the body.
Clockwise: Downtown Straw Bowler: $13, Forever 21; Free People Button Front Overalls: $148, Shopbop; Striped V-Neck Boxy Muscle Tank: $117, Alice + Olivia; Marc by Marc Jacobs Nailed It Flat Buckle Sandals: $268, Shopbop; Clare Vivier Jane Mini Crossbody: $175, Les Nouvelles
3. Jean Shorts
You can find cute cut-offs for inexpensive prices at stores like Old Navy, Gap or Urban Outfitters. This style is age-appropriate as long as they aren’t any shorter than mid-thigh. Try a boyfriend-style pair that’s a bit looser.
4. Rompers
Worn right, rompers look sophisticated and stylish rather than juvenile. Club Monaco’s 2014 version looks like Bermuda shorts with an attached tank. Wear this with flat, strappy sandals.
Clockwise: Eugenia Kim Genie Floral Print Turban Headband: $38, Shopbop; Club Monaco Bretta Romper: $229, Shopbop; Mika Mini Plate Necklace: $69, Gorjana; Lucas Flat Sandals: $171, Tory Burch; Aztec Wrap Bracelet: $48, House of Harlow
5. Cross-Body Purse
At a festival, no one wants to lug a large handbag. A small cross-body purse is the way to go. Check out the funky fringed or woven versions.
6. Headscarves
Festivals get hot and sticky and headscarves hold hair back while still looking chic. Choose one that already has elastic builtin or fold a small vibrant scarf into a thin band and knot at the back of your neck.
7. Dainty Necklaces
Since you’ll be dancing and jumping around, a dainty necklace is much more comfortable to wear than a chunky one. A big trend this season are delicate layered necklaces, so you can wear a few at a time in varying lengths.
8. Straw Hats
Straw hats in rounded shapes or bowler styles look fashion forward and aren’t as omnipresent as fedoras; perfect when you’re in the sun for hours at a time.
9. Crochet
Crochet was everywhere during Coachella, and you’re sure to spot this trend at Chicago’s festivals, as well. Exude a Bohemian vibe with a crochet sundress, halter or pair of shorts, perfect for a concert like Lollapalooza.
10. Americana
Show your country pride with apparel in stars and stripes. You can wear this trend subtly with a star-print tee or striped maxi dress.
Clockwise: Vintage Cotton Tee in Stars: $40, J. Crew; Chambray Dolphin Short: $88, Splendid; Allen Allen Star Tee Lapis Large: $58, Nordstrom; Marc by Marc Jacobs Crossbody Classic Q Natasha Bag: $368, Barneys New York; Birkenstock Stripe-Print Arizona Sandals: $245, Barneys New York
All images created on Polyvore.
