How to Do Festival Dressing When You Aren't 22 Anymore

There's a big difference between attending a music festival when you're in your teens and early 20s versus when you have a few more years under your belt. As a veteran festivalgoer, you've previously mastered the "roughing it" phase and are now glad to leave the dirt, air mattresses, and lack of showers behind. You're able to enjoy a mellower festival experience, so why shouldn't your style evolve accordingly? Deciding what to wear to a summer concert or festival as an adult should be straightforward.

We fully support the fact that the ideal festival outfit is a personal choice—nothing is truly off-limits, no matter your age. That being said, as we all get older, we learn from our mistakes (including a terrible sunburn or two). Now, heading to an outdoor concert or a weekend-long festival is a chance to wear outfits that don't only look amazing but are actually comfortable too. Which is why we're leaving our festival pieces of yesteryear behind and are going for a major style upgrade.

So what are the pieces on our must-own list for those of us who are ready to embrace effortless (and painless) festival style? Check them all out below!

Bomber Jackets

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(Image credit: @happilygrey)

Festivals are notorious for hot days and cool evenings, and as you've survived more festivals, you've learned it's better to be prepared. Pack a chic bomber jacket and you'll be ready to maximize your time listening to music.

Overalls

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(Image credit: @natalieoffduty)

The best festival looks are equal parts practical and chic. Overalls are a cute alternative to jeans, but they also happen to be remarkably practical. Style them with a cute cropped top and you'll be good to go.

Sneakers

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(Image credit: @sincerelyjules)

Sneakers are a popular festival choice no matter your age, but now that attending a festival is a more put-together affair, it's okay to break out fashionable styles that—while they may get a bit dusty—won't be trashed by the time the weekend is over.

Backpacks

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(Image credit: @alwaysjudging)

You've upgraded your festival style, and your accessories should be no different. Try a cool fashion-forward bag that is practical, yes, but will look great in the pictures too.

Statement Kimonos

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(Image credit: @gabifresh)

Good news: You've mastered the art of packing light—reworking simple basics by adding one little something extra. Try topping simple jean cutoffs and a T-shirt with a statement topper. It's an easy way to get maximum mileage out of your pieces.

White Dresses

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(Image credit: @mija_mija)

While you may have once tried sheer dresses or body-con styles, these days it's all about pulling off a cool look that won't require tons of fussing. White dresses are actually anything but simple.

Crochet

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(Image credit: Collage Vintage)

These days, there are plenty of crochet pieces that don't feel too slouchy or overly "boho". We recommend pairing crochet with something structured to give it a more fashion-forward feel.

Jean Shorts

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(Image credit: @babba.c)

Leave teeny-tiny cutoffs behind—we're major fans of cool high-waisted styles instead. 

Midi Wrap Dresses 

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(Image credit: @troprouge)

Super-short minidresses take too much work. Instead, we love the cool feel of a wrap midi dress. It's a festival look you'll want to wear afterward too.

Aemilia Madden
Contributor