A certain kind of magic lights up the air as soon as fall hits — the leaves start to crunch beneath your feet, the air gets crisper, and, of course, the music festivals come to life.
There’s one thing we all know: No matter what genre of music you love or the style of festival you gravitate toward. Part of the fun of attending a music festival is in the anticipation of planning those fantastic festival outfits. Let’s jump in and create the perfect fall music festival ensemble in seven simple steps.
Step 1: Understand the Fall Festival Fashion Trends
Music festivals aren’t just about the bands, the food, or the atmosphere — it’s about expressing yourself and your style in a vibrant, public setting. One thing’s for sure: Festival outfits need to be on point regarding trends and sartorial savvy.
Try and pin down what’s in and out for the fall season. Velvet? Fringe? Leather? Check what’s hot this season, and see how to incorporate these trends into your festival style. That said, while being trendy can be important to developing the perfect music festival look, you want to stay true to yourself. So even if the fashion mags say velvet is out, if that’s part of your signature style, embrace it anyway!
Step 2: Choosing the Right Layers
Fall can be a seriously unpredictable mix of warm afternoons and cool nights. So, how do you dress for a full day of dancing and singing along to your favorite tunes without freezing by midnight or overheating at noon? The answer is layers.
A light, flannel shirt can work wonders when thrown over a graphic tee. Or how about a cool denim jacket over a boho dress? The options are endless, and if chosen right, they can add a dimension of style and functionality to your festival outfits.
Step 3: Consider Comfort
We’ve all been lured by the siren song of a pair of stunning but uncomfortable shoes. Resist the temptation! You’ll be on your feet, moving to the beat most of the day, so comfort is key.
Opt for stylish sneakers or ankle boots. The same goes for clothes — think breathable fabrics and cuts that allow you to dance freely. While skinny jeans might look cool, a loose pair of boho pants might be better for a day-long event. A weekend at a music festival is a marathon, not a sprint, so plan your outfit accordingly.
Step 4: Accessorizing Your Outfit
What’s an outfit without a cherry on top, a hat on top, or perhaps a chunky necklace? Accessories can pull your festival look together and give it that final, personalized touch.
For fall, consider wide-brim hats, patterned scarves, or layered necklaces. Don’t forget a stylish yet practical bag for your essentials. Fanny packs are a festival favorite, but backpacks or cross-body bags can work, too.
Step 5: Incorporating Music Genre Influence
The type of music you’re vibing to can play a significant role in the outfits you choose. A rock festival may call for edgier pieces — think dark colors, leather, and band tees.
A folk or indie festival might lean towards boho styles, with lots of flowy materials, floral prints, and earthy tones.
If it’s an electronic festival, go all out with neon colors, funky patterns, and daring cuts. Think of your festival outfits as an extension of the music you’re there to celebrate.
Step 6: The Power of Colors
You’ve got the trends, layers, comfort, accessories, and music influence down. Now, it’s time to consider colors. Autumn brings a palette of rich, warm tones — burgundy, mustard, burnt orange, deep greens, and earthy browns.
These colors mirror the natural changes around us, and incorporating them helps set the perfect fall festival mood. However, this isn’t a hard-and-fast rule. If neon pink or electric blue speaks to your style, rock it! It’s all about expressing yourself.
Step 7: Finalizing Your Look
Once you’ve made these small decisions to build your ideal festival outfit, stand back and take a good look. Is it cohesive? Does it look like you? Don’t be afraid to make adjustments until it feels right.
Once you’re satisfied, pat yourself on the back. You’ve just created a festival outfit that’s stylish and perfectly suited to your taste and the rhythm of the season.
The Last Dance
With a touch of trendiness, a sprinkle of comfort, a dash of accessories, a slice of music influence, a hint of color, and a whole lot of personal style, you’re now ready to hit the festival circuit with a look that will turn heads and have you strutting your stuff with confidence.