Words: Jonathan Wells
Step away from your Spotify — because summer is the perfect time to enjoy loud, live music. From Parklife to the Proms, crowd-hyping, bass-thumping, ear-splitting experiences sound no better than when the sun is shining, the rosé is flowing and all your friends gather together in great big, good-spirited groups. And the most immersive and escapist of all of these events? Festivals.
Whether it’s Boardmasters on the Cornish cliffs or the electrifying energy of Creamfields, Britain’s most anticipated, celebrated festivals draw talent, fans and style from all over the world. And while comfort is important, so is expressing your personality, which is why we’ve rounded up a selection of key items that tick the boxes of practicality and individuality, to ensure you stand out from even the most stylish crowds.
Scoop up a shirt even louder than the music
For festivals, summer hues and prints are a must. Brighter is better. Bolder is better. So, go for eye-catching colours, head-turning designs and floaty, photogenic shirts louder than the music itself. Opt for shirts like this Printed Crepe option from Orlebar Brown; patterned with geometric chevrons that recall lapping waves and tailored in a timeless camp-collar profile. Alternatively, try Sirplus’ ‘Cornfield Yellow Linen Cuban’ shirt for a fluid cut and textured feel, with a single chest pocket and corozo nut buttons. Or, if you’re an artistic type, what better to enhance lazy nights at the main stage than a shirt by Folk? This camp-collar, relaxed fit style with a colourfully embroidered graphic will turn heads from the moment the support acts step on stage until the last encore of the night.
Buy a bold pair of statement, signature sunglasses
Next up, seek out some festival-ready frames. And the same rules should apply to your sunglasses as they did with your shirts; go big and bold. That means leaving any small, conservative pairs at home — instead investing in a statement pair of sunglasses that will become your signature accessory.
From TBD Eyewear, the unisex ‘Vicuna’ frames are round-shaped and Tobacco-lensed. Jimmy Fairly’s classic ‘Headlight’ design – the brand’s most suitable pair for a fun outing – will add a touch of retro chic to your look. Or, choose Moscot frames with custom-made tints to capture classic cool at any of the summer’s biggest festivals.
Find some functional footwear for days spent on your feet
Never ever underestimate the importance of comfortable festival footwear. With some of the best live music events and experiences located in far-flung places, you’ll need some substantial shoes to keep your feet cushioned when traipsing from stage to stage.
From North 89, these Water-resistant sneakers are an incredibly versatile option, even in wet weather, and they’re available directly from the Gentleman’s Journal online shop. For hot summer events, dunhill’s reliable ‘Duke’ sandals are durable and breathable; as ready for sun-drenched days as they are coastal festivals. Or, if you’re planning for the most unpredictable of elements, La Chameux’s traditional boots are unapologetically bold — and impermeably soled.
Bag yourself a choice piece of luxury luggage
Often overlooked — but vital — your festival luggage holds more than just the loud shirts and flamboyant fashions above. It also holds the key to making a great entrance; to sweeping towards the tents and staking your claim as the most prepared, zealous guest at the fest.
And the best festival bag? A backpack. Portable, roomy and effortless to carry, just look at Barbour’s ‘Arwin Canvas Explorer’ option for the ideal backpack blueprint. We’d opt for a deep navy knapsack, which will pair perfectly with almost anything else. As such, Mulberry’s spacious padded design also makes for an excellent option with drawstring fastening, two adjustable shoulder straps, two top handles, main compartment, internal slip pocket and front zip-fastening compartment. Finally, from Le Alfré, this ‘Le Bag de Alfré’ backpack isn’t just brilliantly lightweight, it’s also got plenty of pockets for painkillers, earplugs — and even the odd glow stick.
Want more inspiration for summer? Explore our recommendations from the summer style shoot…
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