With the big daddy of the Irish festival circuit just around the corner and pay day fast approaching, it’s vital you shop wisely to achieve the perfect Electric Picnic look. A killer festival wardrobe is all about striking the right balance between style, comfort and practicality. Easy to wear, lightweight separates such as sweaters, t-shirts, skirts, and tea-dresses are all on the menu when frolicking in fields.
Whilst festivals often come with clichés, do not let this be another year of the textbook denim shorts, plain tee/checked shirt combo. If you are planning on purchasing a couple of items for your foray into festivalling, invest in items that will stand the test of mud and rain (although we have bets on sun)…and even better again, pieces that you will continue to wear long after festival season.
It is easy to get sucked into the vacuum of mental head gear and crazy coloured clothing you will never wear again. Go for comfort, statement separates, amazing sunnies and footwear that you can throw in the washing-machine when you get home.
Get your kicks with a pair of Nike Air Max (unisex) or these black plimsolls from ASOS (women’s) that can be sported with jeans and a jumper (or crop top if you’re brave) for a casual wet weather look.
Shorts are key, especially if our predictions for the heat are on the button, and we adore the embellished shorts from our fave Folkster (€39.99) and this polka dot pair from Hype (€39).
Up top, kimonos are a key trend for women this summer and also leading into the Autumn, perfect for the boho babe festival look á la Millie Mackintosh. Alternatively, keep cool in a co-ord. We adore this crop & shorts look from Missguided (top and shorts both €19.90).
For the fellas, steer away from tacky tees with this stripy Lacoste option. (€63)
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Accessorise, accessorise, accessorise.
Hide your tired eyes with a slick pair of shades, our favourites are AJ Morgan Wayfarers, a steal at €21 and ASOS Mirrored Aviators. (€16.90)
To top it all off get yourself a cool cover-up and a hat for those cool festival nights sitting around the campsite. Forget about the ‘mac in a sack’ and go for a denim jacket or a bomber. Our picks come from missguided (€45) and ASOS Mens (€63.68). Cover your day 3 hair with a flat cap or a fedora. Folkster carries some amazing fedoras in an array of colours (€29.99) and flat caps are available everywhere at the moment. This palm tree print style is from ASOS (€19.00). Take a peek at the rest of our picnic picks below!
Women
- Daisy Street Polo Dress €19.99, ASOS
- Cropped Ribbed Jumper, €36.00, Topshop
- Cheap Monday Jeans, €77.00, Urban Outfitters
- Desert Boots, €157.15, Caterpillar
Men
- 5 Pack T-shirts, €34.29, ASOS
- Tepher jeans, €171.43, Diesel
- Backpack, €92.86, Kanken
BEAUTY Must-haves
Surviving an Irish festival can be pretty tricky due to our ever-changing weather but there are our top three beauty essentials that will ensure you look fresh-faced and fabulous whatever the weather.
- Dry shampoo is a must. It gives tired, frizzled hair a much needed revamp in seconds. Poppy Delevigne recently revealed Batiste dry shampoo is her ultimate beauty bag essential. Anyone who’s been to a festival understands the complete lack of clean shower facilities with most favouring a wipe wash, quickly wiping that filthy feeling away.
- Using a BB cream over a full face of foundation is advisable. Full make-up needs too much maintenance and festivals are all about having some care free fun. For those sleepless tired eyes, there are two must-bring essentials. The first, mascara; mascara opens up your eyes and brightens up the face but if you’ve got to day three and there is no disguising those horrid bags under your eyes a pair of sunnies will save the day.
- Applying lipstick every hour becomes a serious pain by day two; choose a tinted lip balm in bubble gum pink, keeping your lips luscious and moisturised.