It used to be that what’s known as “Festival Style” was really only worn by those who were actually attending music festivals, but the ubiquitousness of music festivals in all parts of the world has turned this into a seasonal mainstay and it’s never been more prevalent than this year.
Now, whether you’re planning on attending a festival or not (Folk Fest, perhaps), it is appropriate to wear “Boho chic” out and about and to the office.
The same things that festival-goers are sporting have elements that are completely appropriate outside the festival venue.
To figure out how we could tweak our existing wardrobe and add to it, we headed to Chinook Centre, and got in touch with some of our favorite stores that have an easygoing style, and asked them to help us with out festival outfits.
- Find multi-function pieces
Our first stop was Get Plenty, a Vancouver-based chain that has easy-to-wear styles that work well when you’re going from office to musical performance.
Store manager, Sable Lanier, advised us to keep it simple, “especially if the outfit includes prints and patterns ... I would say that no girl should go without a flowing maxi dress this summer — go bold with a fun summer print all over, or be versatile with a solid color that you can style multiple ways throughout the seasons. Not a dress person? Opt for a pair of high-waist shorts for a different type of easygoing, relaxed look.”
The nice thing about maxi dresses and high-waisted shorts is that they've been around for a few seasons, and so it’s likely you may have them in your closet. Maxi dresses can work for even formal occasions with the addition of a short jacket, or a denim jacket if your event allows. Paired with different shoes (like a gladiator sandal or boots) and a hat, you’re ready to hit any festival in the city.
Layering is really your best friend this summer, Lanier adds. “I find that for festival outfits people tend to take one layer of clothing off, but for regular, everyday looks you should be adding a layer back on or swap out one of the pieces for something that covers a little more.”
- Combine new trends with closet staples
Kristi Hill, fashion director of Free People, pointed out that rompers and overalls are huge this year, and can be paired with boots which may already be in your closet (perhaps left over from an event just a week ago?).
Accessories can definitely help pull the whole look together and can add an element of festival style to any outfit. Body chains are in fashion, but if you’re not comfortable with wearing one during the day, any delicate jewelry can add something special to your look. Hill emphasizes that “the key is picking one or two key pieces that feel true to your personal style and styling them with items that exude a sense of ease.”
Lanier from Get Plenty adds, “I always think that you should wear accessories in two of three places — wrist, neck and/or ears. If you’re wearing jewelry in all three areas it can get overwhelming. My only exception to the rule is simple, small stud earrings in some sort of metallic tone or a diamond — then you can still get a little creative with necklaces and bracelets. If you want to wear longer earrings, then nix the necklace and just go for some bracelets. If you’re going for a simpler outfit, then go bolder with your accessories!”
- Accessorize thoughtfully
And don’t forget your head when you think about accessorizing for the festival season.
