Groove in style: From new boho to utility chic, diversity in festival fashions

TORONTO – As music lovers flock to festivals, a growing contingent of concertgoers are transforming outdoor venues into makeshift runways with eye-catching ensembles worthy of their own spotlight.

Coachella and Bonnaroo may be in the books, but images from the recent music festivals endure online, with galleries showcasing attendees in boho- and hippie-inspired styles like tie-dyed tanks, free-flowing maxi skirts, denim cutoffs and woven headbands.

“In terms of festival fashion, I’ve seen both men and women becoming more adventurous,” said Toronto-based Fiona Green, who has styled high-profile stars like Oscar winner Jennifer Lawrence and pop star Katy Perry.

“I think people are experimenting with their look more, whether it’s their clothes or their beauty look.”

The freelance stylist said vintage or vintage-inspired pieces tend to be among the staples in assembling a festival ensemble, whether it’s a girly baby-doll dress or classic rocker tee.

Green recently teamed with Winners to create festival-ready looks highlighting fashionable must-haves and exploring how famous concert attendees are also helping to shape or reflect trendy styles.

Kate Moss has been a longtime fixture at the Glastonbury Festival with muddied wellington boots an essential part of her ensembles. Green said she was inspired by photos of the British supermodel and style icon attending the English fest, where Moss is seen mixing lingerie and vintage-inspired pieces with more utility chic garments.

Want to borrow a page out of Moss’s festival style playbook? Green suggests teaming a pair of dainty shorts with a romantic printed top, such as a floral patterned tank. An anorak jacket and a pair of wellington boots can come in handy in the event of a sudden downpour or muddy conditions, she noted.

For a fresh take on bohemian chic, Green suggests infusing a western-inspired style — and a touch of Canadiana — by teaming a denim vest with a plaid shirt and a graphic print tee. A studded skirt adds a bit of edge to the ensemble, she noted.

“I think what’s so great about this mix of prints is that you have something that’s quite traditional with the plaid, but it’s a little bit washed out so it isn’t like a super punchy graphic print. And then the more feminine bohemian-type print underneath just kind of works nicely together as a whole vintage-inspired message.”

To round out the boho-western-inspired ensemble, Green suggests a wide-brimmed sun hat — which she describes as a festival staple — in addition to a cross-body woven bag and western-inspired boots.

To channel a ’60s retro vibe with festival style, Green recommends teaming a dressier, psychedelic print top with another more casual fest essential — the cutoff denim short.

But it’s not just Woodstock-era styles that are making a splash. The ’90s style resurgence continues to loom large, and is also translating to women embracing iconic slipdresses and sundresses reminiscent of the era, Green noted.

In addition to the cross-body bag, Green said the knapsack is another great hands-free alternative, one which is being injected with a “grunge punk element” with models featuring studded detailing.

“It’s great if you want to invest in a cool statement accessory, but you want to make sure it’s something that will take you through a variety of different looks,” said Green. “I think by choosing neutrals … (with) one detail or element that’s a little bit more unexpected, that’s a good purchase for you for the entire summer season.”

For individuals opting to add a single key piece to their existing wardrobe, Green suggests choosing new footwear.

Women seeking to shake up their shoe style while staying comfortable may want to consider a gladiator sandal.

“It’s so essential to have a flat shoe, and I think that item translates through a lot of different personal styles,” Green said. “Whether you’re a girly girl or you’re into more of a tomboy look, there’s some flexibility there.”

For men, Green said footwear is the easiest place to be experimental especially when it comes to colour, like sporting a pair of bright yellow runners.

“It’s just physically a little more separated from your look,” said Green. “Also, just in terms of what’s on the market, the statement sneaker is so huge across the board, all the way across from fast fashion to luxury.”

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