Summer in Winnipeg means festival season is in full swing. With the many festivals our city offers such as the Fringe Festival or the Folk Festival, we should take advantage of all they have to offer and the unique summer styles on display.

I’ve noticed over the years attending various festivals the diverse and individual styles that come out. Fashion in general is all about expressing yourself through clothes, but I’ve noticed festival fashion is an excuse to go all out and be as crazy and different as you can. Festivals are a place to go to have fun and your style should also exude this.

Designers and style editors have been influenced by street style and festival wear. Large music festivals, such as Glastonbury, have created a distinct style which has become a trend on its own. Celebrities like Kate Moss and Alexa Chung created a grunge rocker chic look which has been used in this year’s spring and summer fashions. These looks include short shorts, leather, jean vests, over-sized tops and layered, mixed-matched jewelry.

Festivals like Coachella have become not just a place of music, but have turned into one big fashion show. Even Woodstock brought on a type of style liberation that freed all style rules.

When planning an outfit for a festival or concert this summer, make sure to take weather, style, durability and comfort into consideration. If you’re heading to an event within city limits such as the Fringe Festival or Canada Day festivities, let your creative juices flow when it comes to your outfit. Even if you’re just sporting a pair of shorts with a tank or tee, or a summer dress, top off your outfit with a hat or a pair of cat eye-inspired sunglasses to add some extra flair. 

If your festival takes place outdoors, which may include moshpits, large crowds, camping and mud such as the Folk Festival, I would highly recommended rain boots. This way you can rest assure your shoes won’t get destroyed by copious amounts of dirt and your feet can stay dry while staying stylish.

Since the weather can change at any moment, I also recommend the following:

-umbrella
-windbreaker jacket or chunky sweater
-sunglasses
-hat (try to opt for something other than an ordinary baseball
cap like a fedora, slouchy knit caps or even a visor)

Start DIY projects for your outfits. Old pants and jeans can be turned into shorts with just one pair of scissors, and long sleeved tees into tanks or cropped tops. This way you won’t have to worry about money spent on expensive outfits that will get dirty.
At most festivals, you’re free to dress which ever way you desire, but remember that some events may require a more formal look (like the Jazz Festival).

Don’t limit your creativity with your festival fashions this summer and really express your individual look. Who knows? What you wear could be the next hot trend!

Published in Volume 64, Number 27 of The Uniter (June 30, 2010)