Summer Fashion
Jul 1, 2023

Cowboy Boots, Crochet, Crystals—Every Fun Festival Trend I'll Wear This Summer

by Bébhinn Campbell

Coachella 2023 might be behind us, but a whole summer of festivals is on the horizon. Whether you've nabbed yourself a ticket to Glastonbury, Wilderness or a laid-back local fete, you'll need the appropriate attire.

Festival fashion has a very distinctive identity. You know the drill: Every April, the Colorado desert becomes a bona fide catwalk as thousands of style-savvy Coachella attendees show off their creative ensembles. We're not just talking denim cut-offs and wellies—this year alone was a spectacle of bejewelled minidresses and coastal-cowgirl getups. This Met Gala of the music world showcases a heightened version of what you can expect, sartorially speaking, from your own outdoor gig. The trends on show during the two-week event get distilled down, and many are surprisingly wearable, no matter how easy-going you expect your upcoming festival to be.

So, what should you consider when planning your outfits? When picking and choosing which trends to try, think about the expected temperature (a festival in Reading is very different to one in Barcelona), but also what you'll feel most comfortable in. Expect to be standing and moving about the majority of the day; don't put yourself in a position where you're worrying about too-tight jeans or a hemline that keeps riding up.

Keep these points in mind as you check out the five festival trends we're most excited about below. From whimsical fabrications to punchy accessories, all signs are pointing to this being a summer to remember.

Festival fashion trends: Em-Rata wears a printed midi skirt, cowboy boots, halter top and pendant necklace

Photo:

GETTY IMAGES

Em Rata's latest look is festival-ready.

Festival fashion trends: @michelleamo_ wears a crochet maxi skirt and bra top

Photo:

@michelleamo_

Style Notes: Crochet isn't exactly a novel idea for a festival, but there's no denying that it's peaked in popularity over the past couple of months—in and out of the festival scene. Personally, I think it looks the chicest in a neutral hue like cream or black.

Shop the trend:

Leset Lucy Cropped Crocheted Cotton Top

Lucy Cropped Crocheted Cotton Top

This would also look great with high-waisted jeans on non-festival days.

Nasty Gal Crochet Cut Out Jumpsuit

Crochet Cut Out Jumpsuit

This jumpsuit definitely has the wow factor.

H&M Crochet-Look Dress

Crochet-Look Dress

I think this looks really expensive. Just add gold jewellery and colour-pop accessories.

Festival fashion trends: @raeannlangas wears a pair of red cowboy boots with a white skirt

Photo:

@raeannlangas

Style Notes: I know it's not just me that's got the cowboy-boots bug because I've been spotting them all over Instagram lately. If you've made the wise decision to wear full-coverage footwear, this is a more summer-appropriate option than Chelsea boots and the like. When spending the day in a muddy field, I'd choose these over sandals any day.

Shop the trend:

Ganni Embroidered Western Boots

Embroidered Western Boots

Turn to Ganni for high-quality cowboy boots in a range of colours.

Nasty Gal Faux Suede Lazer Cut Midi Cowboy Boots

Faux Suede Lazer Cut Midi Cowboy Boots

The laser-cut detailing gives this pair a summery spin.

Zara Cowboy Boots With Contrast Flames

Cowboy Boots With Contrast Flames

These just might be the coolest cowboy boots I've seen.

Staud June Suede Ankle Boots

June Suede Ankle Boots

An understated take for the minimalists among us.

Festival fashion trends: @champagnemani wears a multicolour fringe dress

Photo:

@champagnemani

Style Notes: If it's got fringe on it, it's 2023 approved. You won't be able to resist dancing in this playful trend, especially if you opt for a longline fringed dress like Imani (note how she's paired hers with cowboy boots—that's two trends in one look).

Shop the trend:

Missoni Fringed Striped-Knit Mini Dress

Fringed Striped-Knit Mini Dress

This has 'festival' written all over it.

Raey Suede Fringe Western Jacket

Suede Fringe Western Jacket

If you plan on camping and you're attending a UK event, you'll need a cool cover-up. It doesn't get cooler than this one.

H&M Beaded Halterneck Top

Beaded Halterneck Top

This could be one of H&M's most impressive pieces to date.

Michael Kors Collection Asymmetric Fringed Satin Skirt

Michael Kors Collection

Asymmetric Fringed Satin Skirt

You'll definitely turn heads in this vibrant number.

Festival fashion trends: @aimeesong wears a see-through crystal top with cargo trousers

Photo:

@aimeesong

Style Notes: This festival season, the more bejewelled the better. I'm sure you saw some of the crystal-adorned makeup looks people were rocking at Coachella, and their clothing choices were just as shimmery. Chunky rhinestones and beaded pieces will catch the light beautifully as you bop the night away.

Shop the trend:

Camila Coehlo Cloe Tank

This is Aimee's exact tank, and frankly I can't believe it's still in stock.

Area Embellished Cut-Out Denim Jeans

Embellished Cut-Out Denim Jeans

Casual in the back, party in the front.

Raey Rhinestone Mesh Dress

Rhinestone Mesh Dress

Layer this over a slip or a bikini.

H&M Rhinestone Waist Chain

Rhinestone Waist Chain

Add this simple accessory to literally any outfit to give it a sparkly flourish.

Festival fashion trends: @marina_torres wears a white cotton dress with a milkmaid neckline and carries a large basket bag

Photo:

@marina_torres

Style Notes: If you're not the type to go all-out with shimmer and fringing, keep things simple with a romantic milkmaid-style dress. Brands such as Dôen and Reformation have so many pretty cotton pieces that are perfect for a hot day spent drinking and dancing in a field. Sign me up.

Shop the trend:

Dôen Ainsley Crochet-Trimmed Ruffled Organic Cotton-Voile Mini Dress

Ainsley Crochet-Trimmed Ruffled Organic Cotton-Voile Mini Dress

I'm not surprised Dôen has totally nailed this trend.

Urban Outfitters Arielle Lattice Mini Dress

Urban Outfitters

Arielle Lattice Mini Dress

Something about this is so nostalgic.

The Reformation Farley Dress

I know just how I'd style this—with the cactus-adorned cowboy boots above.