The Culture of Festival Attire
Attending a festival is a must during the sunny season. The anticipated joy of seeing a bunch of your favourite artists all on one stage and the dopamine overdose that comes with it. That's why feeling and looking liberated is the main priority.
When you think of festivals and daring outfits the first thing that comes to mind is probably Beychella (Coachella) or Glastonbury. Seeing a sea of people wearing crochet anything, cowboy boots and sheer clothing with a drug of choice is all part of the experience. But, how did “what you wear to a festival” become a universal understanding?
Originally, festivals were tailored to those who strived for self expression. In the 1960’s there was a rebellion in society, the people felt caged to a very tailored way of living and needed to break free. We know them today as ‘hippies’. They wanted to be freed from corsets, ties, string quartets and go to a space where it was socially acceptable to be yourself. They were alt asf.
Then came the 70s with Glastonbury and the hippie vibe was mixed with the insurgence of punk and glam rock. A favourite festival I like to reference was Woodstock 1969 held in New-York City. It was a one weekend festival but back then they had Jimi Hendrix at a time where America was facing deep social and political fatigue with the Civil rights movement. Just over 400,000 people attended, this was also when AfroPunk was at an all time high. There were bellbottoms, afro hair doused in olive oil spray and Lennon glasses.
(Quick shoutout) Jimi Hendrix is a big influence in the talks of feeling liberated and breaking social norms. To me, to most, he is the father of rock. In the 1960s where rock music was seen to be dominated by white people Jimi Hendrix, just by being himself, showed that there is more space for you than what is given to you. He also stayed having a nasty silk Victorian style shirt and low waisted flares.
Fast forward to the 2010s was the hype of Coachella. Vanessa Hudgens, Kylie and Kendall Jenner, and Gigi Hadid single-handedly brought back boho-chic with their overly fringed tops, distressed high-waisted shorts and flower crowns. I did think their looks were pretty performative and kind of costume-y. But hey, they looked great and fashion is meant to be fun anyways !
Today festival fits are pretty much the same and are approached with the idea of feeling comfortable in yourself. Festivals are not so alternative niche, social rejects anymore but now have various artists which bring all kinds of people together, and that will always be the beauty of it.
The idea of people being in blue jean jorts and spikey fishnets singing the same song, awww music is so special. So the next time you go to a festival, remember to put on your rose tinted glasses and release your inhibitions xxx
Written by Essie Francis
