Festival Packing: The Essentials

They’re back and we’re so excited that we’ve been packing for weeks. Here’s what’s in our festival backpack.

Oh, how we’ve longed for the summer festival these last two years. We’ve pined for the mud, the music and the meteorological madness (whether torrential rain or heatwaves). And now, finally, we need pine no longer. Festivals are back with a bang and we’re so ready for them – as is the fashion world, which has thoughtfully resurrected the classic Kate Moss/Sienna Miller-pioneered festival boho chic from circa 2004, making it all even more of a nostalgia fest. Here’s what we packed weeks ago ready for our summer of crowd surfing.

The Dress

The ideal festival dress is an easy throw-on, light and short, so you don’t overheat.

Zara

Linen Blend Draped Dress, £32.99

ba&sh

Cleo Dress, £235

Ulla Johnson

Trula Tiered Printed Cotton Dress, £335

The Sandals

No festival dress is complete without a pair of sandals, provided the weather complies. Otherwise it’s wellies a la Kate Moss, circa 2005.

H&M

Rope Sandals, £19.99

Russell & Bromley

Knottie Sandals, £95

Loewe

+ Paula's Ibiza Color-Block Webbing Espadrille Sandals, £350

The Hat

English weather is confusing, to say the least. Be prepared to keep those rays at bay with a cool hat either way.

& Other Stories

Ribbon Brim Woven Hat, £27

Lack Of Color

Spencer Straw Boater, £70

Loewe Hat

+ Paula's Ibiza Anagram Leather-Trimmed Raffia Bucket Hat, £425

The Tote

Have all your essentials to hand with a tote this festival season. We’re thinking SPF, wipes, face mist, water bottle and you’re good to go.

Mango

Striped Shopper Bag, £29.99

Isabel Marant

Yenky Logo-Print Cotton Tote Bag Tote Bag, £110

Kilometre Paris

Burning Man Basket Bag, E320

Sunglasses

Sunglasses are a festival must-have, whether to protect your eyes from the bright sun, or simply to hide the fact you slept for two hours last night.

Urban Outfitters

A.Kjaerbede Lilly Sunglasses, £18

Le Specs

Cat Eye Sunglasses, £45

Celine

Cat Eye Sunglasses, £330

By Lucy Abletshauser
July 2022