Unlock your festival style: Fashion experts spill secrets to ace the look beyond the classic black T-shirt and jeans

The music festival season is almost here as concert goers travel to Arunachal Pradesh later this month to attend Ziro Music Festival first as the calendar unfolds over the next few months. Every year, there are plenty of music festivals that are hosted in India and around the world, and some of the most iconic ones are held from September onwards. Unsurprisingly, music concert and festival attendees in the country are as excited as can be to witness their favourite musicians play their hearts out on stage. The excitement is not only for the music but also to indulge in the experience with friends and family while sipping and eating some good food and drink. It also gives many the opportunity to bring out the fashionista in them and dress their best with a pop of colour.

As Mumbai hosts quite a few of these festivals including Independence Rock music festival, SPXCEJXM Music Festival, Sunburn Music Festival, and even Kygo's Palm Tree Music Festival, it is definitely going to be a lot of fun. Just as the number of festivals have increased over time, even music festival fashion has evolved. While fans, usually male, who this writer has spoken to at many of these festivals, earlier wore the classic black T-shirt and blue or black jeans, today are experimenting with anything but monochrome.

It is a trend spotted by industry experts like Amol Kadam, head designer at Spykar. He explains, "In the 1960s, the hippie movement influenced festival fashion, with people wearing flowing skirts, tie-dye shirts, and sandals. In the 1970s, the disco era saw people dressing up in sequins, platform shoes, and bell-bottoms. The 1980s brought the rise of hip hop, which influenced festival fashion with its baggy jeans, oversized T-shirts, and sneakers. In the 1990s, grunge music inspired festival fashion with its plaid shirts, ripped jeans, and combat boots. And in the 2000s, festival fashion became more eclectic, with people mixing and matching different styles."

Dressing for music festivals
While these have ruled in the past, he says, today festival fashion attire is more diverse than ever before because there is no right way to dress for them. Since people are free to express themselves in any way they want, there are many different styles that one can experiment with. Some popular trends in recent years, Kadam shares, "Boho chic, festival wear and cosplay have become popular in recent years. While boho chic is characterised by flowing skirts, maxi dresses, peasant blouses, and lots of jewellery, festival wear is more casual and comfortable, and often includes items like denim shorts, graphic tees, and sneakers." It is not only limited to these but also cosplay that has been becoming very popular as people dress up as a character from a movie, TV show, or video game.

Interestingly, there are many festival attendees who are even opting for trendy street style fashion, which has been defining and making a statement not only among Gen Z but also Millennials in the last few years. Ratika Kochar, co-founder of Haands Free, a Delhi-based vegan fashion accessory brand, explains, "With street style being the latest trend these days, festival fashion has evolved over time. People look more for comfort and easy-going clothing rather than too much bling and uncomfortable clothes. It's all a lot of crop tops, cargos, a cap and a sling bag and you are all ready to rock the festival."

In fact, Kochar and her co-founder Neha Tandon have seen a lot more people opt for minimalistic fashion too, and that's probably why their sling bag is also more popular. "Everyone wants to be comfortable when they go out and what can be better and easier than a sling which can carry everything from your credit card to your sunglasses, your cash in just a tiny sling bag. There is no hassle to carry big bags anymore because it's trendy, chic and definitely comes across as a safe bet in a crowded place when you have it on as a crossbody. Your hands are free to move around and enjoy the festivities too," explains Tandon.

To stay trendy, Kadam says people can keep certain elements in mind when picking out what to wear. As always, there is no need to buy something new but mix and match from everything you have in the cupboard. "Start with a standout statement piece, such as a vibrant sequined jacket, or funky hat. Build the rest of your outfit around this focal point. Mix textures by combining lace, denim, for visual interest and depth. Play around with prints by mixing prints and patterns, such as pairing a floral skirt with a striped top or a tie-dye dress with a solid-coloured jacket." Last but not the least, even if you ditch the classic black, he says experimenting with a monochromatic outfit in a bold colour is a good option because it can create a striking visual effect.

While one can wear anything they want, the weather is always a challenge, especially when attending music festivals that can range from anywhere between three to eight hours on any given day. It also means that people have to deal with the afternoon heat and sweat, followed by the cooler climate at night. To cater to this, Kadam stresses on the need to dress according to the weather and to pick outfits that you are comfortable in.

Beyond that, he says one can further experiment with their fashion by keeping a few things in mind. He shares tips, "The type of music you are going to see may influence your outfit. For example, if you are going to an EDM festival, you might want to wear something flashy and colourful. Don't be afraid to express your own personal style. The most important thing is to feel comfortable and confident in what you are wearing.You will be doing a lot of walking and dancing, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Your clothes will likely get dirty and sweaty, so choose items that are made of durable materials." Last but not the least, one shouldn't forget about accessories to add a personal touch to your outfit. "Consider wearing jewellery, hats, sunglasses, or a fanny pack," he adds.

Accessorising for music festivals
While accessories add a unique touch to your appearance, Priyanka Sanghi, CEO and founder of Hair Drama Co, agrees with Kadam, and believes music festivals are the best time to experiment with hair accessories. She explains, "Hair accessories play a vital role in music festival fashion by adding a touch of individuality and creativity to the overall look. As festival goers spend extended hours immersed in the vibrant atmosphere, these accessories serve both practical and aesthetic purposes." Sanghi says they can not only help manage and style hair throughout the day but also allow attendees to stand out and express their unique style.
In fact, the hair accessory brand has also been a part of music festivals themselves with a "Hair Bar" experience booth. At the store, they elevate the music festival fashion experience with hair makeovers that include braids, hair jewels, face shimmer tattoos and glitter hair too. "It has enabled attendees to experiment with various styles, making self-expression a core element of the festival experience. This fusion of hair artistry and festival culture has redefined how people approach music festival fashion, turning it into a multidimensional visual celebration," she adds.

So, how does one choose and transform their hair accessories to suit the festival experience? She suggests, "People can opt for headbands that are bejewelled or have embellishments because they can add a touch of glamour and sparkle to any hairstyle. Using delicate hair chains that are woven into braids or hanging loosely can create an ethereal and bohemian vibe. Hair pins and clips adorned with crystals, beads, or symbols that resonate with the festival's theme add a playful and spirited element to the hair." Attendees can also choose to go for the classic accessories like tying colourful bandanas or scarves around the head to add a pop of colour and a touch of retro flair. Floral crowns are another timeless favourite, which she says bring a whimsical and nature-inspired element to festival looks.

While these may mostly seem like style tips for women, Sanghi says men can also wear headbands, especially those with patterns, textures, or metal embellishments to add style while keeping hair off the face. "Using hair ties that match the festival's theme or your personal style, whether it's a vibrant colour, a subtle pattern, or even a metallic finish. Even incorporating small beads or charms into braided sections of hair for a tribal or bohemian touch can work. Using discreet hair pins or clips to secure hair away from the face, allowing for an effortlessly cool look. Experiment with hats or caps that complement your festival attire and help manage longer hair while adding an extra layer of style," she adds.

If you want to elevate your look beyond just your clothes, then Sanghi says you have to pair your accessories and attire accordingly to make a lasting impact. The fashion entrepreneur says you can pair a flowy bohemian dress with a delicate floral crown to create a harmonious and romantic look. Combining denim shorts with a tied bandana and playful hairpins for a casual yet stylish ensemble is also another look that you can easily pull off. If you love the boho-chic vibe, then embrace it by matching a maxi skirt with a hair chain and headband for added drama. Don't give up on the classic graphic T-shirts and instead add a touch of edge by accessorising with a colourful scarf tied as a headband and eye-catching clips. Women can also opt for a retro jumpsuit and elevate the look with a bold headband that contrasts or complements the outfit's colour palette.

Taking care of your skin
Now that you have put together your music festival ensemble, one must not forget to adopt a skincare routine, especially because one can enjoy a music festival but with the weather, dust and sweat, the skin shouldn't be taken for granted. Ritika Jayaswal, founder and CEO of skincare brand Nourish Mantra explains, "Attending a music festival can be exhilarating, but it is essential not to neglect your skin amidst the excitement. Your skin can undergo various challenges during festivals, such as exposure to sun, dust, sweat, and dehydration. Maintaining a skincare routine even during these energetic days can help you enjoy the festival without compromising your skin's health." She reminds that healthy skin not only enhances your appearance but also provides a protective barrier against environmental stressors.

Even as you want to focus on skincare, some festivals may not allow you to carry products inside the grounds, and that means you have to do all you can while getting ready at home.

The skincare routine doesn't end with getting ready for the festival, but also continues after the festival is over, and you are back home. Before you go to bed, remove your makeup and cleanse your skin. It is best to use a makeup remover or cleansing oil followed by a gentle cleanser.