Not Flower Crowns, Not Face Glitter—This Is How to Build a Stylish Festival Outfit in 2025

Every year, when spring melts away into summer, there’s a discerning sense of anticipation in the air. This excitement, of course, can only be attributed to the upcoming festival season that will soon kick off. Indeed, from now until September, every available park across Europe will be transformed into a hub of live sound, allowing us to dance away the winter blues and wallow in the presence of seeing our favourite musical acts perform live.

The crown jewel for many music lovers is, of course, Glastonbury. For five nights in late June, the fields of Worthy Farm in Somerset will play host to legendary recording artists, drawing a crowd of around 200,000. But for those who missed out on nabbing a ticket, there are plenty of other shows to get your pulse racing. From day events like Outbreak Festival to Charli XCX’s inaugural festival, it’s safe to say there are more than enough big days out to give you your festival fix.

Once those tickets are secured, however, it’s time to turn your attention to dressing. Styling a music festival outfit requires a little more thought and consideration than everyday looks. Some treat the green pastures like a runway, others, like a time capsule, wearing whatever boho-chic look Alexa Chung, Kate Moss or Sienna Miller wore in the early 2000s.

Whilst these patron saints of festival dressing can always be relied on for inspiration, the current mode is certainly more "normcore" inspired. As Kylie and Kendall Jenner have proven with their recent festival looks, you don’t need to go all out to make a statement. In fact, you can piece together an impactful look with pieces already in your wardrobe, like easy track pants and a cropped white T-shirt.

Whatever your festival aesthetic is, comfort and practicality are paramount. Even if you’re not camping, these are long spells that require endurance and stamina. You wouldn’t run a marathon in jelly sandals, would you? I’ve taken it upon myself to compile the new rules of music festival dressing in 2025 by rounding up nine key outfits you can draw inspiration from. Prepare for splendour in the grass.

Music Festival Outfits: Key Things to Think About

1. Consider footwear. As any seasoned festival-goer can attest, it’s often the case that you’re clocking upwards of 20,000 steps per day. A lot of this comes from trekking from the campsite to the stages, so you need to be prepared for all terrains. Wellies are the unofficial sponsor of Glastonbury footwear, whilst leather biker boots have been spotted all over the Coachellas and Primaveras of the world for multiple seasons. Trainers are a solid option, but you obviously don’t want to go wearing a crisp white pair. For day festivals, you can certainly get away with wearing Mary Jane trainer hybrids like the new Puma Speedcat Ballet Flats. You could even do a (very well-broken-in) loafer if you’re firmly anti-trainers. Heels and open toes must be avoided at all costs.
2. You’ll need a jacket. Your mum was right when she berated you as a teenager for leaving the house on a chilly day without a coat. She might’ve struck the fear of catching a cold into you, but for good reason, as festivals will require a form of outerwear. From rain-proof wax jackets to a versatile cardigan you can shrug on in the evenings, make sure you pack something.
3. Skip the denim. When you’re on your feet all day and likely sweating a bit, the last thing you want to be wearing are tight, constricting trousers. Whilst the temptation of skinny jeans to channel your inner indie-sleaze darling is alluring, I’d always advise going for more comfortable bottoms like low-slung trousers, capris or cycling shorts.
4. Think easy-breezy. Comfortable movement should be your guiding principle when choosing an outfit, whether that means loose-fitting garments or pieces that sit close to your body. You want something you can move in, so whether that’s a wafty miniskirt with an oversized top, or a tight tank and minuscule bottoms, consider shapes that complement long days of dancing.
5. Accessories, accessories, accessories. The best music festival outfits are in the details. Choosing the right bag, sunglasses and jewellery to elevate your look is essential. This summer, I’m loving nouveau aviator frames and pendant cord necklaces.

Now, keep scrolling for some of my favourite 2025 music festival outfit ideas.

9 Stylish Music Festival Outfit Ideas

1. Rain Jacket + Bodycon Dress + Gumboots

Style Notes: We've long coveted Daisy Edgar-Jones's posh bohemian-minimalist wardrobe since she first appeared on our screens as Marianne in Normal People. Whilst her rotation is a little more designer since working with Gucci, this look from Glastonbury 2024 is especially pertinent for reflecting the current state of festival fashion.

There are the staples of wellies and a Barbour-esque jacket, but they've been rendered in a nonchalantly elegant way that makes the whole ensemble so simple yet effective. Her dress reminds me of the Carrie Bradshaw-inspired St. Agni style Kendall Jenner wore in Paris a few years ago, and her sweet '90s sunglasses make the look feel very "supermodel off-duty" without even trying. Expect to see a lot of replications of this outfit this year.

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2. Lace Top + Pleated Trousers + Suede Tote

Style Notes: Alexa Chung is like the unofficial music-festival-outfit thermometer, with her ensembles dictating the temperature of what chic women are wearing. Since growing out of her rockstar-girlfriend and twee-dressing eras in favour of something a little more mature, her new style has ricocheted across festival fields the world over. I adore this more grown-up version of festival styling staples. Yes, there's the hint of lace and the suede bag. Yet, the overall effect is more stripped back and arguably more impactful because of it. Peep the addition of the baby braids that frame the face. Who said that "sensible" monochrome dressing couldn't be fun?

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3. White Cotton Dress + Shoulder Bag + Black Boots

Style Notes: It wouldn't be summer without a white cotton dress. This '60s fashion trend was worn by everyone from Sharon Tate to Jane Birkin, the cropped style has pretty much become a uniform for dreamy dressers. Above, Devon Lee Carlson wears a red ribbon-trimmed iteration from Bella Hadid's collaboration with Frankie's Bikinis, but you can find a similar version on the high street. Style with flat riding boots and a shoulder bag to complete the look.

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4. Tank Top + Capri Pants + Slip-On Shoes

Style Notes: Whilst we might not have the same access to legendary-designer-in-the-making Claire Sullivan that the likes of Addison Rae and Clairo do, you can emulate their covetable Coachella looks by adding a wink of polka dot to your wardrobe. These capri pants from Paloma Wool (pictured above) are the A-lister-approved way to make your music festival outfit feel so on-trend for 2025.

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5. Windbreaker + Straight-Leg Pants + Contrast Trainers

Style Notes: When you're a few evenings into a multi-day festival, putting together a look is the last thing on your mind. That's why your packing list should be rife with hardworking essentials you can dress up or down. I adore how Marilyn NK's sophisticated look (above) relies on unfussy essentials like a flannel shirt (an item The Row is currently reprising), a windbreaker, straight-leg trousers and contrast trainers.

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6. Barn Jacket + Knit + Button-Down Shirt + Cotton Shorts

Style Notes: Some of my favourite memories from music festivals simply involve sitting around the grounds and savouring the energy of the day, which is why I always advocate for dressing for comfort. There's something about the soft colour scheme of Aimee Song's outfit (above) that feels so relevant for 2025, especially in the mixture of powder pink and steel blue. The barn jacket, cotton shorts and striped button-down shirt are just the cherry on top of the very stylish cake.

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7. Maxi Dress + Leather Jacket + Brown Boots

Style Notes: Don't write off gingham as a dated summer fashion trend. From Reformation's gorgeous black-and-white Balia dress to Dôen's iconic Ischia midi, there are plenty of beautiful and breezy gingham dresses saturating both high-street and designer markets. This reason alone makes them a great contender for music festival fashion, but they also look so premium when paired with a chic leather jacket and knee-high boots.

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8. Fringe Dress + Statement Belt + Cowboy Boots

Style Notes: This look is probably the most archetypal music festival outfit, and for good reason. It's unclear why outdoor listening sessions are so synonymous with fringe and cowboy boots, but if it ain't broke, right?

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9. Halterneck Dress + Biker Boots + Woven Leather Bag

Style Notes: For international festivals, lean into the hedonism and wanderlust with a holiday-ready look. A flirty halterneck dress always works on hot festival days, and I love how this With Jéan version (above) has a drop waist and in-built belt detail, which makes styling oh-so easy. Pair with a woven leather bag and biker boots for an outfit you can wear from the grounds to the beach bar.

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