Let’s start with the Isle of Wight Festival’s own dress theme for this year: ‘Galactic Glamour and Space Oddities’.
As the festival says, “This year we invite festivalgoers to step into another dimension. A celebration of the strange, the stylish, and the spectacularly otherworldly – from classic sci-fi invaders and cosmic adventurers to futuristic glam.”
This is such a fun dress theme which can be styled in many different ways, and it is your cue to go fully otherworldly. I am expecting metallics, extravagant inflatables, and a lot of sequins!
Boho chic
Prompting us to revisit the era of the mid-2000s is the boho chic trend, very fitting for a festival wardrobe! The look is all about flowing dresses and lace blouses in pastel colours, which convey an effortless aura of enchantment. And in my opinion, the more ruffles, the better!
Polka dots
Polka dots are one of fashion’s timeless and chic patterns, currently trending in dramatic monochromatic palettes. Singer Olivia Dean confirmed the trend when she was spotted wearing a sheer polka-dot midi skirt, and since then at her concerts, the audience has been dressed in a sea of polka dots. While Olivia isn’t on the festival line-up, polka dots very much are!
Jorts
Denim is always a staple in festival wardrobes, but carrying through from last year is the unisex long denim shorts – jorts. The once controversial length of jorts are now being styled in endless ways, and look effortlessly cool.
Capri pants
Moving on from jorts, we have capri pants. The nostalgic 2000s staple is back. Embraced by fashion celebrities such as Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber, the elevated capri pants now seem to feature sharp silhouettes with playful patterns – perfect for the festival. They offer a classy, smart alternative to jorts depending on your style.
Bandanas
Bandanas are a timeless staple in anyone’s wardrobe, but we are definitely seeing them more again, particularly at summer festivals. Already certified as a summer staple, they add an extra visual element to a simple outfit. Recently I have seen the bandana trend taken further than a hair accessory and styled asymmetrically layered over trousers or skirts with lace trims.
Fringing
Within the increase I have seen of embellished accessories recently, I have particularly noticed a lot of fringing. But not just on handbags. Celebrities such as Dua Lipa and Heidi Klum have been embracing the attire on their dresses. Fashion designers are experimenting with material and volume of fringing, and playing with texture for a dramatic effect on the runway. I love the movement of fringing on a festival outfit.
Sustainable shopping
As always, I hope being sustainable when picking your festival fashion outfits will be on your mind this summer. On the Isle of Wight, we have many chic vintage and quality second-hand clothes in charity shops, all for bargain prices. Or you could upcycle and re-wear your existing wardrobe. The Isle of Wight Festival has partnered with retailer Shein, which personally I will be avoiding, as there are better and more sustainable choices out there. With the world’s ever-evolving fashion industry and constant circling trends, considerate buying and sustainability is essential. I am passionate about this as I have just finished studying a Sustainable Fashion degree on the Island, with Platform One.
I can’t wait to see all the amazing festival outfits again this year!
The County Press will be running a live blog throughout the festival. Send your photos of your festival crowd and your best looks to editor@iwcp.co.uk for a chance to be featured.
