Summer brings a stacked social calendar of events, from festivals to picnics to outdoor concerts.
But with outdoor activities comes the conundrum of what to wear. Tricky terrain and inclement weather are pretty much the only guarantees in Ireland.
The ensemble you settle on has to be heatproof in case the sun makes an apperance, while keeping you warm if day celebrations turn to evening. And downpour-proof too, because, you know, Irish summers.
Not to dampen the fun, but firstly, practicality and comfort are paramount. This is not just about being sensible; it’s about ensuring you can fully enjoy the event without any wardrobe mishaps. But you can still add some stylish flourishes to ensure you look event-ready, whatever it may be.
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If you’re planning to enjoy a day in the sun at a barbecue or outdoor food fare, be prepared for the possibility of food and grass stains. Opt for fabrics that can be cleaned on the spot, and consider busy prints that can easily camouflage stains.
If it’s a casual affair like a picnic, you’ll want comfortable clothing with ease of movement to sit down in – relaxed, floaty midi dresses that can be layered up if the weather changes are ideal, as are loose-fit denim styles. Sitting down and slim-fit styles aren’t perfect picnic partners, so opt for more loose-fit pieces, like wide-leg soft cotton or linen style trousers, which are the season’s silhouette. Sinking in the grass in stilettoes isn’t ideal, so opt for a wedge, flatform or block heel if you need the elevation. If the dress code allows, go for trainers or a flat boot.
Another trend that lends itself well to outdoor festivals is boho. Making a return to the high street via Sienna Miller’s Marks and Spencer collaboration, it also was a dominant trend on the Chloe runways with frilled, flounced dresses and fringing a stalwart. Sienna has always been the poster girl for stylish festival dressing, and fashion stylist Megan Fox agrees: “When it comes to festival dressing, nobody does it better than Sienna Miller and Kate Moss. You want to find the perfect mix of understated nineties with a hint of boho to achieve their cool girl look. A pair of chunky boots will be your best friend if the rain arrives and you must trudge through muddy fields. Brands like MIITSA and Paris Texas do the most incredible boots in unique styles that will look just as funky in a field as when you head back to real-life après festival.”
A hard-wearing, sleek, sensible boot is a much more modern outfit finisher than wellies. Skip the wellies unless there’s an epic downpour. You don’t have to get caught up with concert cliches – cowboy hats, glitter and cut-off shorts. Festival dressing has become more sustainable and practical. Instead of dousing yourself in sequins and fringing, opt for pieces that you’ll wear post-festival.
A slip or floaty prairie-style dress that gives freedom of movement is always a festival-style winner. While jeans might seem like a clever thing to wear with changeable weather, drenched denim takes longer to dry, so it’s wiser to opt for a light layer you can dry off swiftly if there’s a soaking and add more layers to keep you warm. A field or wax jacket is the perfect topper for a dress and offers practicality. Bring it back to boho with your accessories, says Fox, “Add a touch of boho with a fringed cross-body. It is very practical and key for optimum dancing. Parfois excel in cross-body bags, but Maje also has their iconic fringed bags that come in almost any colourway imaginable.”
Other accessories to add to the summer rotation include sunglasses and headwear. “Hats are an on-trend way to keep the sun out of your eyes, accessorise and protect yourself from the sun or rain when attending outdoor events or festivals, especially in Ireland,” says stylist and personal shopper Aoife O’Doherty. “This summer, we’re seeing a variety of silhouettes, textures, and the most natural hues, as well as big and bright. It’s an accessory you can have fun with, practical, and make a statement with it.” O’Doherty cites Ghelter, Lack of Color, FAO Millinery, Gigi Buris, Ruskin Baginskiy and Eugenia Kim as some brands to discover for unique hats.
