Glastonbury may be delayed by another year but there are still some major festivals going full speed ahead in 2021 including Creamfields, Download, Green Man, Isle of Wight and Parklife. If you're lucky enough to be attending any festival big or small this year, you're almost certainly thinking about shopping and packing already. My Vintage brings you this one stop guide bursting with our expert advice on key trends, must have items and great tips for perfect festival fashion!
Once you've sorted the run of the mill things like a tent, sleeping bag, pocket knife, painkillers, toilet roll, toothbrush and sunscreen, it's on to the more exciting stuff - what do you need to glam yourself up and stand out from the crowd?
The first thing you need has got to be a sturdy but practical bag. Of course, a large army surplus type pack is ideal for traveling to and from the event but each day/night you're there you need to carry your essential supplies (water, baby wipes, lip gloss and phone to name a few!) Pretty designer handbags just aren't cut out for fields, so shop around for a vintage rucksack or messenger bag. Something like this vintage messenger will go with any outfit and also fit a few beers or change of clothes in there too...
1970s Vintage Brown Messenger Satchel Bag. Stylish and practical vintage bag from the 1970s. Rich tan/brown with full zip fastening and two side zip pockets. Fully adjustable shoulder strap with comfort pad. Measures approx 14” x 10” x 5”. A few minor marks but generally in very good vintage condition.
Whatever your height, shape or size, you cannot set off for any festival this year without a maxi dress. Available in a rainbow of colours, plain or printed, in long sleeved, halter-neck or strapless styles. Go for cotton in the heat, although some of the brighter bolder prints are better on synthetic fabrics. Here are a few of my current favourite vintage maxi dresses we have in stock just now...
Wow, this is just one of those show stoppingly beautiful vintage dresses! Victoriana style maxi dress with high neck and tiny white front buttons. Short puffy sleeves and full length skirt. The non stretch fabric feels like a poly cotton blend and is a ditsy floral print in a pretty cornflower blue. Back zip fastening and ties to cinch in at the waist. In very good vintage condition.
Stunning vintage maxi dress from the 1970s, made by quality label Leygil London. The print is a watercolour style in a beautiful rich brown with white and pale blue highlights. Angel cape sleeves with seamed waist and flowing maxi length skirt. Light polyester fabric with some stretch. Fastens with a back zip and hook. In very good vintage condition.
Beautiful beatnik vibes with this swinging sixties maxi dress. Very pale pink cotton fabric printed with delicate florals with hints of pale grey and beige. High round neck and short sleeves. Waist is seamed with velour trims in pink and grey. Full lining in pink. Non stretch and back zip fastening. In very good vintage condition.
Headgear is also a must in the sun, go for floppy vintage sun-hats or a straw trilby. And of course you need a pair of sunglasses. Look for bold retro coloured frames, or of course Wayfarers or Ray Bans. We have some amazing vintage sunglasses in stock from funky and affordable to luxe designer labels. Just check out our Vintage Accessories section to have a browse.
So that's the basic covered, you've got your vintage bag, vintage maxi dress, vintage sunglasses, vintage hat and a of course pair of wellies! Now lets look at some key festival trends that will have you on the style-spotted pages of the glossies in no time!
Aqua Blue – a big summer colour, go for accessories, pumps, leggings and eye make up in stunning underwater aqua blue!
Fringing – great on cotton tees, fringe them yourself or buy them ready done! Fringing is also great on boots, bags and jackets.
Playsuits – the playsuit just keep coming back. Look for vintage playsuits in retro prints or block colours. Strappy or short sleeved is best for the summer but you can pop a t-shirt underneath too if you prefer to be more covered.
Sequins – for a magpie like me, there is never really an inappropriate time or place to dazzle in sequins! Look for sequin covered separates like vintage sequin tops and jackets, boob tubes, mini skirts, trousers or scarves and layer up with plainer materials and prints or team them together for a super clash!
Hareem trousers – great in neutral shades, cuffed at the ankle with fitted waist and baggy legs, these eastern inspired trousers are a festival must have. Team with a tied t-shirt or crop and trusty Doc M sandals for comfort and effortless style.
Vintage scarf/headband/bandana – it's got to be silky, it's got to be beautiful, it's got to be a vintage scarf. Wearing square scarves as bandana type head scarves has become a massive trend alongside other 70s fashion. For around the same price as a mass produced high street version, you can grab an original vintage scarf with tonnes more character and uniqueness.
Animal print – from a pair of Converse or a full body stocking, a little bit of jungle print should definitely be making an appearance in your festival wardrobe. You can find some amazing vintage animal print pieces as bold or as subtle as you like. Just don't over do it or you'll wind up looking tacky.
So there we have it, be prepared and do your research. Don't be afraid to mix high street, handmade, designer and vintage – create the perfect eclectic collection for your summer of love!
Until next time
Emma x
festival fashion, uk festivals, boho fashion, vintage boho, festival shopping, vintage bags, vintage dresses, vintage maxi dress, boho maxi dress, hippy fashion, vintage sunglasses, vintage hats, vintage sequins, animal print, shopping for vintage, vintage shop, vintage uk, uk vintage shops
Comments