WearsMyMoney

Of course, the correct answer to “What to wear for a festival when you’re over 40′  is always: ‘Whatever the hell you please, babes – age is nothing but a number.’ But that’s not always helpful when you’re looking for ideas, now, is it? Festival season is upon us, and I know many of you will be venturing off into fields across the country over the next few weeks. It’s a chance for you to go all out and dress up, but it’s not for everyone. Me included. I have never felt the urge to wear a purple snakeskin catsuit and plaster glitter stars across my face, so what I’m doing here is giving you some slightly more sensible ideas.

We also don’t know what the weather will be like at your chosen festival, so I’ve tried to cover most outlooks here, too.

BAG A BARBOUR

I’ve said it before and I will continue to say it until the end of time: a Barbour jacket is a very good idea. Not just for damp, slightly chilly festivals, but also for any rainy-day occasion. They are fully waterproof, they have lots of useful pockets, and they look good for years and years. And if yours does start to look a bit tatty, you can send it back to Barbour and, for a smallish fee, they will spruce it up again for you. 

1. Barbour Ruth Waxed Cotton Jacket
2. Ray-Ban Wayfarer 0RB4165 Sunglasses 
3. Slow Love Young Hearts Jumper 
4. H&M Slim Straight High Jeans
5. Casetify Impact Ring Stand Phone Case
6. Grenson + Holly Nannette Leather Boots 
7. H&M Oversized printed T‑shirt

GRUNGE GIRL

If it’s looking like it will be a bit muddy underfoot, take your trusty DM boots or any solid, comfortable leather boots you may already have. Believe me when I say there is a LOT of walking to be done at festivals – in fact, you can easily clock up over 20k steps a day, usually more. So never, ever wear shoes or boots that are not tried and tested on your own personal comfort scale. If you want to mix it up and live out your 90s grunge girl dreams, pair your big boots with a bit of satin or lace. Add a barn jacket to keep it current and less like too much of a 90s throwback.

1. Free People Risktaker Tiered Necklace 
2. Adidas x Wales Bonner Sweatshirt 
3. & Other Stories Ruffle Lace Midi Dress
4. Hush Cord Collar Barn Jacket
5. Dr Martens 1460 Smooth Leather Boots
6. Isabel Marant studded leather shoulder bag

BRIT POP FOREVER

But then again, why not be a 90s throwback? After all, so many festivals and stadium shows this year are featuring those bands we knew and loved back then, so we may as well embrace it. I have this Liberty x Adidas top, and I’m not exaggerating when I say that I have never had so many compliments from my male friends when I wore it the other week. I think it’s because it looks like a football top and they all secretly want to wear it themselves.

1. Adidas x Liberty Cotton Football Jersey 
2. & Other Stories Aviator-Frame Sunglasses
3. Zara Contrast Stripe Denim Jacket 
4. Abercrombie Mid Rise Barrel Jeans
5. Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag
6. Adidas x Sporty & Rich Handball Spezial Trainers

WWJWW?

That stands for ‘What would Jo Whiley wear?’ I think she’s a great barometer for midlife festival chic. She always looks great – favouring bright colours, great dresses and oversized jumpers all worn with sensible festival shoes. You won’t see Jo in a wedge espadrille.

1. Whistles Pink Stripe Mohair Knit Jumper
2. Oliver Bonas Crystal Square Sunglasses
3. Essentiel Antwerp Multicolor plissé slip dress
4. Polar Gear Stainless Steel Water Bottle
5. Uniqlo Soft Puffy Shoulder Bag
6. Le Bon Shoppe Girlfriend Socks
7. Salomon XA PRO 3D V9  Trail Shoes

WET BUT WARM

This is when you will need your shorts. If it’s raining at a festival, it’s much easier to have bare legs as they will dry quicker than any fabric. And if you’re going to wear wellies, make sure you pair them with some good hiking socks. Again, I’m thinking of your foot comfort here. I will not apologise for that. Oh, and get a pair of these for emergencies; they’re a lifesaver for sore heels. 

1. Mother printed cotton-jersey T‑shirt
2. Boden Round Acetate Sunglasses
3. Louise Wade Bowie Flash Hoop Earrings 
4. Mango High-waisted straight-fit denim shorts
5. Rains Storm Breaker Waterproof Jacket 
6. Merry People Bobbi Wellington Boots
7. Arket Leather Crossbody Bag

AN ALTERNATIVE TO SEQUINS

I’m sorry to report that I cannot abide sequins and, to me, nothing screams ‘I’m a middle-aged woman at a festival’ more than a sequin bomber jacket. Double points if it’s  a rainbow bomber jacket. But if that’s your thing, you go for it. Personally, I would go for something slightly more subtle, like a pair of embellished jeans worn with a simple tank top and some sparkly accessories.

1. River Island Scallop Trim Tank Top
2. Martha Calvo Gold charm necklace 
3. Oliver Bonas Hexagon Sunglasses 
4. Avec Les Filles Collared Bomber Jacket 
5. Essentiel Antwerp pearl-embellished jeans
6. River Island 7up Beaded Can Shoulder Bag
7. Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm
8. Ultra Violette Hydrating Skinscreen 
9. Adidas Country OG Shoes

URBAN COWGIRL

You don’t need to go full Cowboy Carter with the hat and the chaps, but I’m kind of into a little nod to the western vibe for a festival. Grab your boots and a fringed jacket and wear them with a simple, long slip dress and gold accessories

1. Gucci Rectangle-Frame Sunglasses 
2. Free People Oversized Coin Necklace
3. H&M Lace-trimmed slip dress
4. Monsoon Lily Fringe Suede Jacket
5. Free People Going To California Cuff
6. Isabel Marant Duerto cowboy boots
7. Air & Grace Tan Studded Cross Body Bag

If you’re going to a festival, have fun. My only bits of advice would be to take an eye-mask and ear plugs if you’re sleeping in a tent, and also a pair of pool slides if you plan on using the communal showers. And don’t forget to charge up your phone chargers.

K x

P.S. There will be no Sunday post next week because I am on my holidays. See you in 2 weeks.