What to wear to Splendour in the Grass

ARE you going to Splendour in the Grass, but have no idea what to wear? Avoid being a walking festival fashion faux pas with tips from fashion experts.

HAVE you got your Splendour in the Grass 2010 festival ticket? What about camping gear? Do you know how you're getting to Woodford? Have you arranged your schedule to see as many bands as possible?

If you've answered yes to all of the above, then you're almost ready for one of the most memorable weekends of the year. Now, just that small matter of what to wear ...

Avoid being a walking fashion faux pas at Splendour in the Grass with fashion tips from experts - QUT associate fashion lecturer Jane Morley; Universal menswear buyer George Do and womenswear buyer Karlie Burgoyne; Sunshine Coast Daily entertainment editor Nathanael Cooper; and General Pants Co. head of womenswear Tash Sefton.

QUT associate fashion lecturer Jane Morley

How does festival fashion differ from every day fashion?

The art of festival fashion is tricky to master as unlike the clothing you may choose for a night out on the town, these are 'all terrain' outfits requiring a delicate balance between frivolity and function. 

You know you've struck gold when your outfit is kooky enough to reflect your creativity while giving the comfort and freedom to pull your wildest dance moves and the versatility for all weather.

What are the top five must-have fashion items for festival goers?

Don't leave home without: vintage sunnies; adorable but very machine washable shoes; a kooky cardigan or button-up that can be slung over your bag or around your waist; a headscarf or neck kercheif for a little extra sun protection; and gumboots with attitude.

What are the five biggest no-nos for festival fashion?

Impractical shoes; huge backpacks that take out your fellow mosh pit dancers; bikini tops; mud - try to stay out of it; inconsideration - this will spoil any outfit.

Universal menswear buyer George Do and womenswear buyer Karlie Burgoyne

Does festival fashion differ from every day fashion?

Festival fashion is more about ease of wear. It’s also more alternative and experimental. Festival-goers feel freer to be individual in an environment of like-minded people.

What are the five must-have fashion items for festival goers?

Women: Denim shorts (e.g. from brand One Teaspoon); Small shoulder bag (e.g. Urban Originals); Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Hi Black Monochrome; Le Specs sunglasses; and floral dress (e.g. Motel).

Men: Walker shorts (e.g. from brand Stussy Beachshort); singlets and sleeveless muscle tees (e.g. Wrangler); vulcanised sneakers (e.g. Vans Authentic); layered shirting (e.g. Lee); and denim shorts (e.g. Neuw).

What are the biggest no-nos for festival fashion?

Anything that should be left at the races or under a disco-ball (nothing too dressy).

What is your ultimate festival outfit?

George: Nobody Jack Shirt, Wrangler Ocean Spray Singlet and Insight Steppen Cut-Off Shorts (see picture, above right).

Karlie: Insight Trash Mash Shirt, Minkpink Latter Day Saints Top and Lee Carbon Denim Cut-off Short (see picture, left).

Can you share your top fashion tip/s to looking good at a festival?

Be comfortable. Keep hydrated.

Sunshine Coast Daily entertainment editor Nathanael Cooper

What is your ultimate festival outfit?

I have this awesome 1950s trenchcoat. It is camel in colour and made of wool and cashmere… and is so resilient. I will be teaming that with a wicked pair of black gumboots (they don’t make cool boots in boys' sizes), leather gloves and a variety of hats.

How does festival fashion differ from every day fashion?

I think it is important to remember that the weather can turn foul at any point and you need to be prepared for that. A good pair of festival boots is essential. You are hardly going to wear white and pink spotted gumboots that you have glued a lace trim on in your normal everyday wardrobe.

What are the top five must-have fashion items for festival goers?

For both guys and girls the cardigan is absolutely going to be top of the must-haves list. They are so on-trend at the moment thanks to people like Lisa Mitchell and Sarah Blasko. I think a few great scarves are also going to be high on the list for guys and girls as well… the more unique the better.

General Pants Co. head of womenswear Tash Sefton

How does festival fashion differ from every day fashion?

I don’t think it does - the only difference is wearing gumboots with your outfit as it always seems to rain!

 

Do you think the fashion sense will change along with Splendour’s relocation from Byron Bay to Woodford? If so, how?

 

Due to the inland proximity we are expecting it may be colder. The khaki army jacket is not only warm but a key fashion item for the season. Also because everyone will be camping there may be a more grungy look happening by day three!

What are the must-have fashion items for festival goers? 

Denim shorts, army anorak, slouchy knitwear, poncho in case it rains (we have a sale at General Pants), gumboots, felt hat and vintage accessories to give you an individual look.

What are the biggest no-nos for festival fashion?

Anything white.

Can you share your top fashion tip/s to looking good at a festival?

Purel hand sanitizer, top knots for dirty hair and a boyfriend from the band!

Should fashion matter at a music festival? Tell us what you think, leave your comment ...

Check out our comprehensive guide to Splendour in the Grass 2010.

Originally published as What to wear to Splendour in the Grass