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AllSaints UK

Black and white image taken during a live AllSaints Sessions.

   

Great British Festival Fashion

The relationship between music and style has always been closely intertwined, and that’s never more true than in a festival setting. Festivals are a time when troubles are set aside, inhibitions are shed, and memories are made. And for many, the outfits we choose to do that in have become just as central to the festival experience as the music. But which UK festivals are the most fashion-forward?

At AllSaints, the music-style relationship is something we know more than a little about. Music served as a powerful inspiration for our clothing when we started out in 1994, and it’s been a running thread ever since. So, we thought we’d be well-placed to answer that question.

To do so, we analysed hundreds of data points across Google, Instagram, and TikTok, to find out which festival-goers are seeking, sharing, and consuming the most fashion-related content about their festival of choice. But who came out on top, and what are they wearing? Let’s find out.

1 / Reading & Leeds (joint)

Coming in joint first place are Reading and Leeds – appropriate, given that the two go hand in hand anyway. Reading, the world’s oldest music festival still in existence, used to be called The National Jazz and Blues festival. But nowadays, the pair are loyal to no music genre: the 2023 line-up will see all types of artists perform, from Sam Fender to Slowthai.

In keeping with its genre-fluid line-up, attendees are equally unrestrained in their fashion choices. Festival essentials, such as denim shorts and leather jackets, will always make an appearance though. Keep it classic, or level up with a denim corset top or leather fringed tassel gilet. For men: an oversized denim jacket or leather biker jacket is a good place to start, then you can make the look your own with your choice of shoes and accessories.

2 / Glastonbury

Viewed by many as the pinnacle of the festival calendar (not least because of how hard it can be to get tickets), Glastonbury is the blueprint for all other festivals. It’s the kind of festival that compels people to actually buy the mud from its fields (yes, that happened) and attracts visits from the likes of the Dalai Lama (yep, that happened too).

With that in mind, it’s no surprise that Glastonbury’s fashion scene is just as epic as its line-up – embracing individuality through a mix of vintage, bohemian, and alternative styles (though really, anything goes). And we’re talking about celebrities just as much as the rest of us; think of festival fashion and you’ll likely picture one of Kate Moss’ iconic Glasto looks.

Channel Sienna Miller’s boho chic with fringed jackets and tiered maxi skirts, or pair your vintage pieces with suede shorts and to keep things classy but chilled. And if you’re looking to embrace your hippie side in your menswear, you can’t go wrong with peace signs and tie dye.

For Glastonbury goers looking for a last minute festival outfit find and a break from the music, AllSaints will be hosting a festival pop-up at Camp Kerala between 22nd - 26th June, 2023.

Finally, bring your wellies. Always wellies.

3 / Wireless

Tying for second place, it’s Wireless. Though the Finsbury Park festival started out as a rock and pop event, in recent years it has come to feature mostly hip-hop, rap, and grime artists. Headlining in 2023 will be Playboi Cart, Travis Scott, and D-Block Europe – with a special 50 Cent-shaped appearance planned for the Sunday.

Wireless attendees often opt for an urban style that reflects the line-up, with streetwear looks that combine the casual and the edgy. For women, that might mean a pair of high-rise cargo trousers, cut-out tops (who says you need a pool for a swimsuit?), bucket hats, and big accessories. For men, maybe an oversized crew t-shirt and chunky jewellery. And as the only non-camping festival in the list, you’ll even be able to enjoy a decent shower before you get ready.

4 / Boomtown

Next in the rankings, it’s Boomtown Fair. Taking place in early August, Boomtown Fair is unique in many ways: for one, it keeps its line-up a secret until just before the show. And though music is a big part of proceedings, Boomtown actually describes itself as a “living theatre”, whose storyline evolves each year to create a world within a world. Pair this with pop-up parties, secret rooms, and huge art installations, and you’ve got an immersive experience that keeps revellers coming back for more.

Boomtown’s style is eccentric, artistic, and creative, and it also has one of the strongest environmental campaigns of any festival in the country. Honour this by investing in bold yet long-lasting numbers that you’ll be able to wear outside of the forest rave, too – like a snake print mini dress, a statement kimono, or an embellished mini dress. When it comes to menswear, turn up the volume on your outfit with big colours, bold prints, and interesting fabrics, like a crochet lace shirt.

5 / Boardmasters

Boardmasters – the Newquay festival that combines a top-tier music line-up with surfing and skateboarding competitions – comes in a highly respectable joint 4th place. This year, Lorde, Liam Gallagher, and Florence and the Machine will be among those performing against the backdrop of the stunning Cornish coast.

As the only seaside festival on the list, beachwear is a must for Boardmasters – the more vibrant and playful, the better. For a laid-back women's festival outfit, combine your swimsuit of choice with relaxed shirts and sliders; whilst men looking to embrace the surfer vibes can do so with Hawaiian shirts and graphic tees.

6 / Secret Garden Party

Last, but by no means least, it’s Secret Garden Party. The independent arts festival recently made a comeback after a 5-year hiatus, with the 2023 edition inviting Underworld, The Libertines, and Fat Freddy's Drop to take centre-stage in the beautiful East Anglian countryside.

Originally founded as an alternative to the more established, mainstream music festivals, SGP describes itself as a “hedonistic four-day happening, a garden party unhinged, with no clear line between on and off stage”. And that’s certainly reflected in its bold, creative themes.

This year, that theme is sci-fi / futuristic. Perhaps for you that means embracing metallics, sequins, or monochrome. Perhaps it means head-to-toe leather – from gilets and jackets.

For more festival styling inspiration check out our men's and women's guides.