How to wear this year's festival fashion trends

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With summer now in full swing, it’s only a matter of time before the festival season begins.

“Festival fashion dominates the style pages every year,” says footwear expert Paul Donnelly. Whether you're heading to Boomtown or Boardmasters, there's no better time than a festival to play around with your wardrobe.

Whether you're experimenting with accessories or daring to wear something a little more unusual for a change, festival fashion is the perfect opportunity to add some variety. Here's how to do it…

Ruffles and flounces

With part two of Bridgerton season three coming out this month, it's only natural that ruffles and flounces are trending. So dress up your outfit a bit this season and add a feminine touch. Whether it's with a dress, a ruffled collar or a flowy skirt, there are plenty of ways to try out this style.

Don't know where to start?

“Look for tops or dresses with ruffled sleeves or hems, as well as skirts with tiered layers for a dramatic effect,” says Bonnie Zhao, head of user products and business at AliExpress UK.

“Pair these pieces with simple accessories to let the ruffles take center stage.”

Monsoon Myla geometric print dress in blue, £85

Chunky boots

Chunky boots have always been in. From Lara Croft to Black Widow, tough women in action movies have been wearing them since the dawn of time. And there's a reason for that. Not only do they look good, they're practical too. The truth about festivals is that they're often pretty gross. Whether it's in the mud, in the dreaded portable toilets or jumping around in the mosh pit, it helps to have a sturdy pair of boots on hand.

Celebrities are also catching on to the trend. “The category is: comfort,” wrote model Hailey Bieber in her Instagram story, sharing a mirror selfie of her outfit for this year's Coachella fest, which included a pair of chunky ankle boots.

“Chunky boots are a popular choice among festival-goers because of their practicality and style,” says Donnelly, who works with the brand Heavenly Feet.

“They're an essential addition to any festival outfit. You can opt for classic black boots or experiment with metallic tones, which are a big trend this season.”

Heavenly Feet Justina2 ankle boots in black, 62,95 €

Pure fashion

Dare to show something! From Emily Ratajkowski's revealing sheer ensemble to actress Phoebe Dynevor's custom Victoria Beckham gown, sheer clothing was everywhere at the Met Gala this year. But it's a fashion statement that can be worn on more than just the red carpet.

The perfect addition to your festival wardrobe. “Whether you opt for a classic mesh top with your favourite brightly coloured bikini top underneath, or an ultra-cool sheer maxi skirt that you can dance the night away in, the secret to this look is in the accessories,” says fashion and jewellery expert Ben Roberts, Managing Director of Clogau.

PLT Label bodycon dress with sheer panel detail and ruffle detail in off-white, £23 (was £28), Pretty Little Thing

Cowboy Core

Attention festival-goers, cowboy classics are this season's biggest trend. Maybe it was Barbie and Ken in matching western outfits by Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling that did the trick, but the cowboy trend has been everywhere lately and festival season is the perfect time to get in on the rodeo.

“The cowboy trend has been on the rise for several years now, and with Beyonce’s iconic Cowboy Carter, this trend is not going to slow down,” says Zhao.

“This year it will be bigger than ever because not only the stars are following the trends, but the diversity also allows everyone to join in.”

The good news is that all you need to pull off this festival trend is a cowboy hat, a fringed jacket, or a tie. Yay!

Oliver Bonas Metallic Gold Leather Western Tall Cowboy Boots, £150

Boho Chic

Thought boho was out? Think again. The sixties trend is back and bigger than ever this year for festival season. The breezy and loose style is the perfect way to stay cool and avoid sunburn while watching your favorite bands.

“Bringing out your inner Vanessa Hudgens at Coachella or the Florence Welch Festival is a timeless festival trend and we definitely expect it to return this festival season,” says Roberts.

“If you want to look particularly good in the 'Summer of Love', I recommend getting something with fringe details, crochet inserts or made from an airy and delicate material like linen.”

Accessorize tan leather fringed crossbody bag, £35

The batik revival

In the wave of 2000s nostalgia, tie-dye is making a comeback this summer. The perfect festival fashion statement is back and the best part is, you can do it for free at home. Just grab some old white clothes, a bag of paint and a few rubber stamps and get creative.

“Its colorful and psychedelic patterns evoke a sense of nostalgia while offering a fun and vibrant look that is perfect for music festivals,” says Zhao.

“Pair it with jeans or neutral pieces to balance out the boldness of the tie-dye prints.”

FatFace Tammy Tie Dye Dress, £65