Laraine Robathan-Field Image Consultant

FESTIVAL FEVER

THE SEASON IS FAST APPROACHING

Festival going is all about having fun: enjoying great music, soaking up the atmosphere, making new friends and last but not least, rocking a look around the moshpit!

WHAT TO WEAR?

A little advance planning is called for here. You need to think about what deserves a place in your rucksack!

Singer Sammy Hayes

One of the challenges you have to face is that whatever you wear has to cater for the great British weather be it hail, rain, shine or mud.

Field + rain + people = mudbath!

Okay you want clothes that are going to protect you from the elements, designed for stomping around in fields and stuff that you don't want to have to worry about getting dirty or damaged. Ladies, leave the high heels at home and guys, forget the white trainers!

Layering is key to successful festival dressing. Lightweight layers can be added or taken off depending on the weather and temperature. Otherwise, anything goes, so use your imagination, get creative and flaunt your individuality. Try floral prints, checks, tie-dye, studs, fringing and fluoro to add interest and festival pizazz to your outfit.

By all means look to celebrities for inspiration but don't try to look like one. They have access to VIP pitches, Winnebagos and the like and probably several changes of outfit!

Here's my checklist for LOOKING FABULOUS IN THE FIELD

DONT GO WITHOUT

• Tent
• Sleeping bag
• Blanket
• Camping chair with drink holder-not essential but saves your beer getting knocked over)
• Torch (better still a headlamp for hands free exploring)
• Loo roll
• First aid kit
• Wet wipes
• Sunscreen ( yes let's be optimistic)
• Deo wipes/stick deodorant
• Dry shampoo (who wants to be washing their hair?)
• Basic toiletries (a little soap dodging won't hurt but you want to smell fresh for those sharing your tent)
• Lip balm
• Bottled water
• Anti-bacterial hand gel
• A few black bin bags (for wet/dirty clothing)
• A flag so that you can find your des res in a sea of other tents. Why not customise it?

MUST HAVES FOR EVERYONE

Some items you need to double up in case you get a soaking!

• Sunglasses
• Hat/cap
• Cagoule or waterproof jacket/coat
• Backpack/rucksack
• Wellies or sturdy footwear like Dr. Marten's-don't forget socks (blistered feet are not a cool look)
• Plimsolls such as Converse or Vans for if the ground is good enough
• Jeans
• Shorts
• T Shirt
• Sweatshirt/jumper
• Underwear

EXTRA THREADS FOR GALS             
Cape or poncho                                         
Parka                                                                          

Cross body bag or belt with purse attached                         

Cropped top                                                             

Denim jacket                                                                                                              

Camo jacket 
Hoody                                                               

Fringed top/waistcoat

Leggings/tights for under shorts

Printed leggings

Sarong

Long dress

Playsuits (look great but nightmare for loo)

EXTRA THREADS FOR GUYS

   Parka
   Camo shorts
   Patterned t's, vests
   Hoody
   Chinos

IT'S IN THE DETAILS GALS 
   add some cool accessories

Clip in feathers or braids

Flower crowns

Hand harness

Friendship bracelets

Necklaces with spikes, crosses

So whether you're there for a music marathon or some tent camaraderie, kick back, chill out and enjoy!

Remember, the idea is to have a good time and what goes on at the festival stays at the festival but don't throw all caution to the wind, STAY SAFE. For a festival survival guide go to http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Festivalhealth/Pages/Survivalguide.aspx