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Avoid Festival Chic and wear your own clothes

— by Alyson Walsh

That's Not My Age, festival_9742

Last time I went to a festival, I swore it was the last time. But then I got invited to talk at Port Eliot, or Posh Eliot, as the locals call it. Funny, isn’t it how festivals have become part of the summer season, like weddings, Wimbledon and Ascot. There may not be fascinators but there is a festival dress code: Hunter wellies, floppy hats, glittery makeup (though that worked for governor of the Bank of England Mark Carney).  I can barely bring myself to type the words Festival and Chic. Take my advice and wear what you’d usually wear on a summer weekend. And yes, I know my shirt’s hanging out but this was two and a half days in and counting. I’d had one shower, been living in a field and wearing the flip-flops I usually reserve for the swimming baths. And it wasn’t that bad…

That's Not My Age_style9766

That’s not my tent

I was seriously impressed by a couple of people I saw in white jeans and jumpsuits; and took this as a kind of decadent, Festival Rebellion. Much easier when you’re glamping and in possession of a wristband for the exclusive loos. But I stuck to clothes that I wouldn’t lose any sleep over if they got covered in cow shit or stolen from the tent. Toothpick jeans from J.Crew, about four-years-old, worn perenially and still going strong (black denim, available HERE). The recently pierced ear is feeling much better and I’m wearing my lovely lightning bolt earring (available HERE). Astley Clarke has a range of single stud earrings HERE. Most of the time the Reptile Feet were not on display, I was wearing skate shoes. The perfect thing to pop on and off when to-ing and fro-ing from a tent; like slippers for the countryside. And it’s always good to add a decorative flourish/leave the mosquitoes as little flesh as possible to nibble on, with a skinny Rockins scarf.

Festival goers DO NOT FORGET:

Sun screen: I have sensitive skin and always use Avene; it’s the best (available HERE).

Face wipes or what I like to call a ‘shower in a tent.’ I always buy Simple, cheap as you like.

Perfume to spray liberally. Vicci Bentley gave me a small sample bottle of Tom Ford’s Neroli Portofino Acqua to try and it’s absolutely lovely, the smell of summer. And orange blossom is the perfect way to mask eau de festival.

Toothbrush and toothpaste, tissues, snacks, a water bottle, flip-flops and insect repellent.

Here are some clothes. I’ve included clogs and boots with heels because this stuff is not just for festivals. Oh and I’m still wearing my ‘artist’s’ wristband; first time I’ve been called an artist so might as well make the most of it (saddo):

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Last time I went to a festival, I swore it was the last time. But then I got invited to talk at Port Eliot, or Posh Eliot, as the locals call it.