While a large group of our friends spent this past weekend at Bonaroo, us nuts are waiting in anticipation for Canada’s summer festivals and the fashion that will ensue as a result! I know that Jess will give you the full run through of Ottawa Bluesfest when the time comes, and I will definitely post highlights from Montreal Jazz Fest, but this topic deserves attention right about now. Apart from the music and the drinking in the streets, music festivals bring a whole new angle to day dressing. The shortest of jean shorts, flowing maxi dresses, feathered headbands and more satchel bags than any one place has ever seen- it’s a cornucopia of Woodstock-inspired style.

Festival dressing is all about pushing boundaries; throwing on your most outlandish pieces because you know there’s no other place they can be worn. I can’t think of another setting where I would stick a feather in my hair and rock a head-to-toe look straight out of the 70′s. While I may opt to channel this era, there are plenty of trends that have emerged both in the summer season, and as a direct result of these festivals, here’s a quick look at those:

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Feminine festival-goers will opt for a little white dress and cut-off booties topped off with dainty accessories. This look is perfect for a hot, sunny day when only white linen seems acceptable. Free-flowing locks are a must, and on that note, how do we feel about Whitney Port’s Princess Leia-esque buns? (far right). Like I mentioned, this is the place to experiment with things you wouldn’t normally wear out in the real world- it’s all about channeling your inner groupie.

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Evidently, the staple during festival season is the ripped, shorter than short, pocket-peeking, jean short. These are truly the easy solution to day dressing on a breezy day. They’re comfortable, cute and let the sun shine down on those stems of yours. Layer on some tribal neck-wear or an adorable brimmed hat like Elin Kling (far right) and you’ll be ready for swaying to those alternative tunes.

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The Maxi. After several summers of only celebs and those few daring girls sporting it, the maxi skirt has officially become a summer staple in my opinion. This look screams festival; it’s flowy, care-free and requires little to no thought. Gladiator sandals, a light crop top paired with your maxi, aviators, and you’re all set- looking glamorous and festive in mere moments.

Finally, here is my Shopping List for the city-dweller heading out for a music fest in the coming months. While I highly suggest rummaging through your closet for some dusty pieces that can be reworked for this one occasion, there’s always room for a little shopping. This outfit is low-key, tribal-inspired and comfy. After all, most festivals involve a great deal of standing and walking, so a romper and a flat sandal seem ideal. Obviously these festivals are all about the exceptional musical lineups, but if you’ve got a camera out anyway, you may as well look your festival-best…in a nutshell.

1 – Forever21 F1271 Sunglasses, $6.80
2 – Old Navy Mixed-Media Necklace in Olive Green, $12.50
3 – H&M Cuff Bracelet, $12.95
4 – Forever21 Trival Woven Romper in Brown/Olive, $23.80
5 – Banana Republic Semi-Precious Ring, $45.00
6 – American Eagle Embroidered Bag, $48.25
7 – LOCALE Tessner Leather Sandals in Cognac, $80.00