Memorial Day is the unofficial start to summer and here in Boston we are celebrating with the second annual and much anticipated Boston Calling Music Festival, May 23rd-May 25th. Music festivals are hotter than ever, but who needs a desert and some camping gear to enjoy outdoor music, especially when we have City Hall Plaza.
Over the past couple months my Instagram feed and as well as fashion magazines are flooded with festival fashion from Coachella to SXSW. I appreciate fashion in all forms, but this has left me wondering who is going to all these outdoor music festivals dressing this way? Would I really wear crop top, short shorts, an oversized hat with John Lennon sunglasses and a fringe bag? Probably not, but I do love music and I do love fashion…so here are my tips to enjoying Boston Calling in style without looking like you are wearing a modern day Woodstock wannabe costume.
Layer, Layer, Layer: It might be surprising to hear that this weekend’s forecast in Boston is mixed. Try out a jean jacket or army inspired jacket paired with a bold tribal print top or graphic tee.
Bottoms: For Friday and Saturday try a cool pattern pant or distressed jean. You can also opt for a maxi skirt or dress. On Sunday grab your shorts; denim or a flowy lace option.
Footwear: Wear flats to make sure you max out your dance moves on the plaza. Try booties or keep it classic with a cute pair of converse. Sunday pull out a pair of neon flip flops.
Accessories: Ditch the floral head piece and go for a cool pair of sunglasses. Add a little fringe in moderation with a small cross body bag. Grab a scarf for warmth or channel your inner hippie and tie it in your hair.
Festival fashion can be experimental and fun; just don’t try to combine too many trends at once. Pick your statement pieces and build your outfit around it. In the mean time take lots of selfies and enjoy the show.
Alison Barnard writes about fashion trends and is owner of Twilight Boutique at 12 Fleet St. and in-jean-ius at 441 Hanover Street in Boston’s North End. She is also a board member of the North End Waterfront Health & Beauty Alliance (NEWHBA).
