It's that time of year again. The sun's warming up, flowers are blooming and the air is buzzing with excitement. What's all the fuss about you ask? Well it's none other than Glastonbury next week, the music lover's paradise, the fashionista's playground, and the midst of festival season. But before you have a meltdown over what to wear and not being able to afford a stylist, we suggest starting with your festival tops.
Festivals are essentially a microcosm of all the latest fashion trends, and if this year's trends are anything to go by, crochet and tiny bikini tops are in, as are cut-out tops and practically anything that sparkles.
We can't possibly talk about festival fashion without mentioning the most iconic music festival in the world - Woodstock. Nearly half a century later, the crochet tops, halter necks and fringed tops which dominated the '60s fashion landscape have been handed down to us, and are re-emerging as key trends during festival season and beyond.
When choosing your festival outfit, comfort is a key aspect to take into account because much as we love the idea of that tiny corset, it'll probably get old five hours in (when all you want to do is eat some mac and cheese and take a deep breath). You'll thank us later.
The most important rule is to have fun with it. Festivals are a place to be playful and experimental, so don't worry too much about conforming to the traditional rules of matching patterns or textures.
To help you on your mission of locking down the perfect festival outfit, we've trawled all our favourite websites and brands for the best festival tops you can get your hands on.
SHOP: The Best Festival Tops
Free Peoplewww.freepeople.com
Channelling the Coachella queen Vanessa Hudgens from her 2012 look (you know the one), this maxi top features a feminine lace trim and embroidered detail.
Mangoshop.mango.com
With its asymmetric design, off-white colour and tie sides, it doesn't get more summer festival appropriate than this.
Selfridgeswww.selfridges.com
There's two things that are a must when it comes to festival dressing; crochet and flowers. So why not do it both with this gorgeous Sandro Crochet Knitted top.
Sézanewww.sezane.com
If you're going all out for flowers this year - as many brands are, think Loewe, Carolina Herrera and Bottega Veneta - the Sézane Astra Blouse is perfect for that floral fix.
Zarawww.zara.com
Another festival staple is fringing, and we want all the fringe shimmying when dancing to your favourite artist - this top is perfect for that.
River Islandwww.riverisland.com
This River Island gem is perfect to bring the heat to festivals. Pair this with a basic white tank top and a lace maxi skirt and you've got yourself a comfortable (but on-trend) look.
Revolve
Social butterflies, assemble. Influencer Cinzia Baylis Zullo was spotted wearing a top similar to this one at last year's Coachella, and we have no doubt they'll be as popular this year.
Net-A-Porterwww.net-a-porter.com
For another bright rainbow look this Missoni top could be a great option. Although it's missing the iconic Missoni zigzag pattern, it still has a classy feel with a pattern that extends through to its pointed hem. And if you want to look super chic, add a pair of cat eye sunnies or a floppy hat.
My Theresawww.mytheresa.com
You really can't go wrong with a denim bralette and here's another option - this time it's from Prada.
Free Peoplewww.freepeople.com
When it gets a little chilly in the evening and you just need something extra to cover your shoulders, a shrug could be the way to go. We love this one from Free People that features a striped design and flowing flared sleeves.
11.
Maje Beaded Top
Majeuk.maje.com
The Maje Beaded top can be worn in many different ways, and you have the choice of wearing it with the removable crop top lining or over the top of another crop top.
12.
NBD Freja Top
RevolveFor a boho-beachy edge to your festival fit, pair this top with the matching Freja skirt. If you're in the Palm Springs desert you'll probably be alright without a jacket, but if you're in the fields of Worthy Farm you might need to add a trusty leather jacket.
ARKETwww.arket.com
In the evening of any festival it can get ridiculously chilly. But especially if you're heading to Glastonbury, as Worthy Farm is in a dip. So, combat that by taking a denim shirt for the evenings. Trust us, you won't regret it.
END Clothingwww.endclothing.com
You might be thinking, long sleeve in the summer - really? Although we'd all like to hope our festival weekend is going to be nothing but sunshine, we live in the UK and unfortunately that's not the reality. The reality is, you need to be prepared for all weather, which is where this Nanushka long sleeve top comes in.
Dieseluk.diesel.com
Mixing two key trends together - denim and lace, is this cami top from Diesel. Pair this top with a flowy maxi skirt for a more boho look, or a simple pair of denim shorts. This top would also look super cool with a denim hat.
Free Peoplewww.freepeople.com
This crochet jumper is perfect for any festival look. Style with a maxi skirt and add a white halter neck top underneath for a more modest look. All that's missing is a matching pair of purple wellies.
What should I wear to a festival in 2024?
Festival fashion is all about pushing boundaries and embracing individuality - we know this by now. Picture vibrant colours, eclectic patterns and bold accessories (yes, chunky bracelets are back) that scream self-expression.
You could mix and match textures like flowing fabrics and statement metallics to create an outfit that's uniquely yours - after all, you don't want to see someone in the exact same outfit as you. Also, don't shy away from futuristic elements either, think all the sparkles and holographic accents.
Although (and potentially most importantly) remember that comfort is key. Choose breathable fabrics and practical footwear (your boots should be made for walking, no literally) so you're not uncomfortable while grooving to your favourite artist.
How do I stay comfortable at a festival?
Let's be real, staying comfortable amidst the festival chaos is an art form in itself. It goes without saying that your attire should be comfortable. Also hydration is non-negotiable, so keep that water bottle close. Oh, and a little shade never hurt anybody. If it's particularly sunny during your festival weekend, seek out some shaded areas or invest in an on-trend hat to ensure you don't overheat. Trust us, it will make your weekend more enjoyable.
Marina Avraam is the Deputy Commercial Content Editor for Grazia. Hobbies include (but not limited to) finding the best designer dupes, buying every iteration of the adidas gazelles and listening to celeb podcasts every hour of every day.