Sat in traffic on the stretch up to Donington Park, I was definitely pooing my pants a bit. Don't get me wrong, I was mega excited to be hitting up Download festival for the first time, but I'll admit that I wasn't entirely sure what I was getting myself into.
I'd like to think that I'm pretty eclectic when it comes to music. And not just because 'eclectic' is a really grown-up and satisfying word to say out loud (no seriously, try it), but also because I can quite happily nod along and pretend to know the words to pretty much anything. But Download isn’t just any festival my friends.
I went with the really cool girls from Zippo, who sponsor the Zippo Encore stage there and host loads of games, activities and competitions over the weekend. And even though I tried to kid myself into feeling prepared by checking the weather on an hourly basis and re-reading the line-up over and over againg, I accepted that I was gearing myself up for a long weekend of heavy rock and metal that I almost definitely wouldn’t be familiar with. And how the hell are you meant to dress for that? So as I trudged through the torrential rain lugging my best mates mum’s tent, a ripped faux leather jacket and my brand new patent no-brand-land wellies, I was ready to be called out as a rock and roll fraud.
But what did I find when I finally got down to the main arena? 90,000 of the most chilled out, welcoming and friendly people I've ever met. Drinks were a’flowing, the vibe consistently amazing and all the girls all looked bloody great. Yup, even in the middle of torrential downpour.
So if you're thinking about making your Download debut next year, or if you’ve got another muddy festival coming up, here's the outfit inspiration you’ve been looking for - from every stretch of the fashion spectrum. We’re talking comfort, weather resistance, and a hearty dose of sass.
Hannah
'I'm from New Zealand and this if my first Download! I came because my friend recommended it and I can see why. You can just wear whatever's comfortable - My jeans are from Topshop and the shirt is from a charity shop, I cut it up myself. The vibe is amazing, nothing like I've been to back home - it's a life time experience.'
Orlagh
‘I think you should be comfortable but most importantly be yourself. I’ve been coming every year for a while now and you get used to the weather. But when I woke up I decided I was going to wear this to cheer myself up because the rain was so bad yesterday!’
Kelly, Haley
Kelly: ‘Yesterday I was in a vest and shorts, so thought I’d change it up today with this dress – I got it from Primark. I’ve brought lots of layers with me in my bag! I love that you can feel comfortable in anything here’
Haley: ‘My dress is from ASOS and is so comfortable, that’s important. We’ve been to Download two times so far but I think we’ll be coming back more regularly!’
Sorcha, Niamh
Niamh: ‘We’re just wearing our parents' old t-shirts! Something nice and baggy is always good because it’s so relaxed, and then the yellow leather makes it a bit more interesting!’
Hannah: ‘This is my second time at Download and it’s all about comfort - I’m pretty much wearing what I sleep in but I love these leggings. I got them from Camden market and the top was made as a side project by one of the guys from a band called Gnarwolves’
Zoe, Tiffany, Bianca
Zoe: 'We come every year and we love it. If you're coming for the first time just wearing anything black is always safe!'
Bianca: 'And I'd say that with this festival, less is more. It's really laid back but also because it's ALWAYS rainy, so I'll wear something I don't mind getting wet!'
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.