As another summer rolls around, so does a music-packed, mud-splattered season of festivals for us all to enjoy. British festivals are renowned for two things: Unpredictable weather and wellies!
Though the first does often add to the fun, it has an impact on the outfits that we had already planned for Leeds and Isle of Wight. Choosing the right footwear is always a hard decision, and many things need to be considered: comfort; practicality, and of course style.
For us girls, the last is definitely the most important, as festivals are a time for us to truly express our personal style without having to hold back. If you were too afraid to wear those neon sandals out of the door last week, now is the perfect time to step out onto the field with confidence and seriously cool steeze.
To help you decide which shoes to style the rest of your outfit with this summer, here’s a rundown of five on-trend footwear choices for the festival season.
Go Edgy With The Flatform
A new trend for 2012, the flatform keeps popping up everywhere, and for good reason! Without adding any extra discomfort, the flatform gives height and improves posture, and even better – they look so on-trend with almost everything!
The flatform is very much a statement shoe, especially if you go super high, but you can bring down their gregarious aesthetics by opting for a flatform or high-top sneakers.
High-top flatforms are getting snapped on a deluge of celebrities at the moment, so these are a great choice for comfort as well as style. Team your flatforms with a bright bodycon skirt and relaxed, grungy sweater. Pile on the accessories and you’re good to party throughout the night.
♥ $65.00 Nasty Gal
Go Boho With The Ankle Boot
This season, the ankle boot is still very much on trend. To bring it up to speed with 2012, opt for a flat, fringed style. Minnetonka do a great range of boho ankle boots and moccasins that are perfect for all festivals, especially Gottwood and Secret Garden Party which both have a slightly boho, hippy vibe.
Team your fringed ankle boots with a printed maxi dress for serious boho brownie points, or opt for a floral summer dress if you prefer your outfits to have a feminine, girly tone. Not so practical if the heavens decide to open thanks to their suede finish, but let’s just cross our fingers for a dry weekend!
♥ $155.00 Nasty Gal
Go Punk With Creepers
Creepers have become somewhat of a fashion statement this year. Once worn in the 70’s and 80’s by the likes of Bananarama, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley, now they are worn by the likes of Rita Ora, Rihanna and Fearne Cotton.
Their chunky sole likens them to the flatform trainers, but with a suede finish and often a print, they have been translated from the Blue Suede Shoes of the 50’s into an edgy choice with a punk twist for 2012. They are going to be a popular choice for this season’s festivals thanks to their height and versatility – creepers look great with jeans, skirts and shorts.
♥ $58.00 Asos
Go Girly With Sandals
Sandals are a great option for the European festivals like Benicassim, where sunshine is pretty much guaranteed! For the UK, sandals can sometimes feel like a regretted choice if the sky decided to pour down.
Choose sandals if you’re guaranteed dry weather, as they’re a practical choice if you prefer flat shoes. They’re a great choice to add femininity, especially if the rest of your outfit is on the more masculine side. Choose jeans, a pretty top and a leather jacket for a girly outfit with an edge, or go all out with floral prints and girly colours.
Go Traditional With Wellies
Wellies (rain boots) are synonymous with British festivals, and Hunter wellies are by far the most popular choice of brand when it comes to this practical choice of footwear. The only style you’ll need if the weather forecast looks wet and grey, you can truly make wellies a style statement of their own with the right outfit. Choose a pretty, fun playsuit to balance out the practicality factor.
♥ Hunter Wellies: $125
So there you go! Five different choices of footwear for your chosen festival this summer. Which ones are you going to choose?
About The Author: Zoe is a professional fashion blogger with a penchant for festival style. She is currently writing for heritage handbag and footwear brand Jane Shilton.
