We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.

So, the tickets have arrived, the food and drink have been bought and the camping equipment aired and checked. Now it’s time to focus on what you are going to wear.

The week before a festival I always like to organise my clothing – check I have the basics – sort out my outfits and do any last-minute washing or shopping. For some, this is too premature. For me, it helps to build my excitement and quell any fears of forgetting something. Then the night before I can review what I have packed and reduce, reduce, reduce!

The basics – boring but essential

This is what I pack:

1. Underwear including trainer, boot and welly socks
2. Sleepwear for a cold night – PJs or a comfy trackie
3. 2 pairs of lightweight/fun trousers
4. Pair of shorts and short skirt
5. My shower pack – a small waterproof bag with toiletries, cheap crocs, travel towel and loose dress to wear there and back
6. Three t-shirts – over-sized and fitting
7. Waterproof, lightweight raincoat
8. Warm puffer jacket that rolls into its own pocket
9. A black fleece
10. Two pairs of shiny leggings to wear late at night under my outfits – warmth.

The outfits

My outfits change depending on the festival – the theme and the season. The rule is to aim for ‘out out’ outfits. Outfits that make you feel good about yourself.

This year I decided to explore some sparkle, definitely on my clothing and NOT on my face (many festivals banned glitter a while ago). I like to have evening outfits and day dresses. Friday and Saturday nights are ‘out out’, outfits – Sunday I like a girly day dress as the festival starts to wind down. I mix and match accessories and sunglasses.

I always do layers. I start with a dress…usually short…socks and boots. As the day progresses, I add a sparkly layer…then a warm layer…then some leggings and eventually even a coat. I can add/subtract as I move around the site. I never go back to my tent during the day if I can help it – far too much FOMO.

The shoes – boots (either my Dr Martens or walking boots), old, comfy trainers, cheap crocs (for the shower and night excursions to the loo) and depending on the weather, wellies.

The no nos

Though potentially controversial, I never bring the following to a festival:

1. Jeans…too heavy…too hot…a nightmare if they get wet…a nightmare in the toilets. At a push I might take denim shorts.
2. Floor length, flowy dresses – total muck and mud magnets
3. White dresses – they may be this season’s trend but come on people! If you can keep a white dress clean at a festival, then you are obviously not having enough fun.
4. Playsuits – they don’t ever mix with public toilets – especially open-air ones. Squatting naked whilst avoiding prying eyes is not my idea of fun.
5. Stuff that requires ironing – remember it will be rolled up in a bag.

Pretty much everything else is fair game. Some festivals have themes – always good to throw yourself into – not that I like dressing up – much! I buy from Vinted and charity shops – recycle, redesign and redistribute amongst my daughters.

We are grownups – so let’s enjoy dressing up.