WTW? - Festival Style Over 50

I'm planning to go to a small but popular, funky, bluesy local music and food festival (outdoor) event this weekend and don't know what to wear. It will be daytime hours, 90+ for the high, so shorts or cropped jeans are the order (and I may actually prefer jeans so I can sit on dirty picnic tables, etc. without worry.) What I don't know about is how to fit into the "festival" feeling, without trying to dress too young or try too hard - and still endure the gravel, grass, heat, wind etc. of the outdoors.

I'm thinking of wearing a simple deep red tank with a white eyelet shirt worn over it so I can remove the shirt once the heat of the day kicks in. The color will show some through the eyelet shirt, but that's the point. I would also like to wear comfortable sandals and that leaves me with my brown tevas. But I don't' want to risk messing up any of my "good" sandals. I could wear one of my "Sundance" style leather belts with embellishments and semi-tuck the white eyelet blouse.

But I'm not sure if that's festive enough. I could add a long pendant necklace (or two)

Any other suggestions on what to wear to this kind of music/food/fun event?

12 years ago

Debbie

Veteran

I think what you are describing sounds perfect. Have fun!

kellygirl

What about adding some silver/turquoise jewelry--a bold cuff perhaps? Or big earrings? I like what you are suggesting. A fun peasant style top would be fun too. Or one of those broomstick or full tiered skirts?

rachylou

Mm. The cropped jeans, red tank, and tevas sound pretty good to me. But the white eyelet shirt worries me on the style front. I'm afraid you're going to come home with a self-cooling cheese-dip plate (not that they aren't kinda cool...). How short is it?

ETA: Ok, I better explain about my eyelet shirt worries. If it's cut short and boxy, and is stiff, I think it will fight the relaxed-vibe of the rest of the outfit. The thing is, a lot of people do this at blues festivals. It's almost de rigeur blues festival style: relaxed-vibe outfit topped by boxy shirt. And then you got it all going and are grooving with the atmosphere, and then before you know it someone has sold you a self-cooling cheese-dip plate.

DonnaF

I'd wear plenty of sunscreen and a hat. Will wearing eyelet result in a spotted tan underneath? Also, will it be so crowded that your feet get trampled? Ouch! At a festival DD attended, it was so crowded that smokers put their cigarettes out on her arms, her feet got stepped on, and she was knocked to her knees so had to wrap them or at least one in Ace bandages for weeks. But the music was good.

Suz

(website)

Oy!! Listening to Donna's description would be enough to keep me home! Yikes!

I am wondering about some of the casual finds in Angie's roundup last night, like the linen tiered skirt. Although I think what you are suggesting sounds great, supposing the eyelet doesn't have actual holes (or it is lined), for the reasons already hilariously expressed by Rachylou, and mentioned by Donna.

I also like Kelly's idea of turquoise jewellery.

texstyle

Some funny stuff here.

This is actually a low key event, no feet trampling or cigarette problems. In fact, smoking won't be allowed in the event area. It's family oriented, not young hipster oriented. No huge crowds.

The eyelet blouse is actually pretty tame too, and no, it would not cause tan "spots". Here's an older image of it.

I like the idea of turquoise, thanks kellygirl!

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I like that eyelet blouse a lot. I think it would look great belted over a tiered skirt (or with bermudas.) Have fun, Tex!

Isis

Sounds fun! Teva's are perfect in case it is muddy; that's what I wear to music festivals. Also wear shorts so I can sit on the ground with in case I get sick of standing between sets. A backpack with a towel for the ground and to keep sunscreen, water bottle, cash...I go all out practical!

The eyelet is only on the front of this one, not on the arms or back. It's a very soft (older) somewhat fitted shirt with a curved hemline so I don't think it would be boxy. I don't really wear skirts. Okay, I never wear skirts, so the jeans, crops or shorts are the real options. I think I will jazz it up with my choice of hats, jewelry and maybe I'll break down and wear more colorful sandals too.

Then again, if the temps rise too much today we may choose to skip the festival altogether. It might be as hot as 98!

That's a good eyelet. Not boxy, cloth not stiff. And bonus, it looks long sleeved.

You should totally go, even if it's 98! Even if you come back with a mosaic lazy susan! Carry an umbrella/parasol and wear one of those uncool neck thingies that you dip in water to keep you cool. We're talking blues, man!

hehe :> I like blues festivals.

CocoLion

I would swap the red tank for a white tank or tee. The all-white thing will be a bit more current and will surely show off your jewelry. As for jewelry, I would have fun! Layered necklaces, layered bracelets, dangly earrings (esp. the earrings). Finish it off with a cute Boho style cross body bag, one that's on the small size for comfort. But one that's big enough to put jewelry in if starts to get in the way. Sunglasses will be a big part of this outfit as well.

Have fun!

sarah

I think you've posted your eyelet top with BF shorts and sandals before, haven't you? I think that's a perfect starting point. Just add some jewelry (maybe an armload of funky bracelets?) and you'll be set.

pil

Sounds like Kellygirl and Cocolion have it all sorted out for you! That eyelet blouse is pretty. Have fun!

All the suggestions sound good. My vote is to add a hat...maybe a fedora?

christieanne

Love the light layered blouse over a tank - and a mix of practical with pretty and festive. You want comfort in the heat and things that you know you can wash the grubbiness out of. Drink lots of water, sunscreen and AJ's hat idea is a good one.

Have fun!

ElleH

The outfit sounds cute but I prefer closed toe shoes for festivals so my toes & feet get less damage if they are trampled. I wear boots mostly but oxfords or chucks would look good with your outfit also.

Mia

Jean skirt might work too? I find any jean pant in 90 degrees uncomfortable. Love the blouse and the idea of turquoise accent in the jewelry.

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