Gear Up: Summer Festival Essentials

Going to Lollapalooza this weekend? Get ready with our 10-step guide to sensible fest style.

By Lesley Burr
Published: August 2nd, 2010 | 1:30pm

When it's high summer, and beneath the early August sunshine, people of all ages, sizes, and types come together for an annual gathering in Chicago—Lollapalooza. It’s three epic days of music with more than 150 artists, plus more than 30 places to eat and drink, and countless celebrities and after-parties. It can be a jungle out there, so music festival newbies take note. Our tips and tools will help you wear and pack the right stuff so that you can focus on what's important. The music, that is.

1. Bag it. Male or female, old or young—everyone needs to carry a bag. Pick one with secure fastenings and sturdy straps; messenger bag styles or backpacks work best because they leave your hands and arms free for eating, drinking, and most importantly, dancing. Avoid light colors because your fest bag will get dirty. A few smart options: Tribal Face Bag by Something Else, Nylon Backpack by BDG, Summer Stripe Bucket Bag by Ecote.

2. Prep for the unexpected. Weather reports are only so accurate. Bring a sweater or windbreaker—something lightweight that you can easily stuff in your bag. Don’t bother with an umbrella. Chances are you won’t use it, and if you do, you'll anger mobs of fans by blocking their stage views. Try this cardi from Forever 21 or sturdy zip-up from American Apparel.

3. Manage your money. Carry a small wallet to maximize space in your bag. Resist the urge to bring credit cards—they could get stolen, or more likely, you’ll be tempted to overspend in your heat-stroke induced state. Bring a water bottle to save on buying it there, and eat a hearty breakfast so you drop less cash on food.

4. Mind the sun. Chicago sunshine in August is extremely intense. Sunblock is a must—try a portable solid stick like this one from Korres—as are sunglasses. But don’t bring your pricey Ray-Bans, which could easily get lost, stolen, or crushed. Stick to a cheap shades and bring a backup pair. (Forever 21 has tons under $10, like these and these). Hats are another cute option, but stick to straw like this fedora from A'Gaci—any fabric will make you too hot. And nothing to large-brimmed either, or the anti-umbrella club will be after you, too.

5. Choose your soles wisely. Fashion blogs and magazines may be style-stalking the fest, but save your high heels and pinching pointy-toed flats for another day. Comfort and sturdiness is key to make it through all of the standing, strolling, and dancing. Don’t wear flip -flops either. They offer no support or protection against the rough gravel of the grounds, and can easily slip off and get swallowed up by the crowd at Perry’s DJ stage, for instance. Opt for sturdy boots like these from Jeffrey Campbell or high-top sneakers like these Sam Edelmans.

6. Suit up. You'll have some downtime, so plan accordingly. If you have a couple of hours to kill between sets you want to see, Lake Michigan, the beaches, and the harbors are just a short walk away. Throw on a one-piece swimsuit, like this halter style from American Apparel, under shorts or a skirt, and you'll be ready to cool off in the water if the opportunity presents itself. A leotard or bodysuit works, too.

7. Stay cool. Fashionable and sensible aren't mutually exclusive. Leather and leggings may look stylish, but wear them at your own risk—you'll wind up cooking. Opt instead for lightweight, comfy fabrics like cotton, sheer jersey, and linen. And of course, don’t forget to channel your favorite artist's style. Some great options: a breezy American Apparel tank dress; a lightweight cotton romper from American Gold; swingy Samantha Pleet shorts; a feather weight American Apparel viscose tank; and classic Urban Renewal cutoffs.

8. Cheapen your accessories. Theft is an unfortunate but inevitable part of any large-scale event, so everyone knows to leave the iPods, office mobiles, and fancy thousand-dollar cameras at home. Same goes for fancy jewelry. Instead, snag eyecatching pieces you can afford to lose or break from stores like Forever 21 (woven belt, feather bib necklace) and Urban Outfitters (ear cuff, wring-to-wrist bracelet).

9. Get thrifty and stand out. Aside from dressing practically for the conditions, fashion is something central to the music festival experience. The secret to retaining your style personality without spending a ton? Thrift stores. They carry all sorts of on-trend clothes at bargain prices—cropped bra tops, and retro tunics, high-waisted jean shorts, to name a few—and there's that added bonus of each piece being one of a kind.

10. Stay fresh. If you don’t want the fun to end (and still have the energy), there are tons of official and unofficial Lollapalooza after-parties around the city. Most likely you won't have time to go home and clean up first, so throw these picks in your bag and get party-ready on the go: Fight greasy locks with Pssssst Dry Shampoo; de-shine skin in seconds with Sephora's Matte Blotting Film; perk up your complexion with Benefit Benetint; and pack a portable scent with Marc Jacobs Daisy Rollerball.