While it's easy to think the bulk of festivals have been and gone in a blur of cowboy boots and RTDs, there's still plenty of events to come this summer - from Laneway next week to Shipwrecked, Splore, and even more in March.
Of course, for the jetsetters, there's also California's famed Coachella in April, the pinnacle of festival fashion and a popular source of street-style inspiration.
Although festivals are primarily about the music, for many fashion is a close second - particularly in the age of influencer culture and #FashionTok. Many attendees take their outfits extremely seriously, carefully planning and curating their ensembles for an aesthetically pleasing Instagram carousel or TikTok lookbook.
In New Zealand, a place where street-style has yet to evolve to the carefree creativity seen in the likes of New York and London, festivals also mark a rare opportunity to dress with reckless abandon and truly express yourself through fashion. Where else are you going to wear a body stocking in a public place in the middle of the day?
But putting together the perfect festi 'fit is an art in and of itself. There's a reason why the likes of Alexa Chung, Sienna Miller and Kate Moss are frequently hailed as the blueprint for modern festival fashion; they mastered the formula of practicality-meets-style, imbued with their own personal flair - whether that be boho, rock'n'roll or prep. In more recent years, Kendall Jenner, Dua Lipa and Hailey Bieber have also become sources of inspiration for younger festival-goers.
To get the lowdown on all things festival fashion, Newshub spoke to Sukaina Arini, a PR exec and showroom manager for Public Library, one of Aotearoa's premier fashion and lifestyle agencies. As a trend forecaster and brand manager, Public Library works with popular New Zealand and Australian labels including Stolen Girlfriends Club, Beach Brains, Ksubi, Brie Leon and NOM*d, as well as international powerhouses like Dr Martens and Converse.
With a keen eye for trends, Sukaina knows how to curate a banging look - and she's shared her tops tips on putting together the ultimate festi 'fit in 2024.
What trends should we playing with this festival season?
According to Sukaina, colour-blocking is a styling trend we should all have our eyes on, especially putting tonal colours together; think different shades of the same hue, or denim-on-denim in varying blues. To add definition and break up a tonal palette, she recommends combining different textures to bring the outfit to life - think mixing leather with lace or silk with crochet.
She also suggests opting for "non-basic basics" - in other words, choosing timeless pieces like a classic shirt, but adding intrigue with shapes, colours and textures.
For a look that stands out from the crowd, Sukaina is a fan of putting together unlike items, especially if it mixes masculine with feminine. For example, layering a mini skirt over wide-leg pants in different fabrics to create contrast.
"2024 for me is also all about sheer layering," she told Newshub. "Minis of all sorts with wide sheer pants are a bit of me this summer - masculine hints but a feminine girlie, always."
What are some top tips for putting together a banging festival 'fit?
For Sukaina, it's all about the details; an otherwise simple outfit can become effortlessly chic and stylish with the addition of accessories, fun makeup and nail art.
"I think festival wear is such a great opportunity to let your unique style shine through. Keeping in mind that being comfortable is so key for an enjoyable time, my biggest play has always been accessories, accessories, accessories," she told Newshub.
"Bejewel yourself with striking pieces: chunky and bold jewellery and accessories have always been on top of my list when it comes to festival wear. I love wearing a bunch of chains and rings together for max volume and a chunky, layered look."
And never underestimate the power of a good bag; not only are they a practical way of carrying around your festival essentials, but they can also play an important role in the overall look and feel of your outfit.
"I put a lot of thought into what bag I wear for the day. I love a fun-coloured number, especially if it's metallic - it has to be compact but capacious enough to fit a warm jumper or jacket, my beloved film camera, and all the items I think I need for the day," she said.
Of course, footwear is paramount. Whether you're moshing all day and night or stomping around the grounds, you need shoes that are comfortable, sturdy and protective enough to keep your toes safe from the elements - and other people's feet. You also don't want to wear anything you care too much about; there's no point going to a festival if you're going to be precious about your shoes.
"You won't survive without a good pair of shoes. Look for styles that provide comfort and protection (mud, moshing and hours on the go), but also complement your vibe," Sukaina suggested.
"Never-fail styles are the Dr Martens Jadon, or any worn-in Docs really. Converse's new Run Star Legacy - comfortable, chunky platform with a streetwear vibe - and Vans Knu Skool are my picks for festi footwear."
A top tip: if you're donning your Docs, consider investing in a pair of 'Doc socks', especially if you haven't fully broken them in. Breaking in boots is a necessary evil - beauty is pain, after all - and if you have yet to wear your Docs much outside the house, your feet will suffer come festival day. Dr Martens' Double Docs Socks are designed to give a little extra protection in key friction points, such as the heel, ankle and arch.
What brands and/or collections are good picks for festival wear?
One of Sukaina's top picks this season is Ksubi's upcoming womenswear collection - which she hails as any denim lover's dream - or the brand's new limited-edition collaboration Juice Wrld 2.0, a street-style collection inspired by the late rapper Juice WRLD.
"I love a denim-on-denim moment and this upcoming collection is fulfilling all my Canadian tuxedo dreams. Jorts, denim corsets, denim biker sets. You name it and they've got it," she said.
"Also, a new brand out of Australia, ANJAC (pronounced Ahn-Yak) - they're doing interesting things with prints and materials. For festivals, their range of UV-protected, quick-dry tops is an easy go-to."
ANJAC currently has a collection of swimmable pieces constructed from a premium, custom-designed performance jersey. Not only do they look cool, but they're moisture-wicking and offer sun protection - the epitome of practicality-meets-style. Plus, they're super lightweight, making them an easy layering piece to carry and throw on if it begins to rain or gets chilly in the evening.
If you're wanting to score unique second-hand pieces, Sukaina recommends signing up for Depop, which can be a great way to source some absolute gems - think archival designer pieces for a fraction of the price.
"But nothing beats an out-of-town op-shop find! Those are the best," she said. "One of my most recent gold nuggets was a super cool 1970s' knee-high tan boot that I cannot wait to wear for Laneway."
What are some must-have accessories for festivals that are functional as well as fashionable?
"I love a good silk chiffon scarf. I wear it as a headpiece throughout the day and around my neck and shoulders at night. I bought one last year in a little shop in Motueka and I have never looked back. Absolute staple," Sukaina said.
Last but not least: who are some celebrities or influencers that are great for festival 'fit inspo?
"A while back I fell in love with a fashion influencer called Alyssa Coscarelli, aka Alyssa in the City. She has more of a maximalist look compared to mine, but I look up to her for cool festi wear as I enjoy her chic and cohesive way of putting different shapes together."
At the end of the day, festivals are all about living in the moment, not worrying about your expensive bag. Have fun - and be safe.
