Festival season is well and truly upon us, with the mighty Glastonbury kicking off on 26 June. Yet, with an ever-changing weather forecast, near-daily downpours and the odd rogue day of scorching sunshine, working out what to wear for our everyday routines, let alone a multiple-day tent-focused festival, is proving quite the challenge.

So, as someone who has spent many a day in a field, dancing away to all sorts of musical genres, allow me to lend a helping hand. While it may seem like a great place to have fun with fashion, festival dressing requires a functional approach to be successful. Take it from me, someone who once wore a jumpsuit in a portaloo – a mistake that nobody else should have to make.

When it comes to festival dressing, you need to prepare for all eventualities. Of course, this applies less to the one-day city centre parties – just pack a parka and you’ll be fine – what I’m really talking about are the two, three or even five-day events that involve camping (or glamping, if you’re lucky). 

Start with your footwear, paying close attention to the weather forecast. While wellies are handy if a downpour is on the cards, they may weigh you down; if heavy rain isn’t due, it may be best to leave them at home.

You’ll likely be getting an incredible number of steps in, meaning comfort is key. Turn to trusty trainers (ones you don’t mind getting muddy) or well-worn-in boots should the weather allow it.

This focus on comfort should follow you through every aspect of your outfit. Yes, sequins are great fun and look striking, but after four hours of walking or dancing, you may want to rip the scratchy fabric straight off your body (I’m speaking from experience). Soft fabrics and items you know you’ll feel comfortable in – often those that you already own – are key to keeping you happy no matter the weather. You can always elevate your look with accessories afterwards to add some punchy festival personality. 

Finally, staying warm and dry are probably the two most important parts of any outfit and, unsurprisingly, are the most challenging elements of festival season. So lean into layers and don’t discard the camping shops – they’re the best place to find a cosy fleece. And for weather-specific styling tips, keep scrolling for more suggestions. 

Kate Moss is known for her great festival looks, so be sure to take a look at her archive images for more Glastonbury inspo (though her outfit above is probably my favourite). While wet weather may instinctively have you reaching for a pair of jeans, once they’re wet, they’re one of the worst things you can wear. Think light fabrics, such as gym leggings, or even bare legs if it isn’t freezing cold so you can dry off quickly and get back to dancing.

Wet weather is also when you’ll need to consider taking on the extra weight of wellies (short styles can be a little more comfortable as well as more lightweight). Take a look at Fitflop (£90), Merry People (£84.95) or Barbour (£55). And invest in a great waterproof jacket, such as these finds from Rains (£95), M&S (£59), or Mountain Warehouse (£59.99). 

Nobody wants to be cold at a festival, so if the forecast is looking a little chilly, it’s best to be prepared. While Alexa Chung’s PU leggings won’t suit everyone’s style, it’s a look that shows the bare bones of a great cold-weather outfit: covered legs, knee-high boots, a trusty band T-shirt and a wonderfully warm windbreaker. It really is as easy as that.

While jeans, leggings and leather trousers all work well as a cold-weather base, and a well-loved band T-shirt brings that rugged festival feel, a cosy coat is the key to making or breaking this look. Great options that have caught my eye include this Hush trench (£189), this chic Cos parka (£180) and & Other Stories duffle (£165). 

If you’re lucky, the good weather will roll back around and bless you with scorching sunshine this festival season. So long as you have a good SPF, a hat and take regular breaks in the shade while staying hydrated, you’re sure to have a great time. Although you will still need to pay attention to your outfit.

Mini skirts and dresses are both an easy option and make portaloo usage a whole lot easier, plus you can easily accessorise with a belt and chunky jewellery (as Sienna Miller has done above) to give them more of a festival feel. Despite it being tempting to pull on flip-flops and sandals, with so many other people stomping around and the floor becoming a bit like a bin, boots or trainers are still your safest bet. Just take a look at these H&M chunky trainers (£37.99), Aspiga gold cowboy boots (£160) and super comfy On running shoes (£150). 

The most common UK festival weather is an amalgamation of it all – wind, rain, sun, you name it. And, of course, it’s probably the hardest type to dress for. So, you want to take the best bits of all of the above, as Gemma Chan has here, so you’re prepared for whatever the day brings.

Waterproof boots are a must, combined with a cosy coat, an all-weather bottom – again, I can’t stress enough the ease of a skirt or dress in those tiny toilets – and an easy-to-pull-on jumper. This pretty pink Mint Velvet sweatshirt (£59), Columbia fleece (£45), and Uniqlo crew neck (£29.99) are all in my basket. 

Images: Getty