The arrival of summer invites an extensive line-up of engaging outdoor events, ranging from concerts to picnics, and even festivals. However, choosing the perfect outfit that not only suits the occasion but also caters for the unpredictable weather conditions and difficult terrains in Ireland can be quite challenging.
Your chosen attire has to be capable of handling the heat, should the sun decide to grace the sky, and ensure your warmth should the daytime celebrations transition into the night. And most crucially, it should be able to withstand a sudden downpour, a characteristic feature of Irish summers.
Not to be a party pooper, but firstly, clothing must particularly emphasise practicality and comfort. Beyond mere sensibility, this ensures a wardrobe disaster doesn’t stand in the way of your enjoyment at events, while allowing for the addition of stylish, finishing touches to create an event-appropriate look.
Should your day be scheduled with sun-soaked barbecues or outdoor food festivals, anticipate possible food and grass stains. Choose fabrics that can be cleaned instantly and think about selecting vibrant patterns that can effectively conceal any stains.
If a laid-back outdoor gathering like a picnic is on the cards, opt for easy-wearing, comfortable attire that allows you to effortlessly sit down. Look for airy, flowing mid-length dresses that can be layered should there be a change in weather or opt for casual, loose-fitting denim styles. Slim-fitting outfits aren’t the best choice for picnics, loose clothing like soft cotton or linen trousers with a wide-leg cut, which is currently in fashion, would be far more suitable. Stilettos won’t fare well on the soft grassy grounds; wedges, flatforms or block heels would prove to be better alternatives for added height. For casual affairs, trainers or flat boots will suffice, if they meet the dress code criteria.
The boho trend is a great fit for outdoor festivals. Re-emerging into popular fashion through the collaborative efforts of Sienna Miller and Marks and Spencer, this style made a significant impact on the Chloe catwalks, featuring dresses with ruffles, flounces, and fringing. Sienna has always set the bar high for festival fashion and according to style expert Megan Fox, no one embodies this look better than Sienna Miller and Kate Moss. The ideal blend of subdued nineties fashion with a touch of boho can help achieve their seemingly effortless cool-girl look. Chunky boots can serve as dependable footwear, especially amidst rain-soaked fields. Brands such as MIITSA and Paris Texas offer a wide variety of distinctive styles, ensuring functionality and style both at the festival and beyond.
Given the modern trend, a sturdy, classy and pragmatic boot is a much more fitting finish to an ensemble than traditional wellington boots, unless the rain is particularly heavy. You aren’t required to follow typical concert attire – like cowboy hats, glitter, or cut-off shorts. Festival outfits are now more sustainable and practical, with less emphasis on flashy sequins and fringing, and more focus on items you’ll use post-festival.
A slip dress or a light, flowing prairie-style dress providing ease of movement is always a winning choice for festival style. While it might be tempting to wear jeans for unpredictable weather, remember that soaked denim takes longer to dry. It’s smarter to wear something that can dry quickly if it gets wet. A wax or field jacket is an ideal accompaniment for a dress as it offers a balance of practicality and style. Fox suggests bringing the boho influence into your accessories: “A fringed cross-body bag is not just an ideal nod to boho, it’s practical and perfect for dancing. Brand options include Parfois – famed for their cross-body bags, and Maje with their standout fringed bags available in nearly any colour you can think of.”
Fashion consultant and personal shopper, Aoife O’Doherty, has recommended a few accessories that you should consider incorporating into your summer garb. Sunglasses and headwear are central to this season’s hot list. Headwear is particularly trending, offering not just a fashionable edge but also a practical solution to shield against the summer sun and rain, especially during outdoor festivities, a common occurrence in Ireland. This summer, O’Doherty identifies a widespread display of various shapes, textures and naturally inspired hues in headwear, alongside bold and bright options. She highlights this accessory as not just useful but a fun way to express oneself. A few recommended brands to explore for distinct hat designs include Ghelter, Lack of Color, FAO Millinery, Gigi Buris, Ruskin Baginskiy, and Eugenia Kim.