Get your fete style on for upcoming music events with the latest trends

Cashmere jumpers are a popular choice like this one worn by Kate Moss from the Festival Collection by Kate Moss & Bobby Gillespie. Photo: Instagram/Zara

In 2025, festivals are just as much about the fashion as they are about the music.

From the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival held in April to last weekend’s Glastonbury 2025, attendees decked out in their most creative festival gear have been flooding social media.

Malaysia is no stranger to similar events such as Rainforest Music Festival, Good Vibes Festival and more, serving as avenues for music lovers to also showcase their best looks.

The upcoming festivals are Pinkfish (Aug 16) and Emerge Music Festival (Sept 6), so you have plenty of time to plan your outfits.

Take a look at the top festival trends seen at various events for inspiration for your next music event, according to reports by media like The Standard UK, Vogue, Refinery29 and The Independent.

Retro reimagined

Boots strike the perfect balance between fashion and function. Photo: Dolce & Gabbana

Crochet and knitwear continue on their serious style revival, bringing a dose of charm to the fashion landscape.

Festival-goers have been spotted channeling laid-back 1970s vibes with pieces that feel both nostalgic and modern.

From flirty crop tops and coordinated co-ords to flowy maxi dresses, crochet is dominating the festival circuit.

Refinery29 identified open knitwear as one of the coolest and most lightweight outerwear fabrics to wear for either an edgy, borderline dystopian aesthetic or a summery, beachy look.

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Statement silhouette

Nothing elevates a look quite like the right pair of boots – effortlessly chic and endlessly practical, they’re a fashion go-to for fuss-free festival dressing.

Whether you’re navigating grassy fields and mud puddles or rocking out at an indoor venue, a sturdy pair of boots strikes the perfect balance between fashion and function.

For all-day wearability, opt for flat or low-heeled biker boots with flashy detailing like bold buckles.

Embellishments are more than welcome, although if you’ll be trudging through the mud you might want to stick to less elaborate designs for an easier cleanup.

Dress to impress

This year, fancy dresses are having their festival moment, with attendees showing up in silk numbers and party pieces.

Noughties fashion It-girl Alexa Chung was spotted at Glastonbury in a long-sleeved silky long dress while others donned sequin numbers fit for a New Year’s Eve party.

On the subject of slinky and sexy garb, slip dresses were also a big hit at recent festivals.

Pajama-style outfits make perfect sense when you think about how one would just want to feel comfortable at all-day events, and many paired their sleepwear with chunky boots, noted The Standard UK of Glastonbury revellers.

A classic style reinvention

When it comes to festivals, you can’t go wrong with boho chic, which has seen many revivals from back in the 1970s when the trend was popularised.

From floaty blouses and oversized belts to all forms of fringing and earthy accessories, bohemian is a pretty versatile trend.

Proof that artisanal fashion can be effortlessly cool, you can dress this look down with sneakers for a sporty edge, or throw on chunky wedges or boots with sheer layers for sultry glam.

Summon your inner flower child with feminine florals and earthy jewellery pieces.

Free-spirited fun is so current that fashion icon Kate Moss has curated a Festival Collection with singer songwriter Bobby Gillespie for Zara – the range features retro and boho classics like cashmere pieces, embroidered dresses and silk printed pieces.

Trail and hiking shoes

Fancy dresses are having their festival moment. Photo: Burberry

It makes total sense that this form of footwear would work for moving around for hours in outdoor venues, which is probably why so many festival goers have been spotted in them.

Trainers and sporty hiking footwear paired with slinky dresses and flowy pieces were everywhere at recent events, and are sure to be a hit at upcoming festivals.

The great thing about these shoes is, once you’ve scraped off the mud and made them look good as new, they can pretty much be paired with anything for a variety of looks.

Versatile textile

Denim is the best when it comes to multi-use, and there’s no better place to flaunt it than your next festival.

Whether you’re teaming a cropped vest with high-rise jeans or going full-on with a co-ordinated set, this timeless textile brings casual edge to any outfit.

Beyond the classic jeans-and-jacket combo, think creatively by pairing a denim bustier with wide-leg trousers or layering an oversized shirt over a bikini top.

Cut-off shorts, denim minis, frayed vests and structured corsets are also fair game.

Read more: What happens when Chicano cool meets Harajuku whimsy? A bold new fashion mash-up

Carry it smart

When you’re on your feet from day to night, a practical yet chic bag is essential.

Opt for a roomy tote to stash all your festival must-haves or choose a sleek sling or crossbody for hands-free ease on the move.

If you’re traveling light with just the basics like your phone, ID, cards and a lip balm – a playful belt bag or compact crossbody adds just the right pop of personality while keeping things effortless and secure.

Finishing touches

No festival fit is complete without the right accessories – they’re the final touch that pulls your entire look together.

From statement belts to bold beaded necklaces, have fun with your look by weaving in leather accents for a dose of texture and personality. And, of course, don’t forget your sunglasses.

Whether you go for retro cat-eyes, oversized 1970s frames or sporty wraparounds, the right pair of shades adds instant edge and protects your eyes under the blazing sun.