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Kara O’Sullivan: 6 trends we’ll be seeing this festival season

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by Kara O'Sullivan
31st May 2024

Recently launching her own online styling service – kara made me do it – Kara O'Sullivan has her finger on the pulse when it comes to fashion. Here she breaks down six trends she predicts we'll be seeing lots of this festival season.

Festival season is finally upon us. The festivities will kick off this weekend with Forbidden Fruit in Dublin, which by the way, has the ICONIC Nelly Furtado playing on the Sunday, are you kidding me!? I am Nelly’s ultimate fan girl, I might just faint when I see her!

Festival season is one of my favourite times of year for so many reasons. Firstly, live music is one of the great loves of my life. I truly think it is the most magical thing to experience, especially when it is music you listen to day-to-day. To have the opportunity to see the artist play those songs right in front of you, being able to witness the passion they have for their art is an incredibly special thing!

But let’s be honest, not everyone is going just for the music… it’s also all about the fashion. Festival fashion gives people an opportunity or excuse to dress up, be extra and have fun with their style, without turning heads or getting weird looks. 

When it comes to planning what to wear, everyone is in the same boat, taking little steps outside their comfort zone for the weekend that’s in it. There’s no such thing as being overdressed or underdressed – you can be as colourful, crazy and daring as you want. Festivals are about having a good time which means that people can really let loose and allow their personality to shine through in their outfit.

So with that said, here are six of my favourite festival fashion trends that I’ll be on the lookout for at Forbidden Fruit this weekend, and some of my top picks to help you nail each one!

Micro mini shorts

I have been obsessed with the micro mini short trend since it started popping up all over my feed a few months ago, but am I brave enough to rock a pair day-to-day? On a Tuesday just running errands!? Probably not… but I think a festival is the perfect excuse to sport a pair of micro mini shorts without overthinking it! They honestly are so cute on. Teamed with a fun graphic tee and a pair of biker boots, your ‘fit will be perfect for any festival this summer.

Sporty shorts

Another short (but sweet) trend we have seen lots of is sporty shorts! From adidas to O’Neills (thanks to our pal Paul Mescal), they have become a summer staple. If you want to have more fun with this trend and spice it up a bit, I am simply obsessed with these upcycled versions from Sewphie. I had to get myself a red pair with bows, but the latest ruched pair has me in a chokehold. These shorts are such a fun way to play on the Sporty Spice style, whilst making your outfit a little more feminine and fun.

The cowgirl trend

I think Beyoncé could convince us to wear (and do) almost anything, and thanks to her latest album, Cowboy Carter, the cowgirl trend is going to explode this festival season. Yes, we saw some cowboy boots last year, but I’m talking full cowgirl takeover! Think Daisy Duke shorts, cow print pieces, fringe jackets, and cowgirl hats as a start. More is more with this one!

Bandanas

This trend is coming in hot this summer. It might take a while to catch on, but I think bandanas are such a cute summer accessory and a great way to make an outfit more exciting – especially if they come in a fun print or pop of colour. Depending on how you style them, they can be chic, edgy and effortlessly cool or super girly and feminine – so I think there is a bandana for everyone! They’re such a versatile piece too and some of them can even double as little tube tops… another thing we’re sure to see this festival season.

Sheer

I have been loving this for SS and what better excuse to try out this more daring trend than at a festival?! Think sheer or lace skirts and tops, with cute swimwear or classy underwear underneath. It’s definitely quite a bold fashion choice, but I think it can be so chic when done in a tasteful way. Pair your sheer skirt with biker boots and a studded belt to bring some edge to an otherwise feminine look, or double down on the femininity with a ruffled top and florals to create a more romantic and girly ‘fit.

Jerseys

Another sporty one, but jerseys are taking over this summer. Football, rugby, GAA – anything goes and we’ll be supporting our teams with the cutest jerseys. I love pairing these masculine tops with something more feminine, like a mini skirt and ballet flats for a cute day-to-day summer look. For festival season, leave the ballet flats at home and swap them for a cool pair of cowboy boots or Timberlands to make the outfit more outdoor-friendly!

Collage made by IMAGE. Imagery sourced on Instagram. We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site.

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