No one does festival fashion quite like Free People. Since launching in 1984, the brand has owned the eclectic, vintage-inspired space — think airy maxis for floating around the campsite, fringed jackets Jimi Hendrix would envy, and bell-bottoms Joan Jett would approve of. All served with a heavy pour of tie-dye, crochet, and beads (basically, more than you can shake your lukewarm pint at).
With festival season already in full swing, there’s no better time to dig into Free People’s 2025 festival edit and start planning your looks — whether you’re pitching a tent or braving a surprise downpour. Sure, you might be stomping through a muddy field, but these outfits will have you feeling sunshiney either way.
Trust me: You’ll want a practical outfit for the trek from the parking lot to the campsite and setting up your tent. Between hauling your gear and wrestling with your tent, you’ll be a sweaty mess — even if it’s overcast. The goal? Something comfortable and easy (no fussy ties or waistbands) that you can travel in and feel good wearing all day.
In my experience — and I’ve camped at a lot of festivals — I’m usually too tired to change after setup, so this look often becomes my day-one outfit too. Bonus points if your separates can be reworn later in the weekend. The less you pack, the lighter your load.
Start with athleisure: lightweight, breathable pieces that are made to move. Think leggings or bike shorts with a graphic tee (which can double as your sleep shirt) or a tank layered with a button-down you can ditch when the tent setup turns into a group meltdown. Or go for a breezy linen set — easy to move in and cute enough to keep on post-setup. Just don’t forget a coverup to tie around your waist for the journey there and the chill after sunset.
If it’s looking hot where you’re headed, less is more — especially since most festivals are seriously lacking in shade. Think camis, shorts, strappy mini dresses, breezy skirts, and light layers you can toss in your bag. Skorts are my personal favorite: no chafing, easy to roll up, and quick to hand-wash if needed.
My go-to sunny-day combo is usually a skort and a mini dress or tunic — light, breathable, and easy to move in. I usually wear sneakers to protect my toes, but sandals are a must, too, especially for slipping on around the campsite. The chunkier, the better (spoken as someone who’s 5’2 — they keep you up and out of the inevitable day-four mud by the water taps).
I like to stick to a warm, sunny palette — yellows, oranges, tans, and browns — so everything mixes and matches easily, which helps cut down on packing.
No matter your vibe, the sun-safe festival essentials stay the same: a hat, sunglasses, SPF, and tons of water. Trust me, nothing ruins a set faster than overheating or a brutal sunburn.
Jeans on a rainy festival day? Don’t do it. Bare legs dry faster, which is why I stick to shorts and mini skirts — just keep the hemlines short so they don’t drag through the mud. FP Movement also has a few water-resistant winners like the In The Wild Long Shorts, In The Wild Pants, and Thru Hiker Skorts. They won’t save you in a full downpour, but they’re lightweight, breathable, comfy, and quick to dry.
Top it off with cozy layers and a rain jacket. I swear by the Singin’ In The Rain Jacket — mine’s survived three Glastonburys — but the Moon Magic Reflective Pullover also gets rave reviews. Add sturdy rain boots and water-safe accessories, like the Rains waterproof cargo bag or this boxy sling.
Worried about cold legs? Between dancing, walking, and weaving through crowds, you’ll likely stay warm all day — but stash a pair of lightweight leggings in your bag for the evening just in case.
Festivals are your excuse to go all out. Think bold colors, clashing prints, glitter, sparkles, cutouts, and statement accessories — basically everything you don’t get to wear on an average Tuesday. And when the sun sets? That’s when the real fun starts (ravers and night owls, I’m looking at you).
For sleeping and hanging at the campsite, comfort is key. Go for sleepwear you can layer up on chilly nights and peel off when the tent turns into a sauna in the morning. Sliders are essential for quick bathroom runs, and don’t forget a hat, scarf, and leg warmers for late-night chats around your imaginary campfire.
From experience, cropped pants or fitted styles you can tuck into socks work best — even if it’s dry, the ground near taps and toilets always ends up muddy. (Take it from me: don’t drag that mud into your bed.) Free People’s Hailee Sweater Co-Ord hits just the right cropped length and is made from a textured waffle-knit that stays cool by day and cozy at night.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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This article was originally published on refinery29.com.
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