What to Wear To: Outdoor Electro Music Festival

So, you're going to an outdoor electronic music festival and aren't sure what to wear or bring with you? Well, I've been down that road before and I hope my little suggestions can help you on your big day (or dayS) out. I'm personally going to Ultra Music Festival in Miami this year (starts tomorrow, eek!) and I learned from my first experience at Ultra two years ago. Two years ago I cared more about looking cute than functionality, and my feet bore the burden of that. I wore sandals and an outfit with a strapless bra, I showered and straightened my hair beforehand, and I brought a large purse to carry my many items. All of these things were a mistake because of MY situation - I was not there to impress anyone, I was there with friends, I was not planning on going out afterward. (I said "planning" on going out because FYI I actually hung out with my current boyfriend unexpectedly after going to the first night of Ultra 2 years ago!)

There's really two scenarios to plan your outfit around:
1) you are going to the festival and are NOT going out anywhere afterward
2) you are going to the festival and ARE going out somewhere afterward

Here's a practical yet fashionable outfit for the first situation.

Shirt: No name

Shorts: Forever 21

Bathing suit: Ritchie Swimwear

Crossbody: Dooney & Bourke

Shoes: Reebok

Sunglasses: Versace

Necklace: Forever 21

What's important is staying dry - wear undergarments that will wick off sweat (a bathing suit). Wear a loose fitting shirt and shorts to stay as cool as possible. Make sure you have a crossbody bag so you can feel free to pump those fists and dance without worrying about your stuff! Wear sneakers so that your feet are comfortable all day and don't get too muddy.

Here's an outfit that is slightly less comfortable yet serves a dual purpose for the second situation:

Shirt/Mini Dress: American Apparel

Belt/Headband: American Apparel

Sandals: Loft

Loose Powder: Elf

When you know you are going out afterward, an easy way to transform your day look to a nighttime look is with this versatile dress/shirt from American Apparel. Just take off your shorts, pull down the shirt so it stretches to its fullest, and you have yourself a mini dress! During the day you can wear the belt around your head as a headband to keep your hair out of your face, and at night you can wear it as a belt to add some definition to your dress. While I wouldn't say makeup is necessary when you KNOW you are NOT going out at night, I know for sure I wish I had brought powder with me 2 years ago because I looked like a sweaty mess by the time the festival was over. If I had to suggest 1 makeup product to squeeze in your bag, it would be loose powder. You can also get away with sandals, but only a fool would wear high heels to an event like this. The clubs tend to be more lax about the dress code during music festivals, so you could also get away with wearing sandals to a club instead of heels, especially if you are wearing a hot mini-dress above those sandals :)

Things to remember:
1) No "professional" cameras allowed (usually) - you can bring your DSLR but do it at your own risk.
2) You will get dirty. If you want to sit down the only place to sit is the grass.
3) Hydrate yourself before you go. Water (and other beverages) are extremely expensive but if you feel you need water, SPEND THE MONEY. No one wants you to get sick!
4) Remember sunscreen.
5) Wear clothes you don't necessarily care about because of said dirt and sweat.
6) Only bring "essentials" - for me this is my phone, a small point and shoot, a wallet.