FESTIVAL FASHION: Electric Picnic frocks

The Kate Moss-inspired festival uniform rocks alongside fashion eccentricity, says Paula Burns

Wed, 03 Sep, 2014 - 01:00

ELECTRIC PICNIC marks the last foray of the summer. Thousands descend on a field in Stradbally, knowing that the lazy, hazy summer evenings are ending. The picnic is the last chance of the year to be free and to let your inner festival goddess shine. Ever since Kate Moss stepped onto the muddy fields of Glastonbury, donning denim shorts and Hunter wellies, festival chic has discovered a new meaning.

The year’s festivals, from Glastonbury to Coachella to Electric Picnic, have given us endless material for style pages. A festival uniform has been created from the Moss look. Celebs such as Alexa Chung and Laura Whitmore are a fan of this simple style. Every year, the grounds of grand houses see drones of girls wearing the infamous shorts cut-offs, or a summer tea dress matched with wellies and knee-high socks. It’s a look that works; it’s functional, easy and stylish, all rolled into one.

Those looking for individuality accessorise with a trilby hat or funky jewellery.

Festivals may be summer events, but a weekend under the stars, in Ireland, is guaranteed to get a little bit chilly once the sun goes down. So keeping warm is essential, making outer-wear just as important. The faux fur gilet is the festival staple. This is a stylish little trinket that is also furry and warm. The parka is the festival icon, made famous in the ’90s by the Gallagher brothers. This year, there are plenty of variations on the light, three-quarter length sleeved version, with the fur trim to give extra heat.

While many people follow the style uniform, there will always be eccentric fashion masters. The festival is the perfect stage to showcase the fashionista within. When fashion and music collide, there are no boundaries. There were plenty of revellers at the picnic, displaying their unique style. From the flamboyant boys in bright suits to those intrigued by eras gone past, individuality was at the forefront.

Kevin Harte (33), Blanchardstown, Dublin — Suit: Costume shop, Dublin; shirt, Eager Beaver, Temple Bar; gold medallion chain, Costume Shop, Dublin; shades, Electric Picnic; headband, JD Sports.

Annemarie Judge (23), Dublin — Leather shorts: Mango; khaki jacket with studs: Penneys; biker style boots: Penneys; Shirt: River Island; socks with leopard print: Penneys; hat: River Island boys section; bag: Penneys.

Susan Walsh (36), Cork — faux-fur jacket, TK Maxx; scarf: off-cut of silk from a cloth shop in Clonmel; skirt, Penneys; Mucker boots, hardware shop in Thomastown; bag, Craft Fair in City Hall, Cork.

Lorraine Gleeson (30), Headford, Galway — Fur-lined parka, River Island; top, A|wear; shorts, Miss Selfridge; bag, A|wear; boots, Dunnes Stores; sunglasses: Ray-Ban at Brown Thomas.

Paula Curtis (34), Clonakilty, Cork — Mini top hat, handmade from an old watch; shorts: handmade from old curtains; leather corset, online shop; stole: vintage shop; bum-bag: vintage; boots: Reclaim, London.

Rachel Kiernan (31), Kildare — sequined dress, River Island; sequined jacket, Shutterbug, Kilkenny; Wings, eBay; turban: Shutterbug, Kilkenny; boots: Dunnes Stores.

Stephen James (31), Sligo — shirt, charity shop, Dublin; waist coat: Topman; jacket, Enable Ireland, Galway; trousers: Levi online; trainers: Converse.

Claire Bell (35), Limerick — shirt, H&M; vintage-style fringed jacket: River Island; chain: River Island; dress (worn as skirt): H&M; cowboy boot-style wellies: New Look; hat: Parfois, Limerick.

Sarah Stack (26) Ranelagh, Dublin — Bomber style jacket: Tola Vintage, Temple Bar; Shirt worn as dress: her mum’s (vintage); lace trim cycling shorts: H&M Boots: Penneys; ’Cray’ signs on boot laces: H&M; Earrings: Topshop; Chain: Claire’s Accessories.