Glastonbury 2024: Dressing Down Seen as a Bid for Relevance, Not Just Fashion

KARACHI:
Glastonbury, historically known for its vibrant, eclectic festival fashion, took a surprising turn in 2024. Renowned for its eye-catching and colourful outfits, this year’s festival saw a stark shift towards understated and neutral tones, much to the disappointment of fashion enthusiasts.

As the festival concluded, the anticipated celebrity fashion rollout fell flat. Gone were the crochet crop tops, tie-dye outfits, and body glitter that typically defined the festival’s aesthetic. Instead, the scene was dominated by beige, black, white, olive, and taupe. The bold prints and daring designs of previous years were replaced by loose-fitting jumpsuits, tank tops, and cargo pants, signaling a collective move towards minimalism.

This muted trend wasn’t confined to Glastonbury alone. Coachella, another major festival, also saw a similar shift earlier this year.

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Actor Daisy Edgar-Jones exemplified the minimalist trend with her grey mini dress, layered with a black jacket, embodying functionality over flair. Dua Lipa, known for her bold fashion choices, opted for a plain white tank top, black shorts, and a leather jacket tied around her waist, reflecting a grunge influence. Callum Turner mirrored a casual Sunday look with a simple tee and black trousers.

Even Rihanna’s outfit, typically a highlight, was a miss. She wore a large fur coat, more suited for winter than a summer festival. However, there were exceptions. Florence Pugh and Janelle Monáe embraced the festival-core look, with Pugh donning a sheer black halter dress topped with a flower crown, and Monáe wearing a fully floral outfit, complete with a matching crown and flower-adorned drink.

Reflecting on the evolution of festival fashion, the 1960s introduced the world to “festival-core” with hippie-inspired outfits featuring bell-bottom jeans, tie-dye shirts, and flower crowns. This era’s fashion was loud and symbolic of the countercultural movement. The mid-2010s saw a revival led by celebrities like Vanessa Hudgens and the Jenner sisters, who popularized boho-chic styles with crochet tops, high-waisted shorts, and layered jewelry.

In contrast, 2024’s festival fashion, characterized by neutral tones and practicality, marks a shift towards sustainability and comfort. This evolution mirrors broader societal changes, with current fashion reflecting a more understated and practical approach.

While some mourn the loss of the vibrant, over-the-top festival fashion, others appreciate the move towards more sustainable and comfortable choices. Regardless, festival fashion will continue to evolve, always reflecting the cultural zeitgeist of its time.