​Festival Dressing: What to Wear to This Season’s Shows, Both Indoors and Out

By Alicia Underlee Nelson

alicia@hpr1.com

Photos by Tylar Frame Photography

In-person events are back. After years of donning comfy sweats and yoga pants and avoiding other humans for the sake of public health, figuring out what to wear can feel a little overwhelming.

I asked Courtney Schur, owner of Carmine & Hayworth Vintage in Fargo, to give us a jolt of inspiration. She sells some of the region’s most fabulous vintage looks and can help us inject a little glamor and fun into our special-occasion looks, while still staying cool and comfortable at this summer’s festivals, plays and concerts.

High Plains Reader: After two years of comfy clothes, what are customers craving now?

Courtney Schur: Customers are really looking for that happy medium between style and comfort. Post-pandemic style is really giving yourself the freedom to wear what represents your sense of style with what's going to give you ease and comfort. A lot of customers have also given themselves permission to wear what makes them happy! The only rules to style are the ones you give yourself.

HPR: What are some of this summer's hottest festival looks?

CS: This year the tide is really changing when it comes to festival wear. Festival goers are trading in some of their costume pieces for comfort.

Let's face it, some of the more impractical, yet artistic outfits are worn for mere minutes in order to get the perfect photo. Now the real test is combining comfort with style. Instead of corsets with chain mesh skirts, think light knitwear, linen and cooler fabrics.

HPR: Which shoes and accessories keep us protected and comfortable at festivals?

CS: For any festival goer, if you want to have longevity at festivals please do not wear heels or wedges unless you're Carrie Bradshaw. Most festivals are on plots of land where bumps, dips and holes will ensure your ankles don't escape unscathed. Find some really great ballet flats with a closed toe and your feet will be happier.

Why do I say closed toe? Two things: toe protection from getting stepped on in the crowds and minimizing the amount of nature that will get into your shoes.

Thankfully, accessories are the pieces that can really give you freedom. Chunk up that jewelry with some vintage silver hoops, chunky silver necklaces, bracelets, anything!

Word to the wise: bring a small purse or backpack that can be kept close to you at all times! Not just for the necessities like cash, ID, Ibuprofen, etc., but you can also pop whatever jewelry you want to unload in there.

HPR: How can we protect ourselves from the sun at outdoor events?

CS: When I think of keeping cool and protected in the elements I always take notes from Burlesque Queen Dita Von Teese. There are many examples of her at festivals with a parasol shielding her from the sun with sunblock on hand. No outfit or fashion statement is worth a nasty sunburn!

HPR: Which outfits are most comfortable for outdoor shows?

CS: The hill I choose to die on is that comfort does not mean you have to sacrifice your style! I'm really loving these sage green, high waisted trousers we have in the shop right now. They're made of a linen blend, beautiful buttons down each hip and light enough to keep you cool in the hot, festival air. Throw in one of our microfiber crop tops and you have yourself a styled outfit that keeps you comfortable all day.

HPR: Which vintage going out pieces really stand the test of time?

CS: This can be a dirty word to some people, but I must say it: POLYESTER. Polyester pieces could survive an apocalypse if necessary! Polyester isn't known for being very breathable or comfortable, but if you want pieces that are low-maintenance, easy to care for and last a long time, that's your best bet.

HPR: What pieces do you recommend for an indoor show, where you might have to contend with really chilly air conditioning?

CS: Attending an indoor show means wearing layers. Indoor shows can be just as variable as the outdoor ones, so make sure you wear layered pieces that can be easy to take with you or shove in your bag. I love wearing mesh clothing when I'm in need of a layered look because they give just enough cover and are easy to scrunch into any bag.

HPR: The dinner and a show date night is back! What should we wear?

CS: I am always one for Old Hollywood glamour, especially when it comes to dinner and show date night. Giving yourself a night where you can really bring out your inner style icon is something everyone deserves!

My personal muse is the incomparable Elizabeth Taylor with her bright colors, chunky jewelry and distinct style. She saw her style as an art and a way to make a statement. That's what makes fashion timeless.

HPR: Is there anything I haven't asked you about that you'd like to add?

CS: I'm a firm believer in wearing things that have intention behind them. I view style as a puzzle and what you wear are the pieces. You find what fits in order to make the whole picture make sense.

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YOU SHOULD KNOW

Carmine & Hayworth Vintage

The 616 Main Ave, Fargo, (701) 205-0698

Tues-Thurs 11am-6pm; Fri-Sat 11am-5pm; Sun 12-4pm, closed Monday

Service options:In-store shopping Curbside pickup Delivery

Located in the beautiful deLendrecie building (1894), Fargo’s original one-stop shopping location. Before West Acres, it was the Black Building; before that, deLendrecie’s, now listed in the National Register of Historic Places.