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10 Essentials to Bring to a Music Festival

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Lo and behold, rave season is here! Are you ready to do your yearly round-up of all your favourite music festivals? I bet you are, and that you’ve been planning your outfits out for weeks, but have you given your packing list a second thought? Yes, travelling light is a priority but you’ve got to bring these 10 essentials to a music festival if you want to make the most of your time there. Refer to this handy little rave checklist and never worry about struggling to pack your bag at short notice again!

Quench Your Thirst with a Hydration Pack

Look, I know you don’t want to be lugging around a water bottle but staying hydrated is key to having a good rave experience; no one wants to find themselves fainting in the middle of a crowd and potentially trampled over by a bunch of high-energy ravers. Not only are hydration packs a super convenient substitute to regular bottled water, they also have a much larger capacity. And you don’t have to compromise on style either – opt for a funky hydration pack that complements your outfit and doubles as a fun accessory! So do yourself a favour and get a trusty hydration pack you can count on to keep you rejuvenated and always ready to break out your killer moves without feeling light-headed.

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Power Through with a Power Bank

Yes you’re pumped to live it up, but make sure your phone’s energy matches yours. You don’t want to get stranded alone in the middle of nowhere the morning after with a dead phone, right? Sure, you could totally ask to borrow a friendly stranger’s cellphone, but you’d be lying to yourself if you said you actually knew any of your friends’ phone numbers. Save yourself a couple breakdowns by bringing along a pocket-sized power bank that’ll keep your phone-juice flowin’. Now you can take an obscene amount of photos and record your favourite performances without worrying about conserving battery power. Big win!

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Kiss Away Boo-Boos with a First-Aid Kit

I’m not suggesting you carry a full-size first-aid kit with you to Coachella, but keeping a couple band-aids on hand is always a good idea. A mini first-aid kit stuffed with essentials like painkillers (stay away from Tylenol if you are going to be drinking alcohol), Nyquil, antiseptic cream and a handful of Q-tips will go a long way in terms of providing protection in an emergency situation. Throw one into your fanny pack so you can tackle random bouts of nausea and those random cuts that pop out of nowhere with sheer confidence.

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Gear Up with a Mask

Even before COVID-19 entered the picture (and even once it leaves), masks were a must at music festivals. Now, I’m not talking surgical masks but just some form of fashionable cloth facial shield. You can easily DIY one out of an old t-shirt or even go for a bandana if you’re looking for something that ties into your outfit a little better. They’ll protect you from the strong hum of air pollution, and keep you from gagging on the horrible stench snaking out from the porta-potties. And the smell of puke ingrained on the super drunk guy next to you on the dancefloor. Basically, when we’re looking at 10 essentials to bring to a music festival, masks definitely make the cut.

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Party Safe with Earplugs

Yes you’re here for the sick tunes but you don’t want to leave deaf now, do you? Grab some earplugs to keep pesky sound-induced headaches at bay so that you can get down when the beat drops without feeling like your head’s about to explode. Ditch the old spongey ones you wore to swimming lessons for a more expensive but effective reusable pair that’s designed to protect you from high-frequency sound. From clear, inconspicuous ones to colourful customizable ones – there’s a wide range of earplugs to choose from, so you’re sure to find one you’ll love. And if you had any qualms about looking uncool with earplugs on, remember that your favourite DJ’s probably sporting a pair on stage too.

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Cozy Up with a Hoodie

Music festival outfits tend to be light and breezy to beat the heat but remember that it can get real cold real fast at night. While your booty shorts and refashioned bikini top offer the chance to rock your summer bod, it might be a good idea to pack a cosy hoodie… unless getting pneumonia is on your bucket list.

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Go crazy with the choice of fabric and style; think of it as a way to wear your personality. In fact, your hoodie may even serve as the perfect way to work in something of an outfit change without having to pack a whole different outfit!

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Beat the Heat with Sunscreen

Yes your strappy outfit looks bomb but I bet it’s going to leave you with some real unfortunate tan lines. Slather on that sunscreen real thick to prevent sunburns and ugly tans alike. If you’re worried about getting that pasty look, opt for a bb cream with SPF protection for your face and spray on some non-greasy lightweight sunscreen for the rest of your body. With just a couple reapplications you can dance the day away without a care!

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Stay Fresh with Deodorant

Let’s be real, it can get pretty hot ‘n’ heavy out there, so don’t be surprised if your teen-hood nemesis B.O decides to put in an appearance. Save yourself the embarrassment and ravers all around you from gagging by packing a stick of deodorant for your next music festival. Trust me, a quick swipe or two goes a long way. And if you’re not a deo fan, then just grab some baby wipes at your local drugstore for the ride because let’s face it – music festivals aren’t exactly known for their showering or bathroom facilities.

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Pack an Oomph with a Fanny Pack

Fanny packs- they were uncool in middle school, but they’ll be your best friend at raves! What better way to keep your valuables safe and within reach at all times than by strappin’ it onto your body? Even when you’re high, drunk or hungover, your darling fanny pack will make sure that your dollar bills aren’t strewn across the dance floor and that your phone hasn’t fallen out of your pocket unnoticed like three hours ago. Customize yours to match your ’fit.

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Night Sorted with a Sleeping Bag

Most music festivals are a lengthy affair, stretching over multiple days of pure musical madness so you should be prepared to camp it out. While packing a full-fledged tent may seem impractical – and sometimes straight up unnecessary – consider carrying a lightweight sleeping bag that you can slip into to catch some z’s. I know sleep’s the last thing on your mind when your favorite artists are killing it just a few meters away from you, but believe me your body will thank you for thinking ahead when you’re exhausted and need a place to crash.

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There you have it – 10 essentials to bring to a music festival, no matter where you’re headed. What’re you waiting for, now that you have your bags packed, go ahead and book your tickets already!

The Ultimate Festival Outfit Guide for EDM Newbies

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Headed to your first rave and wondering to yourself “What should I wear to my first EDM festival?” Well stop rummaging through your closet like a frantic raccoon and pick yourself off the heap of discarded clothes on the floor, because we’ve got your back! You see, getting glammed up for a rave doesn’t need to be difficult; it’s meant to enhance the experience, not dampen it. Here are some handy tips on bringing your A-game without breaking the bank.

1. Holo-Win

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EDM concerts are all about making a statement, so don’t be afraid to be seen. Stand out from the crowds like the shimmery god/goddess you are! Spruce up your favorite basic tee with a holographic pair of sweats that’s sure to turn heads as you break out your signature move. And girls, it’s time for your old ribbed rainbow top from 2007 to make a comeback – just make sure you pair it off with a bold silver mini-skirt or shorts. Think skater chic.

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Or, if you want to go for something a little more toned-down, add holo panels to a pair of old skinny jeans and opt for a sheer jacket that’ll make them pop. And you have nothing holo lying around, don’t sweat it – just pick up some funky aviators from the mall and you’re good to go. Consider holo-ing up with some shiny, silvery eyeshadow and lay on that highlighter real thick to make your cheekbones pop. Remember: the secret to a good holo look is having one statement-piece and working an outfit around it. So go holo this rave season, and have even Beyonce singing “I can see your holo, holo, holo…”

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2. Skin is In, Honey!

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Keep the layers to a minimum. It’s going to get hot and heavy in there, and you don’t want to be sporting ugly pit-stains on the dance floor now, do you? So ditch the heavy denim jacket you cling onto like a fashion safety blanket and opt for those booty shorts instead. Bare your midriff with a cute, strappy top or repurpose your bikinis by wearing them with trusty old fishnets. Crop tops are in, the baggy sweatshirt you stole from your boyfriend is out! If you’d like a little more coverage, then give your favorite skirt a makeover by throwing in some sultry slits for some of that peek-a-boo action.

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And guys, give that tank top you’ve only worn once to the beach another try! Paired with some funky denim cut-offs and your favorite snapback, it’s sure to keep you looking sharp. You don’t have to lose sight of your comfort zone entirely – just a few tweaks here and there, and you’re good to go. Throw on a loose silk button-down but leave all the buttons undone so you can rock that summer bod. When in doubt about what to wear to an EDM concert, do yourself a favour and skip the gym shorts for some distressed denim, so you can look as good as the TikTok routine you’re about to set the dance floor on fire with.

3. Colorful = Wonderful

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Shed your all-black gear for a fresh breath of color! Dodge the dull greys and neutrals for some bold neon instead. The bolder, the better; trust me. If you’re a self-proclaimed goth who dreads wearing anything bright, pick one colour and try a more monochrome look instead of going full-on rainbow.

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Lend a pop of color to your outfit with a pair of cheery, colorful boots, or hold your hair back with a vibrant bandana. When thinking of what to wear to an EDM concert, you’ve got to think a little out of the box. Customize an old tee for the event with some fabric paint, or try on some pastel prints to pack a punch out on the dance floor.

4. The Art of Accessorizing

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Not sure what your outfit is missing? Throw on a chunky gold chain and some funky shades to complete the look. Remember the kandi bracelets you’d trade with your friends back in elementary school? Well they’re back in style, so don’t be afraid to dig up your favorite beaded beauties and sport them proudly at the rave.

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Pack an oomph with some body chains to (literally) tie your outfit together and let your inner gladiator take the spotlight. And when in doubt, go for the body glitter. I promise you it’s your friend. Besides, accessories can be functional too – your old neon fanny pack will keep you from losing your phone and being stranded without your friends even after you’ve downed a few beers. Stick some craft-store gems on your strappy hydro-pack to dance the night away without having to worry about passing out from exhaustion and waking up confused in a puddle of someone else’s puke.

5. Go Big [So You Don’t Have to Go Home]

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At a rave, there’s no such thing as “too much”, so feel free to unleash the crazy side you have to keep under wraps when dressing for work. Go all out with your hair and make-up. Try recreating one of the bold looks you bookmarked on Insta but never thought you could pull off. It’s all about confidence, darling! Spend less time racking your brains about what to wear to an EDM concert, and more time using this opportunity to live out your childhood dreams of becoming a fashion designer. Your excitement should be reflected in your clothing, you should be drippin’ in it from head to toe. Think fun textures like leather, lace or silk.  

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If you want to stick glowsticks in your hair to make your own makeshift crown, then do it and never look back! If you feel like making your own DIY headgear or throwing on a feathery boa, just go for it! The last thing you want to look like at a rave is a snooze-fest, so really commit to whatever look you put together to truly own it.

Yep, you never have to sweat what to wear to an EDM concert again. So, what’re you waiting for? Start planning your next music festival studded summer right here!