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Get Folked Up: What to Wear to Folk Fest (and the Rest of the Summer!)

With Stampede coming to a close, Calgarians set their sights on the mellower Calgary Folk Music Festival. Running from July 27 to 30 — and featuring the likes of the Coeur de Pirate, The Dustbowl Revival and City and Colour — the weekend is an opportunity to spread some good vibes and turn-up turned-out in your best festival style. Blend in with the folk-heads, Indie kings and queens, and roots revivalists sure to make an appearance at the festival by incorporating one, some, or all of these bohemian-inspired pieces.

The Straw Fedora or Boater Hat


Not only will donning a hat protect you from the sun during this outdoor festival, but it is also a simple way to create a laid-back look seemingly perfect for lounging on a picnic blanket soaking up some tunes. Indeed, fedoras can be spotted on artists appearing at the festival such as Langhorne Slim, Barney Bentall and various members of Parsonsfield.

Where to buy: check out Smithbilt Hats. They have more in stock than cowboy hats.

The Shawl or Poncho

Yesterday’s details✨🌵 #ootd #boholuxe 📷 @matt_coop

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Make nearly any outfit instantly boho-chic by adding an oversized shawl or poncho. While keeping you cozy as day turns to night at Prince’s Island Park, a lace shawl, hipster-worthy poncho or floor-length knit also creates a carefree aesthetic reminiscent of impromptu road trips, sleeping on a beach and stargazing out of the back of a camper van.

Where to buy: check out Cody & Sioux’s perfectly country-meets-boho offerings.

The Graphic Tank

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Ladies, a cute graphic tank is an obvious go-to choice for a summer festival. However, gentlemen, this is your time to shine. Nothing is easier to looking effortlessly on trend than by pulling on a brightly patterned sleeveless shirt. Whether you opt for a tropical inspired flamingo pattern, a psychedelic tie-dye style or a tribal tank that you brought back after a backpacking trip through Thailand — or at least, gives that impression — show up and show off in comfort this Folk Fest.

Where to buy: check out Bamboo Ballroom for fun summer fashion, including lots and lots of tops.

The Denim Cut-Off

Oh yeah , it’s the weekend … ✌️☀️ #foreveronvacation #festivalvibes

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A music festival staple, the denim cut-off is quintessential to any summer wardrobe and easily pairs with any number of tops: tee, tank or cropped. This year, why not take scissors to a pair of vintage Levi’s, or add texture to your look by sporting a pair of embroidered, embellished or ripped shorts to create a look that is classic, nostalgic and easygoing.

Where to buy: make a day of scouring the city’s many consignment stores.

The Maxi Dress or Skirt

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If there is one thing that Coachella 2017 street style taught us, it is that music festivals call for all things maxi. Perhaps it is the sheer comfort, bohemian elegance, or the fact that when long dresses and skirts blowing in the wind all women feel like they are starring in their very own photo shoot. Either way, you can’t go wrong with a playful handkerchief skirt worthy of Stevie Nicks herself, showing a little skin with a romantic side slit maxi, or keeping it simple and pretty with a kimono dress.

Where to buy: Adorn Boutique’s selection of dresses and skirts are stellar. Find the perfect one for you, and then accessorize with the amazing selection of jewellery.

Bonus: The Onesie — His and Hers


The lady onesie has long since taken the fashion world by storm, with women globally discovering the comfort of pajamas, combined with the sophistication of a uniform aesthetic, creates an enviable look. So enviable, in fact, that onesies are now entering the male market. Just as cute, just as comfy, the male romper — or “bromper” — is a fun statement piece for the fashion fearless.

Where to buy: check out Leo Boutique for a great selection of women’s jumpsuits. Topman and Urban Outfitters have ventured into men’s options!

calgaryfolkfest.com

By Sarah Comber