What to wear to Canada's summer music festivals

There was Woodstock, the OG festival where clothing was… we'll call it optional. Then came Glastonbury, the four-day celebration of music and mud where Hunter boots and short shorts first fell in love. And, of course, Coachella, the desert fest aka the official birthplace of flower crowns, fringe, and Vanessa Hudgens.

Now, with big time outdoor concerts like Wayhome, Osheaga, and CBC's very own Music Festival (happening this Saturday at Echo Beach in Toronto, here's everything you need to know) in our home and native land, it's time for us to make our mark on festival fashion. And here's what we're proposing: toss out the trends, forgo the frills, and choose pieces that are practical and patriotic. Your outfit doesn't have to scream "Hey guys I'm at a music festival" to look great…and so we've kept our picks comfy AND 100% Canadian. Drake would definitely approve.

The adult onesie

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Make the process of dressing as painless as paying for your Uber ride with a one-piece. It might going to the bathroom just a smidge harder, but these pieces are great for layering, breathable, and totally adorbs in a non-toddlery way. Our fave is this jumpsuit by Oak and Fort - the minimalist Vancouver brand that has taken North America by storm (p.s. hell yes to that price point). We're also digging these overalls from Aritzia.

Basics that won't make you basic

Now, if you'd prefer the luxury of two pieces, a good t-shirt and jeans combo are a-ok. Fidelity (yes, they're Canadian) make some of the world's most covetable denim, and in a bold move, we're suggesting these white shorts. Pair them with a white tee and bam, Alexa Chung eat your heart out. If you're feeling like you need more colour, click here for a cute option, and if you're not feeling either of these and wish you were wearing pants, we've found the most comfortable/coolest pants from our new go-to boho label Gentle Fawn. Also in the full pants category, cropped denim is a great option.

Frock rock

Nothing says festival fashion like a breezy printed dress! We are loving this bright red A-line dress by Montreal designer Marigold - plus, it's so unique we're pretty sure you'll be the only one wearing it. For something super boho, head to Simons for this perfectly priced piece. Or if you're feeling light and airy, look no further than this dress by Montreal designer Amanda Moss. And, finally, if you're more of a badass babe, this dress by Odeyalo is tres chic.

Keep your shirt on!

Some festivals can get pretty wild and we're all about freeing the nipple, but we also think shirts are great too! Depending on your style, you can start simple with the perfect cropped tank by Kit & Ace (which, btw, comes with a quick-drying technology so no sweat stains!!) Or, get in on Canada's 150th with this rose tank by Peace Collective. Alternatively, get your fancy on with this off-the-shoulder blouse by celeb favourite, Tanya Taylor or this boho blouse by Gentle Fawn.

Layer up!

We the North, therefore we know warmth, am I right? With our completely unpredictable weather, you're going to need to come prepared. Plus, music festivals are sort of the only time that you can dress like an extra from Girls and still look normal, so we want you to add all the layers! Kimonos, cardigans, raincoats, sweatshirts, embellished jackets, and capes, the world is your oyster!

Be a shoe in

When it comes to festival footwear, comfort is key. Half your day will be spent either walking across a field to some faraway stage, dancing to your favourite DJ, or standing in line for food/drinks/porta potties, so listen up - don't be Kim Kardashian trying to squeeze her swollen foot into a delicate 6-inch heel at 8 months pregnant. Instead, go for a sneaker from Native Shoes - they're waterproof, insanely light, and actually really on trend. But, if a sneaker's not your style, choose a bootie from Aldo to toughen up a girly look, or slip on these slides or sandals by it-brand Brother Vellies and call it a day. And if it's raining, Mat & Nat save the day with style.

Hotline bling

Now that you've got your outfit picked out, it's time for some fun. Make a statement with great pieces from some of the best jewelry designers in Canada. Jenny Bird makes festival friendly everything, but we're especially into her slant ear cuff for that rocker vibe. Next, whatever's happening on this model's neck, we want it all...and we're going to get it all over at Biko. Brittany Anice is one of our favourite local designers who sources vintage pieces from all around the world, not to mention the nicest person ever, so go grab this gorge hand chain and thank us later. Last but not least, these mixed metal earrings by Michelle Ross are perfection.

Accessorize

And now for everything else. Get ready for the list of a lifetime. You're going to need a backpack big enough to hold basically two wardrobes, an umbrella because let's face it, it's probably going to rain, a Drizzy dad hat in case your hair has a mind of it's own (or you're too lazy to shampoo every day like me), this too cute for words silk scarf by Hayley Elsaesser, some oversized sunnies by Guild for those early mornings, or this less bold but just as fashionable pair by BonLook. Oh, and a cute bag by Eleven Thirty because duh. Sunscreen (THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT), a multi stick by Bite so you can freshen up halfway through the day, and a signature Bay blanket so you don't get grass stains on your ridiculously amazing outfit.

And now you're a lot more broke but 100 percent ready to look festival ready all summer. You're welcome.

For more info on CBC's one-day, all Canadian, kid-friendly music fest happening this weekend at Echo Beach, head here.