From Chloé denim to Gucci bucket hats: Just add eyewear for the perfect Glasto summer

It’s been fifty-three years since Glastonbury first served free milk to entrants. Fast forward to 2023 and it is a musical, cultural and social phenomenon attracting attendees and viewers from every demographic around the globe. What started off as a rock celebration now includes such a wide range of musical talent, and the introduction of the famous dance tent in 1995 was a nod to a genre which is still with us today. Now, of course, it is the huge international acts who attract the headlines: this year it is Elton John, Guns N’ Roses and Arctic Monkeys who are in the frame. But if you check out the full programme, there really is a band or artist to suit every taste.

Also: the fashion. Back in the day, it wasn’t much of a feature at all. If you look back at the nineties coverage it is just a sea of cut-off shorts, t-shirts and the odd Adidas Gazelle trainer. Before the mobile phone era, Glastonbury visitors were there to just live in the moment. Now it is a style operation, as is the increasing roster of events all over the globe, from Coachella to Primavera, to name but a few.

There will always be those who go to festivals for the music and good times alone. However, it is a huge part of the fun of the fair to dress for it. Here is an occasion where there are no rules: your Glasto style may end up on socials, but it tends to stay there. So when did the sea-change start? Travelling back in a chic time machine, the fresh century brought about a new hunger for ultimate glamour, logo mania and dressed-up good times.

A whole new bunch of British bands added a certain notoriety to the mix, led by tailblazers like The Libertines, and alongside them, came the models and actresses who heralded the arrival of what became known as boho chic. Kate Moss, of course, started it all. Her very British style of undone hair, sparkly dress, low leather belt and Hunter wellies made everyone sit up and take notice.

Sienna Miller’s slightly more polished style added a more dressed-up angle. Her never-ending array of statement flouro sunglasses, beachy hair, waistcoats and layered vests made the actress a style act in her own right.

Now festival style is a bit like bridal fashion: it is a corner of the fashion map in its own right. Weeks of preparation go into festival wardrobes, and a slick of mascara just doesn’t cut it. It’s Mardi Gras with labels, and eyewear is an important part of the look. I went off in search of the most colourful style pieces I could lay my hands on, from the labels which are so much a part of the Blankstone brand family.

Celine Baja Cape in Cotton Tweed – the ultimate posh hippie cover-up

Dior Dioriviera Dior Chez Moi Shorts – is silk practical? Probably not, but who cares?

Gucci Jumbo GG Bucket Hat – you cannot go to a festival without a bucket. It is the law!

See by Chloé Joy Rider backpack – the stylish way to carry your life on your shoulders

Chloé Wide Rave Jeans – the most luxurious denim on the planet with pure 70’s vibes

Chloé x Teva Hurricane XLT2 Ampsole Flat Sandal – anything but sensible, these

Dior Dioriviera Butterfly Chair – a relaxing addition, but make it fashion

Chanel Coco Beach 2023 – pure perfection

The Fendi water bottle holder – make hydration chic and portable

And so to eyewear. Of course, when I asked to have a look through the latest drops at Blankstone my first quest was to go in search of style. That’s a given. But I am also mindful that they also perform the task of protecting your eyes – you want to invest in the best to get maximum UVA/UVB filtration, and I also have prescription lenses. I admit it. I’m now a varifocal gal and so I need my sunglasses not just to look good but to actually allow me to see anything past the end of my own nose.

I also class eyewear as investment pieces. You can collect and rotate on repeat and the very best brands are handmade (usually in Italy) and are finely finished. Nobody wants a summer with arms falling off, lenses going South and screws flying about. Not cool.

Of course, Glastonbury is just the beginning of a whole season of musical events, and if they survive the carnage, there are lots of pieces which you can also take on holiday with you. What goes on in Glastonbury can still make waves in Ibiza, and while you may lose plenty of sleep, please don’t lose your sunglasses. Thanks heavens glasses chains are a thing.

My choice would be to have two pairs on the go: one for strictly looking amazing in, and some Ray-Bans to create a classic look. And just to be sure yours are individual, Blankstone are currently offering a free personalising service, so you can get your glasses case and the inside arm of your Ray-Bans monogrammed. Plus, the team can also curate your Ray-Bans offering a number of lens colours and finishes so that you get the exact pair that match your style tribe. I caught up with the fabulous Emma at Blankstone who brought me up-to-date and helped me choose some festival faves.

The Chloé CH0037S + Coti 9302 chain – the classic double round with gilt trim

The Chanel 5448 + Sienna Chain – the perfect pink for summer

The Celine CL418005/S + Coti 9159 chain – cool 60’s oversized vibe

The Ray-Ban 1971 + Coti 5372 – Elton is definitely right about the power of blue eyes

By the way, I’ve included the Dior seat because standing up at gigs is no longer my vibe.

It’s acceptable to bring a flask of tea and some sandwiches, right? Now, who does a cool flask? I’ve just checked. A Paul Smith retro Thermos it is.

Now for a huge, huge pair of colourful sunglasses to put me in an Elton mood, where Saturday night is far more about a comfy seat than any type of discord, leaving everyone with enough energy to get us through Sunday. And when it comes to any decision around festival wardrobe, attitude or choices, just ask yourself…

What would Stevie Nicks do? And do that. Most importantly, don’t forget your wellies.

To check out Blankstone’s Ray-Ban range hit the link:

https://www.blankstoneopticians.co.uk/product_brand/ray-ban/

The fabulous Blankstone Chloé range can be found here:

https://www.blankstoneopticians.co.uk/product_brand/chloe/

Blankstone Chanel is available to view here:

https://www.blankstoneopticians.co.uk/product_brand/chanel/

You can view the Blankstone Fendi range below:

https://www.blankstoneopticians.co.uk/product_brand/chanel/

In-practice shots by Emma at Blankstone

Find her on Insta here:

https://www.instagram.com/emmyneko92/

Style images courtesy of Celine/Dior/Gucci/Farfetch/Chloé /Chanel/Hunter/TheStStyle

Celine cape at www.celine.com

Dior shorts and chair at www.dior.com

See by Chloé rucksack at www.farfetch.com

Chloé jeans and sandals at www.chloe.com

For Chanel Coco Beach go to www.chanel.com

This month’s Glastonbury style blog is brought to you by our very own fashion reporter, Nancy-Buckland Kirk.

To follow Blankstone on Instagram go to:

https://www.instagram.com/blankstoneopticians/

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https://www.facebook.com/blankstoneopticians/