Festival and Summer Party Outfit Ideas

With Summer well and truly here and festival season in full swing, I’ve been looking online and in the shops for outfits to wear to festivals and parties that tick all the boxes now I’m getting older as a midlife mum…

I still want to feel dressed up and like I’m wearing something special, BUT its also got to be fit for purpose. First up I need to feel comfortable in different positions without flashing people! Sitting on the floor in a comedy tent for example or even having a quick snooze on a rug in between acts – so it definitely can’t be too short or too tight!. And even in my forties I’m still fashion over function mainly, but when I’ve got to wear an outfit all day and all evening in very hot weather, it needs to be cool and breathable, for when my inevitable hot flush hits. So before the shops are already full of jumpers and jeans again for autumn (I swear this seems to be getting earlier and earlier each year) I have been looking at what’s around for festival clothes and accessories plus summer party ideas for middle aged mums in the UK for summer 2025.

In summer the special items I’m looking for, tend to be clothes to wear with my sunglasses on, at parties, holidays and festivals so that’s what I’ve stuck to including today. My tastes have changed somewhat though as I’ve got a bit older, with how flattering an outfit is, being a bigger consideration for example along with how comfortable and cool something is in the heat. Despite this though, having an outfit that looks put together (and hopefully stylish) is still always important for me.

So here’s my top picks on the high street to add something special to your 2025 summer wardrobe whatever the occasion…

Festival Shorts and Skirts

Perfect to wear with hightops and a glizty top, nobodys Child has so many lovely shorts at the moment

Top Picks for Women’s Festival Accessories Online

Along with clothes, accessories become even more important to me at festivals, as an easy way to glam up and add sparkle. Especially if the clothes I’m wearing are feeling a bit ordinary. I’ve got a couple of bracelets and necklaces recently, that I absolutely love and am planning on wearing all together at Latitude this Summer.

This pretty Amethyst Crystal Bracelet with Gold Tone Ginkgo Leaf is perfect for building up the glam, wearing it alongside other bangles and bracelets for the full festival eclectic stacking effect. I also love that its made from Amethyst with known soothing qualities, it features cut semi-precious stones in a striking purple colour with a gold Ginko Leaf charm.

Another collection I’m loving, is the DORSYA Summer Sunrise. Their Multi Gemstone Beaded Necklace has a huge variety of purples and pinks all nestled together on a chain and pendant that will be fab for festivals this summer.

Bargain Festival Sequin Jackets

Rapidly becoming the middle aged mum festival staple – I’m very tempted to get a sequin jacket to wear to festivals this summer. Although I have restricted myself to only look at cheaper ones, as (for me anyway) its not going to get a huge amount of wear other than festival evenings. (well and one Scamp and Dude, because I can never resist anything from there and this is in the sale!)

Summer Party Outfits Ideas

I love how many different options there are for getting dressed up now – from suits and waistcoats to jumpsuits and shorts and shirt combinations, there’s so many more outfit choices than a summer dress.

Alongside jackets, scarves and pasminas are great at keeping shoulders warm as the sun goes down as well as brightening up an outfit. This stunning pashmina from Xander Kostroma is quickly becoming one of my favourites.

This Oliver Bonas blue Jumpsuit has been a favourite in my wardrobe this spring and summer and not just for socials. Its been easy to pull out and chuck on for work meetings and events too, when I want to feel a bit more put together.

Summer Dresses

Sometimes though you can’t beat a classic summer dress to make you feel special and again there are so many beautiful colours and prints around at the moment on the high street

I fell in love with this green stripy dress from Nobody’s Child as its flouncy, yet still has a bit of shape nipping in at the waist. Just beware of the sizing though, I ended getting this dress in a size 16, yet the co-ord I got from there too, was a size 12 pair of shorts and the shirt is a size 10 and roomy!

There’s also so many sale bargains around at the moment, but because they sell out so quickly, I haven’t included them all here, but will be sharing them on my Instagram stories so keep an eye out on those.