What to wear to each Glastonbury headliner
Outfits for The 1975, Neil Young and Olivia Rodrigo
OK, I will not be at Glastonbury next weekend, instead I will be enjoying it from the comfort of my sofa. I’m not mad about this. Real talk: I struggled last year with the 30,000 steps, and the all-day rosé cider, and the lack of sleep (it was the first time I’d gone as a parent and I basically arrived already exhausted). I was happy to be there but my body was not 👵🏻. Still, I have been to the festival 12 times before and I love it more than Rod Stewart loves tall blondes.
A quick Rod Stewart related Glasto story in honour of him playing the Legends slot: one year one of his daughters organised tickets for a bunch of us but we all arrived separately to the festival. Unfortunately all the tickets had the name “Rod Stewart CBE” on (this was before he was knighted), which, if you’ve been before, you will know is an issue because on entry you’re required to show photo ID and the name has to match the ticket. So, when I handed my ticket over to the steward and she quickly clocked that I was not, in fact, Rod Stewart CBE, we had a bit of a problem on our hands. Fortunately, the steward turned out to be a Rod super-fan and found the whole thing very amusing so she let me in. Break a (hot) leg, Rod.
Now back to business. Having The 1975, Neil Young and Olivia Rodrigo headline Glastonbury is truly an unhinged lineup but there we have it. What this eclectic mix does do, however, is provide ample inspiration for some festival lewks. A few people have asked me to do something on Glasto dressing so here are some fun festival outfit ideas inspired by the artists that will work both at Worthy Farm and, well, anywhere else really. I’ve also included my favourite song by each artist.
My personal Glastonbury dressing guidelines:
No rompers/onesies. Disaster for the toilet situation.
You’re better off just wearing a good outfit rather than looking like you’re wearing a costume. This isn’t Coachella.
Layer up. Somerset weather is mercurial and it’s better to add or take off items than keep returning to your digs to change.
It’s been so dry in the lead up to the festival, you won’t need wellies, so go crazy with footwear choices (but don’t only listen to me, also check in with the weatherman). Just make sure shoes are comfortable enough to walk the aforementioned 30,000 steps a day in.
Dresses and skirts are your friends. Just add tights when the sun goes down. Also, sorry to go there again, but they’re just handy for the toilet situation. Easier to squat, if you will. And you will most definitely want to squat.
The 1975 (Friday)
I saw The 1975 at the O2 (my nemesis) in 2016 and they certainly put on a show. If I was at Glastonbury I’d probably go see Anohni and the Johnsons at the Park stage instead (no offence Matty) as they’re one of my favourite ever live acts.
Neil Young (Saturday)
I watched Neil Young play last time he headlined Glastonbury in 2009 (I told you: 👵🏻), alone with a nice bottle of Burgundy I’d snuck in. If I was there this year I imagine I’d be doing the same thing as he’s on at the same time as Charli XCX so I’d never be able to get any of my friends to come with me. Actually I feel quite bad for Neil, is anyone going to go see him?
Olivia Rodrigo (Sunday)
Never seen Olivia live but I love her. I’d put aside my feelings about having anyone headline Glastonbury when they’ve only released two albums and be on someone’s shoulders for this one, arms aloft, singing “RED LIGHTS, STOP SIGNS, I STILL SEE YOUR FACE…”
Finally, I answered 15 questions about music for
’ wonderful Substack, Emma Withers Says New Music!, fun questions such as which fictional character would I like to make me a playlist, what album do I put on when I have people over, and what my favourite soundtrack is. I loved doing it. If you’re interested, you can read that here!If you’re going to Glastonbury, have a good one! I’m there in spirit. Best place on Earth.
Gillian
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Liked this before even reading it! Outfits for specific artists is the perfect style journal imo!! Anohni would be a dream live
I need to hear more about your hatred for the O2 Gillian (which I share - was also at Pulp last week!). Thanks for all these extra music recs. Listening to Pigeons, love Bill Callahan x