Here’s our guide on what to wear (and what not to wear) at the massive dance festival outside Marina Bay Sands
We need to get some things off our chest about festival fashion – specifically, what you should be wearing at the upcoming Ultra Music Festival.
Step away from the flower crowns, take off the feathers and peel of the bindis! We’re here to help you stand out from the crowd without looking like a walking meme or festival cliché. Here are some Dos and Don’ts that will have you serving looks at Ultra Music Festival without offending anyone. Pass this along to anyone who tends to don a crochet crop top, distressed denim shorts, gladiator sandals, many head accessories and flash tattoos – all at the same time.
Do embrace hats
Hats are not only great for disguising your mane if you’re having a bad hair day but also keeps the sun off from boiling your head, face and neck. With a million of hats decorated in a variety of colours, prints, patterns and types, there’s no way this handy accessory doesn’t add practicality and pizzazz altogether – it doesn’t even need to involve flowers and feathers. Plus, unless they’re brand logos, try to avoid slogan caps with the words “Swag” and “Slay”. They’re downright tacky.
Don’t overdo your accessories
It’s time to retire the flower crown (you’re heading for a music fest, not a Grecian-themed wedding, for Hardwell’s sake)! There are other ways to establish yourself as “Bohemian”. Try layering loose necklaces for that boho-chic look. And if you’re going for that avant-garde aesthetic, make sure you’re not looking like a Christmas decoration either.
Do wear comfy shoes
Ditch the heels and flip-flops for a comfy pair of sneakers, trainers or flats. You’ll be standing most of the time at the festival, and it’d be killer to let your feet suffer two days in a row!
Don’t give in to cultural appropriation
Cultural items such as the Native American headdresses, South Asian bindis, West African dashikis, dreadlocks, and war paint are absolute no-nos. Not only is it offensive, but sporting them in public do make people uncomfortable. There are a myriad of ways to dress at Ultra without offending everyone else, including other festival-goers.
Do try to be practical
Ladies, try to avoid jumpsuits, playsuits, overalls and rompers for one particular reason: portable toilets. No matter how cool your outfit is, finding yourself having to take it off fully to use the toilet is not. Plus, having anything drag on the floors of those portable toilets are nothing but ideal. Pack all your essentials in a suitable (and Ultra-approved) bag.
Don’t forget to put on sunscreen
Do you want your Ultra takeaway to be badly burnt skin? We don’t think so. Even if the weather is set to be overcast, that doesn’t mean your skin is set for the outdoors. There’s no telling what the weather will be like, so it’s best to stay safe. Invest in a good bottle of sunscreen to reduce any skin risks, preferably one with a SPF factor so you wouldn’t get those raccoon eyes. Also, make sure you’re hydrated and head for the shade whenever you can.