The Cincinnati Music Festival is a multi-day outdoor music festival held every summer in Cincinnati, Ohio. With big name R&B, hip-hop, and gospel performers taking the stage, fashion and style are a huge part of the festival experience. But with an outdoor venue and crowded conditions, comfort is also key. Here are some tips on what to wear to make the most of your time at the Cincinnati Music Festival.
Beat the Heat in Lightweight, Breathable Fabrics
With shows running from mid-morning to late in the evening, temperatures can climb into the 80s and 90s. Dressing too warmly runs the risk of overheating in the Ohio summer sun. Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, and rayon for your tops, shorts, and summer dresses. Light colors also deflect heat better than dark hues.
Moisture wicking athletic fabrics that draw sweat away from your skin are ideal choices for activewear like tanks, tees, and leggings. Brands like Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour specialize in technical fabrics that maximize cooling and ventilation. Look for mesh paneling, contrast stitching, and loose silhouettes optimized for movement and airflow.
Keep Cool With Strategic Styling
Certain styling choices will help your Cincinnati Music Festival outfit beat the heat. Looser fits allow better air circulation, so opt for wide leg pants, maxi dresses and skirts, button downs worn open over tanks, and oversized tees and shirts.
Prioritize open backs, strappy styling, sleeveless or cap sleeve tops, crop tops, and high slits to expose skin and stay cooler. Lightweight open weave knits and crochet accents also aid ventilation.
Hats with a wide brim provide shade from the sun. Bandanas, hair clips, and sunglasses keep hair, face, and eyes protected from heat and glare.
Choose the Right Footwear
With long days on your feet, wearing comfortable shoes is a must. But you’ll also want to dress up your look. The best festival footwear balances style, support, and breathability.
Athletic sneakers like Converse, Vans, Nike, and Adidas give you the cushioning and traction needed for all-day wear. Just beware of heat trapping solid materials like leather and suede. Mesh, canvas, and knit textures allow maximum airflow.
Sandals are a cute option for exposing feet and staying ventilated. Look for contoured footbeds, supportive straps, and non-slip rubber soles in styles like gladiator, strappy, or chic slides.
Lightweight slip-on or lace up canvas shoes like Keds and Toms keep you cool and casual. Espadrilles, another open airy choice, add Spanish style.
Stay Comfortable With Multi-Purpose Items
Given the potential for sun, rain, mud, and chillier evenings, having gear that adapts to changing conditions makes sense. These multi-purpose items help maximize comfort through the variable festival weather and schedule.
Layers You Can Peel Off
As the temperature climbs, you’ll welcome the chance to shed layers. Pack clothes like tanks, short sleeves, and crop tops you can layer under lightweight button downs, flannels, kimonos, or denim jackets. Tying a shirt around your waist looks chic while giving you added coverage after sundown.
A Lightweight Poncho or Rain Jacket
A compact poncho or rain jacket takes little space but provides essential protection in the event of rain showers. Look for budget friendly disposable ponchos or reusable styles that roll up small enough to stash in a bag. For more robust coverage, a hooded rain jacket still breathes better than getting soaked.
A Versatile Scarf or Bandana
A scarf worn around the neck or a bandana tied on your head can provide protection from sun, wind, and chill while also giving your look a style boost. Square silky scarves are classic, while also serving as impromptu blankets or cushions. Bandanas absorb sweat and tie onto belt loops or bags when not worn.
Portable Chargers to Keep Devices Powered
Between using your phone to meet up with friends, take photos, and coordinate rides, your battery will get drained fast. A portable backup charger lets you top up from anywhere. Slim power banks easily fit in purses and pockets. Some even clip onto belts or bags for easy access.
Plan Stylish Festival Fashion Looks
The Cincinnati Music Festival has a vibrant culture of music, fashion, and creative personal style. Use these tips to guide your clothing and accessory choices while showing off your own flair.
Ladies Festival Fashion
Feminine silhouettes and bright colors dominate the festival’s chic street style. Build fun looks around summer dresses, rompers, high waisted denim shorts, crop tops, and kimonos. Accents like floppy hats, sunglasses, and statement jewelry finish off your boho inspired outfit.
Some style ideas include:
- Floral print maxi dress paired with flat sandals or strappy heels
- High waisted denim shorts with a ruffled crop top and lace up booties
- Off the shoulder peasant blouse with distressed cutoff shorts and woven bag
- Romper with espadrilles, big hoop earrings, and bandana headwrap
Men’s Festival Style
Guys also make bold fashion choices with edgy urban elements. Streetwear staples like graphic tees, bombers, joggers, and sneakers dominate the scene. Accessorize with attention grabbing sunglasses, jewelry, and statement hats.
Some style ideas include:
- Oversized band tee, black joggers, and high top sneakers
- Mesh tank top, colorful shorts, and slip on Vans
- Tie dye hoodie, black ripped jeans, and beanie hat
- Patterned button down worn open, white pants, and retro sunglasses
Unisex Festival Gear
Some items transcend gender when it comes to music festival wear. Bucket hats, fanny packs, bandanas, and sneakers look stylish on anyone. Portable chargers and reusable water bottles are universal essentials. And sunglasses, jewelry, watches, and other statement accessories let you show off personal flair.
Stay Cool and Comfortable All Day
Making smart wardrobe choices eases the demands of an active outdoor music festival. With heat waves, summer storms, big crowds, and constant motion, comfort is key. Use breathable fabrics, tactical layering, protective accessories, and supportive footwear to stay feeling your best from start to finish. Topping it off with your own unique style showcases your fashion sense.
What are your favorite things to wear to outdoor concerts and festivals? Let us know in the comments!