The key buys that'll see you through festival season

With the start of Glastonbury within reachingdistance, it???s easy to descend into a kind of frenzy of festival packing whereby you end up cramming everything you don???t need into what ends up being an inconvenientlyheavy bag.Whether you???re counting down the days untilBarcelona???s Sonar festival next week, or planning a weekend in Oxfordshire for Wilderness in August,we???ve whittled it down to the key pieces you need to see you through the festival season.

Shoes you can dance (in the dirt) in

Converse are a fail safe option for the festival season.They???re cool and comfy, and will survive multiple rounds in the washing machine (on the cold setting) and come out looking almost as good as new.For those braving wetter events, wellies are a must.But have you ever tried dancing in long wellies?We suggest opting for ashorter style instead.They may not be quite as good at keeping out the mud, but when the showers subside, you won???t be left waddling around in rubber up to your knees.For warmer climates, rely on your favourite chunky ankle boots.

Clockwise from top left:biker ankle boots, ??595, Jimmy Choo; short studded wellington boots, ??110, Hunter; Converse all star hi top, ??50, Converse; Sk8-Hi Shoes, ??60, Van"s

A dress just the right side of boho

There???s boho and then there???s clothing that should only be worn on a Caribbean island.Even those gracing the VIP area at Coachella should try and air just on the right side of boho.A little bit of embroidery here, a pompom there.Isabel Marant"s SS17"s collection is perfect for this.Star Mela also wields a particularly covetable selection of dresses, as does online retailer Rat & Boa.

Isabel Marant Floral asymmetric print silk dress, ??990, Net-a-porter

Something warm that won???t weigh you down

The humble hoody is enjoying a renaissance - good news for festival-goers,given that it???s the perfect item to layer under or over your festival outfit (not to mention you can tie it roundwaist).If a hoody isn???t you, why not opt for a lightweight bomber jacket (MyTheresahave a good selection), or a firm festival favourite, the camouflage jacket (see Topshop).If you want to be a bit practical about it, ASOS and Hunter do fun colourful macs.

Fringing in moderation

Contrary to the belief of someCoachella goers, head-to-toe fringing or top-to-bottom tassels is overkill.Try opting for a frayed edge instead, or a test the waters with a tasseled accessory.

Maje fringe suedebag, ??209, Harrods

A sprinkle of stars

Stars are the perfect print for festival-chic.Just the right amount of whimsy, without having to overload on the tie-dye.R??alisation Par, the dynamite brand created by Alexandra Spencer and Teale Tabout, boasts an excellent range of star print blouses and dresses that will no doubt be making an appearance on the festival circuit this summer.For affordable (non silk) printedblouses, try Sister Jane.

The Goldie in star struck, ??150.74,R??alisation Par

The best practical footwear to invest in ahead of GlastonburyGreat denim shorts

Be it shorts (no bum cheek please), cut off jeans, a shift dress or a jacket, denim is the perfect festival friend.Having recently been told an unfortunate tale involving a ruined pair of Isabel Marant jeans,it goes without saying that if you heading to boggy plains, your old Levi???s will suffice.

Chambray shirt, ??175, MIH; Stella McCartney open back denim playsuit, ??515, Net-a-Porter

Leather layers

There are few occasions where a leather jacket isn"t suitable.Throw on over a slip dress if you???re feeling a little over-done, pair with a white shirt and wide-leg trousers for a chic workwear look or layer over a sweatshirt and jeans for the ideal festival cover up.Even in the warmest of places, come evening you???ll want something a little more substantial.

Premium leather jacket, ??199, H&M

Colourful pieces to count on

You don???t want to find yourself buying a whole new wardrobe for your festival shenanigans, only to come back with half of what you went with.Truthfully you probably already have numerous reworkable items loitering at the back of your cupboard.Colourful tees are a fool proof answer to festival dressing, plus they look even better after a bit of wear and tear.Win-win.

Re/Done originals X Hanes 1970 Boyfriend T-shirt, ??78, MATCHESFASHION.COM

Hands free bags

Some favour a backpack, others a bum bag, but for us the cross-body comes up trumps.Go for one large enough for just the essentials and preferably with some form of secure fastening by way of a zip or buckle.

Leather quilted cross-body bag, ??175,Uterq??e

A pop of bright lipstick

Bright make up allows you look as though you???ve made an effort withone lick of bright blue mascara or swipe of a resilient red lipstick (not to mention it detracts from hair in need of a wash and stubborn eye bags).Ruby Woo lipstick by MAC is ideal for this.One application will last more or less all day (besides if you need a top up you can popit in your cross-body bag), and there???s no need to prep with a pencil.For colourful mascaras,Collection does a very good one, which is available at Boots.

Ruby Woo lipstick, ??15.50,Mac, Collection colour lash blue mascara, ??1.99, Superdrug

Inexpensive accessories

A scarf is a must.They???re inexpensive and (more or less) unbreakable, but will pep up any festival look.Tie around your head (again, great for locks in need of a spruce), wear as a belt, tie on a bag or round your neck.There are some great vintage ones available if you???re willing to rummage/ trawl (I found one on vintage clothes haven Bird on a Wire), but the high street also has an abundance of options.Other must-haves include a pair of jazzy sunnies (save your tortoiseshell Ray-Bans for another day) and somewhimsical, pom-pom-ladenjewellery.

Love tempo sunnies, ??52, Free People

Best festival fashion of all time