When heading outdoors for some fair shopping, it’s important to remember your apparel choices will play a big part in your mood throughout the day’s activities. Farmers and flea markets, no matter how small the city, can spread out into multiple booths and blocks, so dressing for the occasion is non-negotiable. No one likes to cut their trip short of the perfect find because of a dress you can’t scavenge in or a heel that’s putting a damper on your stroll. The best-styled outdoor shoppers are casually pulled together, and always rock the right shoe for long days.

Dresses and rompers while appropriate for brunch, aren’t the best selections for a day at the markets. Depending on their length, they limit mobility and you’ll likely end up showing off your bum, instead of that treasured find or perfect produce. Stick to a smart, cropped, skinny trousers in a bold color or print inspired by the markets themselves!

Bright and Bold Ankle Cropped Trousers

ASOS Skinny Cropped Trousers In Floral Print

We love inspired dressing and anything that channels fresh fruit like tangerine-colored denim just screams fresh and juicy Spring. Floral prints are reminiscent of the abundent garden and flower field offerings available at the markets and are sure to brighten the day of friends and passserbys alike. Pair either with basics like a chambray button up or classic white v-neck, or go bold with an equally bright blouse on top and create your own color-blocking action. The cropped and colored trouser isn’t just for J. Crew catalogs these days, so make it your own and style it out with your favorite signature accessories.

Big Sur Straw Tote by Flora Bella International

Every fashionable market shopper needs a great tote to haul their findings, and if you’re anything like us, the bigger, the better. Jazz up your basic top or tote with a funky pin or scarf for some more color, (yep pile it on) and daytime flair.

Girlie Chiffon Bow

When it comes to footwear for the mean streets of the markets, lean towards comfort. Uneven pavement or cobble stones aren’t mean for heels so leave the stilettos and peep toes at home, (no matter how cute they look with those cropped trousers). You may be able to get away with a cushy wedge, depending how long you plan to be out and if you’re a seasoned pro, but we find it’s a safer bet to stick to flats and walking sandals.

UNIF Hellraisers Flat Shoes

Steve Madden Swivvel Sandal Shoes

Skip the ballet flat and pick a loafer for a twist on the classic. And while you’re mixing it up, why not add some edge to the outfit with a few spikes? Unexpected accents alway make for killer street style. You also can’t go wrong with a slim sandal; nothing like feeling the Spring breeze from head to toe.

What are your favorite looks for outdoor shopping? Do you have a go-to accessory that adds insta-glam to your casual weekend wear?

By Melissa Carpenter

As a season that allows for the girliest of apparel, it can be tough to balance between the ultra-feminine pieces you know and love, and something more appropriate for the outdoor occasion. Sitting on the ground or even picnic tables ex nays most dress and skirt options right off the bat. Like any event, it’s best to find out as many details regarding the day as possible, so as to dress according to activity. As cute as you may appear in your breezy mini-skirt no one wants to be stuck on the sidelines while everyone else is having fun because you need your hands by your sides to hold it down .

Rompers

Dolce Vita Romper, Shopbop

Macrame Romper, Free People

Without actually looking into their history, we’d swear rompers had to have been made with outdoor activities in mind, because they’re the perfect way to stay chic, covered and cool. It’s best to stay away from light colors and look for patterned bottoms to conceal any dirt or stains you may pick up from ‘roughing it.’ The short and trouser bottoms of rompers are effortlessly stylish and allow for full range of motion if you want to hop on a bike or play a pick-up volleyball game.

Outdoor Beauty

Your regular beauty routine may be a bit over the top for a casual Saturday in the park, so stick to light products and play up a natural palette. A tinted moisturizer (preferably one with an SPF!), a little blush, and mascara serve as the perfect base, since you’ll probably be hiding behind your sunnies all day anyway. To help keep your look light and breezy, hairstyles should be off the neck in a messy bun or fishtail braid for a laidback polish.

Perfect Park Accessories

Nixon Floppy Hat, Zappos

Oversized Sunglasses, Marc by Marc Jacobs

If you’re planning on being in the sun all day with little shade, you can always bring your own- nothing suits a chic romper like a fedora or a bohemian floppy hat. Oversized sunglasses are also a compliment and a fashionista must, as they’re one of the simplest ways to accessorize an outfit with added personality. We say, if you’re going to go romper, go all out with full-on 70’s inspired shades. Nothing suits nature in the warmer months than a beloved Woodstock vibe.

What are you most excited to rock to your next outing in the park? We’re thinking some day parties are in order soon to justify these casual Spring purchases – Shop on!

By Melissa Carpenter

Considered a bit of a weekend escape, if you will, the fashion definitely follows suit. While some take the free-spirit and self-expression mindset to the next level with costumes, face paint and more, with the amount of press covering the events, trend analysts and street style photogs making appearances among the attendees these days, we’ve found it’s best to be yourself and stick to a small spin on your personal style. Here’s a few simple tips to getting it right at festivals, and potentially getting noticed…

Dos and Don’ts

While dressing for the long and hot days is the best advice we can offer, this doesn’t have to be at the sacrifice of style. Do choose items that are breezy and lightweight, and avoid too many layers. There are plenty of ways to jazz up comfortable clothes (hello, accessories are your best friend) and keep from looking dull. Don’t style up an outfit with any bothersome quality. No one wants to be restricted by an item that they’re stuck with all day long, and can’t dance throughout sets or sprint between tents to find friends. Have you ever tried bouncing around with a huge handbag or backpack…total drag. And don’t even think of putting that bag on the floor- who knows who could snatch it up! Stick to smaller satchels and cross-body styles, and of course, limit the amount of necessities you pack into it. It’s also important to note the bathroom situation of the festival you’re attending, as most rompers that seem like a good idea while packing, are a hassle to get in and out of in tiny stalls .

Top Picks

Somewhere along the growth of these high-profile festivals, they have become a breeding ground for tastemakers and style setters, and marketing companies have taken notice. The best dressed girls are constantly being stopped from one tent to the next in between sets for snapshots and end up on the pages of trend reports, blogs and more. Since they’ve become about more than just the music, festivals can be a great place for fashionistas to network.

Photo Courtesy of Someday’s Lovin

Anything vintage-inspired usually fairs well with the modern day Woodstock vibes. Cut offs are a go-to item that can be styled differently throughout the weekend for a casual look. Playing off current trends is a great way to incorporate clothes you already have in your closet into your festival wardrobe. Our favorite look this year is a great short or maxi skirt paired with a bralette or crop top. This chic and low maintenance combination is perfect for festival season. Pair shorts with boots, and skirts with a comfortable sandal- anything you won’t get tired of walking in for up to three days.

Bonus: Survival Accessories

Over the years we’ve acquired a few tricks of the trade to help you survive the wild weekend and these unexpected (and inexpensive) items can be a saviour.

1. This may, at first look, appear unnecessary to festival virgins, but when your phone dies mid-day (which it inevitably will) and you’ve lost the majority of your group across the grounds, you’ll be thanking us. Plus, a watch is a great addition to your arm party.

2. Sure there’s plenty of stands around the festival selling plastic bottles for 20x the price, but most festivals have incorporated some type of fountain system for free water for attendees. Bring an eco-friendly bottle to skip lines and help save the environment.

3. If you’re thinking that Evian Spray makes us high-maintenance you’ve clearly never tried it. The moisture spray is a godsend come festival season, keeping you cool, and reviving your makeup throughout the day.

By Melissa Carpenter