When Elizabeth Hurley arrived at Stagecoach festival over the weekend, she didn’t just show up; she provided a masterclass in festival fashion. Sporting a pair of perfectly fitted jeans, a delicate white sheer boho top, and a tan suede jacket with just the right amount of fringe, she looked every inch the rock goddess - without looking like she was trying to reclaim her twenties.
© InstagramFor many women over 50, the word "festival" can trigger a minor wardrobe existential crisis. We want to embrace the spirit of the event, but the thought of glitter and denim hot pants feels more "mid-life crisis" than "mid-life cool."
The question is: how do you navigate a field full of Gen Z girls in crochet bras without looking like you’re trying to raid your niece's wardrobe - or worse, looking like you're off to an Abba tribute night?
Enter Natalie Wall, a music-loving former fashion buyer and editor, with a soft spot for sequins, fringing and leopard print - but not all at once. She’s been to enough festivals to know the formula isn’t really a formula at all - it starts with what’s already in your own wardrobe, rather than chasing trends.
© Natalie Wall"I love how Liz took her classic signature style while nodding to the festival theme," Natalie notes. "She essentially used the ‘jeans and a nice top’ formula our generation swears by, and ran it through a festival lens. The white lace top with the fitted suede fringe jacket is just chef’s kiss for a country festival. She’s gone all in on accessories, but the jewellery stays delicate and never takes over."
If you’re looking to replicate that Hurley magic at the festival or day concert, here are Natalie’s five definitive rules for nailing festival style in your late forties, fifties and even beyond.
1. If in doubt, add a kimono and channel grown-up boho
"Boho style is such a winner at festivals, especially when you’re over 40. It feels relaxed rather than try-hard, plus it’s comfortable. A kimono works beautifully thrown over jeans and a vest, or a floaty dress you can waft about in. Just avoid anything floor-skimming that starts collecting half the campsite by default. For grown-up bohemian dressing, the recent Chloé catwalk is a really good reference point."
© Natalie Wall2. Nod to the theme. Don’t dress as it.
"I always think a subtle reference lands better than a head-to-toe tribute act. The simpler the look, the chicer – so choose one statement piece and build around it. At a country festival, that might mean a hint of suede fringing, a la Liz.
"Full festival dressing can tip too literal. I prefer something looser in interpretation – so cowboy boots on their own feel right, but not when everything else is shouting western too. One nod is chic. Three nods is a costume.
"For a Britpop headliner, maybe an Adidas x Liberty piece, again for that grown-up take on things. Sequins for Pride, yes, but grounded with something simple."
3. Take your usual style and dial it up a few notches
"Start with what you already wear – that’s always the easiest way in. You don’t need to become someone else just because you’re in a field for a day, and you’ll feel more confident when you’re more ‘you’. Pull pieces from your existing wardrobe and give them a slightly different spin so they work for a festival setting. If, like Liz, your everyday wardrobe leans classic, keep that as your base and just turn up the volume a little. It’s more like elevating than reinventing."
4. Accessories are where you can have some fun
"Festivals are the place where you don’t need to apply the Coco Chanel style rule of removing an accessory before you leave the house - more is more! Layer different lengths of necklaces a la Liz and cool sunglasses are an absolute must – as is an across-body bag for going hands-free.
"Make like Liz and let personality shine through with carefully chosen jewellery – fine necklaces, simple earrings, nothing too overworked or costume-y.
"A silk scarf softens it all, adding something a little looser into the mix, knotted around the neck or wrapped at the waist – very much this season’s ‘hot spot’."
© Natalie Wall5. Be playful, but be practical
"Ultimately in the UK, we’ve got to think about the weather situation. A stylish waterproof layer like a Barbour jacket – or a more budget-friendly barn jacket that’s been everywhere this year – is your friend, and easy to tie around your waist or carry.
"Even Liz has to go to the loo, and at festivals the facilities are often the least glamorous part, even with VIP access. No one wants to be faffing about with a jumpsuit and ending up half-dressed in a portaloo.
"Essentially: if you wouldn’t want to wrestle with it in there, don’t wear it. Separates make life easier than jumpsuits, no matter how good they look on arrival. Comfort really does translate as confidence."
Final thought
"… just wear what you wanna wear"
"One of the joys of your forties and beyond is that you care less about what people think. That kind of energy is perfect for festivals, where anything goes.
"Embrace your Eccentric Auntie era, or wear the short shorts if you love them. By the time the sun sets and the music takes over, what you’re wearing slips out of focus completely."
Follow Natalie on Instagram for joy-inducing fashion and interiors @talliwall and check out her Substack Cheap Frill Seeker.
Festival outfit ideas for women over 50
1/12
Rixo 'Dionne' Suede Jacket
© RixoEditor's Note:
This Rixo jacket is a forever jacket, and will look amazing for a day festival with jeans, denim shorts or even over a while sun dress.
2/12
River Island Denim Cargo Shorts With Elastic Waist
© River IslandEditor's Note:
Don't want to feel restricted in denim shorts? River Island comes to the rescue with this elasticated waist pair. Perfect for a festival as they're not too long and they're not too short.
3/12
Joe Browns Exotic Blooms Premium Sequin Kimono
© Joe BrownsEditor's Note:
Our expert Natalie is a big fan of the kimono, and she personally picked this one that's new on site. Wear over jeans or denim shorts for your next festival.
4/12
Scamp & Dude x Gola Neutral Cheetah Tornado Trainers
© Scamp & DudeEditor's Note:
Now, if there's any chance of a muddy field, abort wearing fancy trainers, but if the weather report is good - go for it. I love this new Gola pair from Scamp & Dude, and my sources tell me these are selling seven per minute.
5/12
H&M Pink Denim Jacket
© H&MEditor's Note:
Sometimes a touch of pastel pink goes down a treat for a festival, but if you'd prefer a different colour there are other shades available.
6/12
Uniqlo Crossbody Bag
© UniqloEditor's Note:
Choosing a bag for a festival can be tricky but the Uniqlo bag is super practical and there are plenty of colours available.
7/12
Mint Velvet Western Boots
© Mint VelvetEditor's Note:
A pair of cool western-style boots? Perfect for a festival. Top tip: Be sure to break them in before you attend your festival.
8/12
Primark Packable Longline Rain Jacket
© PrimarkEditor's Note:
Built for changeable days, this leopard print packable rain jacket is easy to take wherever you go. Designed in a longline, oversized shape for extra coverage, it folds neatly into a matching drawstring pouch for simple storage.
9/12
Carrie Elizabeth Aquamarine Beaded Necklace
© Carrie ElizabethEditor's Note:
Wear one strand for a subtle pop of colour, or layer multiple strands with chains and charms for that effortless, bohemian stack we all love.
10/12
Marks & Spencer Pure Cotton Denim Mini T-Shirt Dress
© Marks & SpencerEditor's Note:
This pure cotton denim mini dress is a contemporary take on a classic style. The T-shirt-style silhouette that gently skims your figure - perfect if you feel conscious over the tummy area.
11/12
Barbour Icons Spey Showerproof Jacket
© BarbourEditor's Note:
This jacket brings a relaxed take on the iconic Spey silhouette. Designed with a half-moon cord collar, stud-fastening pocket flaps with side entry, and cord trim detailing, it nods to Barbour’s heritage design. .
12/12
NEXT Floral Print Quilted Jacket
© NEXTEditor's Note:
Inject some colour to your festival wardrobe with this gorgeous quilted jacket from Next.
