The tickets are booked, the group chat is fizzing and you’ve started planning the outfits. Now comes the important part: what are you actually taking?

With silly season just around the corner, we're here to make sure you pack what you need to get the most out of your festies. The trick is packing pieces that look good, feel good and can handle a full day of dancing, sun, silliness, and whatever else the festival gods have in store for you.

Here’s your guide to festival clothing, footwear and accessories for the upcoming summer.

FESTIVAL FITS

Festival dressing is a good excuse to wear the stuff you’ve been saving for an occasion that never really came. You can get away with being a little more experimental, a little more colourful and probably a little less practical than usual.

For the Girls

Little shorts, mini skirts and jorts are an easy place to start. Pair them with a baby graphic tee, cute top, little tank or whatever else has been sitting in the wardrobe waiting for a reason to come out. Mini dresses are another easy win, particularly if you can't be bothered putting an outfit together. One piece, shoes, bag, done. Shop Here!

For the Boys

For the boys, checkered shirts, jerseys, graphic tees and jorts are all the go. Throw a shirt over a tee if you want another layer, or swap the jorts for a pair of relaxed pants if you want something a little different. Slap on a cap and some sunnies, and you’re ready to boogie the night away, playa. Shop Here!

Swim, If The Festival Calls For It

If your festival involves camping, swimming or generally being somewhere hot and outdoors, throwing swimwear into the bag is never a bad shout. A bikini, one-piece or pair of boardshorts can double as a festival-ready base layer, a swim option or an emergency outfit when you’ve run out of clean clothes. We support versatility around here. Shop Here!

FESTIVAL FOOTWEAR

Choose Your Shoes Wisely

Next we've got arguably the most crucial part of the fit: the shoe. You want something you can comfortably stand, walk and dance in for hours - because those cute little boots you wore for exactly 17 minutes before your feet started filing complaints are NOT going to cut it. Sneakers are an easy go-to for a full day on your feet, while jandals and sandals can work for more laid-back festivals and warmer days. Shop Here!

Don't Forget The Spare Socks

If you're camping, walking between stages or expecting a bit of mud, chuck an extra pair of socks in your bag. They take up zero space and could potentially save your life. You're welcome. Shop Here!

FESTIVAL ACCESSORIES

Sunglasses Are Non-Negotiable

Part sun protection, part outfit finisher, and potentially useful for hiding the evidence of last night's antics. Whatever your style of sunglasses, we’ve got the goods. And a good pair belongs in every festival bag. Shop Here!

Add A Hat

Caps, bucket hats and other festival-friendly headwear are an easy way to finish an outfit while keeping the sun off your face. Plus, they're useful in the case of dusty mornings and lost hair brushes. Shop Here!

Keep Your Hands Free

A good bag is essential when you're carrying the little things you don't want to lose in the depths of your tent. Crossbody bags, belt bags, small shoulder bags or a compact backpack - something big enough for the essentials without becoming another piece of luggage you have to drag around all day. Shop Here!

Bring A Water Bottle

A reusable water bottle is one festival essential worth remembering. Chuck it in your bag on the way out and keep it close throughout the day. North Beach currently stocks a range of drink bottles, including Hydroflask, Frank Green, Owala, Chako Lab and more. Shop Here!

The Other Stuff You'll Be Glad You Packed

There are a few things that don't exactly make the outfit, but you'll be very happy to have them once you're there.

Sunscreen: because we do not play about sun safety
Portable phone charger: must have!! you know you’re bound to get lost
Earplugs: there’s only so much drum & bass the poor things can handle
Toiletries: deodorant included. Your tent friends will appreciate it
Poncho or lightweight rain layer: because NZ weather has never cared about your plans
A small towel: especially useful if you're camping or there's water involved.

And, if you're camping, don't forget the obvious stuff: tent, sleeping bag, bedding and something to actually sleep on.

The Golden Rule

Pack for the festival you're actually going to - not the imaginary version where the weather is perfect, your outfit stays spotless and you sleep eight hours a night. Bring clothes you can move in, shoes you can survive in and accessories that make your life easier. The rest you don't have to worry about: good mates, good music and great memories. That's what it's all about, baby!