Designer's Journal

Festival season is here once again, and most of us are thrilled and ready to go. You may already have plenty of festival gear stocked up from previous adventures, or this could be your very first time at a big music fest. Either way, it’s important that your festival gear is up to date if you want to get the most out of the experience.

Looking for a brand new festival outfit that will keep you cool and comfortable, while also showing off your style? Need to know the essential gear that will take your festival experience to the next level? We have the perfect festival gear guide for you!

Your Comprehensive Festival Gear Guide

Camping out at music festivals can be one of the biggest highlights of the entire event. However, if you haven’t planned ahead of time, it could very well be the worst.

Whether you’re on the road, in the air, or already on the festival grounds, there’s nothing worse than realizing you’ve forgotten a phone charger, bug spray, or any other important item. There are many everyday objects we take for granted that can turn a fun time into a downer if they’re left behind, as well as things you would only need at a festival that you might not think about until it’s too late.

Instead, plan ahead of time and make sure you know exactly what you want to bring. With the right festival gear guide, the only thing you’ll have to worry about during the show is which act to see first.

Festival Outfits

Planning your festival outfit should be one of the funnest parts about going to a music festival. Music is about expressing ourselves, so the more you show off your style and creativity, the more you’ll get into the spirit of the event.

Whether you’re going for ‘90s grunge, boho hippie, or eco-friendly fashion, it’s important to consider comfort as much as style. No matter how great you look, if your outfit is uncomfortable, you’ll be miserable and wishing you had on a t-shirt and tennis shoes instead.

You don’t have to dress plainly to be comfortable. Choose outfits that are made of soft, breathable materials to keep you cool while dancing. And don’t forget a few long-sleeve tops or full-length bottoms in case the nights get chilly or you need to cover a sunburn after your first day.

Dresses

Neoma Blue Kaftan from Passion Lilie, $86.00

Dresses are a great option if you choose a lightweight cotton fabric that allows you to stay comfortable dancing late into the night. Look for fabrics made of 100% cotton if you don’t want to deal with your clothes sticking to your body during the day. Artistic designs and eye-catching details, such as tassels or zippers, can help you really stand out from the crowd.

Shorts and Tops

Playful Blue Shorts from Passion Lilie, $49.00

A pair of shorts and a gorgeous crop top or halter top is always a go-to festival outfit. This will keep you cool in the daytime, while throwing on a lightweight wrap or jacket at night will help keep you warm. If you want a little more coverage, you can’t go wrong with a nice, flowy pair of pants at a festival—especially with a fun design. Choose a nice pair of shorts or pants with pockets, and you’ll be thanking yourself for the extra storage space.

Comfortable Shoes

It may seem obvious, but heels or boots that haven’t been broken in aren’t the best choice when you’re on your feet all day. But something you might not think about is bringing shoes that are easy to clean. Don’t bring your favorite pair of Nikes, or you risk getting them muddy if it rains. Instead, choose festival footwear that is comfortable, cute, and easy to clean, like these Wayfarer sandals or these stylish wellies.

Daytime Festival Gear

Hydration Backpack

Hydration backpacks are not just for hikers. Being able to carry all your essentials—plus have a refillable water pack close at hand—is a major win for any festival goer. Keeping hydrated is incredibly important when you’re spending all day at a festival, and these packs not only double as storage, but make sure you’re not heading back to your tent early with a headache. With so many gorgeous patterns available now, you can pick a pack that goes with any of your festival outfits.

Water Bottle and Vitamin C Supplement

Speaking of staying hydrated, it’s important to drink plenty of water throughout the day to combat exhaustion and just feeling sick overall. If you decide against a hydration backpack or want a little extra water to share with friends, bring a water bottle and keep it filled. A collapsible water bottle is a great option, as it can clip right onto your backpack and be flattened to save space. Vitamin C supplements like Emergen-C are smart additions to your water supply as well, helping you stay healthy and your immune system stay strong.

Fanny Packs

Fanny packs have been a go-to festival statement for years—and for good reason. These bags are light enough to carry, snap snugly around your waist, and allow you to have all your essentials within easy access at all times. Pick a bright color like this holographic fanny pack to add to your outfit as a part of your statement-making style.

Toiletries and Other Camping Accessories

You may know the toiletries you need on a daily basis, but some items such as towels, sunscreen, bugspray, hand sanitizer, and dry shampoo can really make your festival experience more comfortable. Bring along some trash bags and paper towels to help keep you and your area clean as well. Baby wipes can be a huge festival lifesaver, even helping you keep your face clean from dirt and sweat. And don’t forget earplugs! Use them during the day to protect your hearing and at night so you can get some sleep.

Nighttime Festival Gear

Tent and Sleeping Bag

If you’re camping out overnight for several days, you want to make sure you have the right festival gear to keep you secure and well-rested. Choose a tent that is easy to put up and can hold you and however many friends you’re traveling with. If it’s a really sunny day, you might want to invest in a pop-up canopy to keep your camping spot cool. Having one of these is guaranteed to make everyone else around you envious, and you can quickly make friends by inviting them to hang out with you in the shade. Make sure to bring your pillows and a sleeping bag that can keep you warm and comfortable throughout the night.

Camping Chairs and Coolers

When you head back to your tent for the night, you’ll want to sit around and hang out with your friends. Do yourself a favor and pack a foldable chair or two so you can relax at the end of the day. Chairs like this one are a perfect piece of camping gear. You’ll also want to have a cooler on hand packed with cold drinks and treats to help make your campsite party even more fun and inviting.

Portable Cell Phone Charger

This piece of festival gear is so important and yet so easily forgotten. Your phone is an essential part of your festival experience. Whether you need it to get in touch with your friends or take pictures and record videos, you don’t want your phone’s battery dying on you. Make sure to pack a portable charger like this one so you’ll never have to see your battery turn red.

Lantern or Flashlight

A lantern or flashlight is another one of those essential pieces of festival gear that is often overlooked. While you could always use your phone as a flashlight, an actual flashlight will give you more light and won’t use your phone battery. Don’t waste your time digging around your tent at night or walking through the dark to get to your car or the bathroom. Pack a handy lantern or flashlight, and you’ll be all set whenever the festival grounds get dark.

Festival Gear for the Elements

Headband or Bandana

Chevron Headband from Passion Lilie, $12.00

Some festivals are notorious for being particularly dusty. Keep a cute bandana around your neck to cover your face if it gets too bad. Headbands are always helpful when the heat is so intense you want to keep your hair off your face while still looking gorgeous.

Sunglasses

Sunglasses can be a flashy festival statement piece on their own, but they’re also important for keeping the sun, wind, and dust out of your eyes. Choose a wild pair to really show off your personality or a pair of neon shades to add some color to your outfit. Whatever pair you choose, you’ll be glad you aren’t squinting during any of the daytime performances. Choose a fun, eco-friendly pair like these or a colorful pair like this these.

Raincoat or Poncho

While festivals are usually nice and sunny, summer weather is known to be unpredictable. Bring a raincoat or poncho to make sure you’re covered for all kinds of weather. You’ll be glad you packed one when you’re able to continue dancing in the rain while others are running for shelter.

Shop Festival Outfits at Passion Lilie

At Passion Lilie, we create eco-friendly and fair trade clothing perfect for the festival season. Whether you’re looking a headband to keep you cool and stylish during the summer heat, or a dress that is sure to make you stand out from the festival crowds, Passion Lilie is your apparel shop for gorgeous festival fashion. Check us out to become inspired for your next festival, and make sure you create a checklist for your own festival gear guide so you’ll have everything you need to enjoy your next festival to its fullest.

Affordable, eco-friendly clothing from Passion Lilie. Shop now.

For many shoppers, your wardrobe is a fun and easy part of your life to maintain. It’s not surprising, since your sense of style allows you to have fun representing yourself to the world.

Your wardrobe can also be used to express your beliefs, which is why more and more people are interested in finding affordable, eco-friendly clothing. Not only does environmentally-friendly apparel help keep our environment clean, but it also allows you to share these values with others any time someone compliments your clothing, creating a larger collective impact.

However, there are still many people who want to invest in environmentally responsible clothing but fear it will come with a high price tag. Eco-friendly clothing typically costs more than fast fashion, but those extra dollars provide you with better quality clothing and better practices for the environment.

Learn how to find affordable, eco-friendly clothing to satisfy both your conscious and your wallet, and start shopping today.

Why You Should Invest in Affordable, Eco-Friendly Clothing

Passion Lilie’s founder enjoying the beaches of Bali in our Neoma Blue Kaftan.

When it comes to making our homes more environmentally friendly, we often neglect our wardrobes. Reducing waste, recycling, and avoiding harmful chemicals are all important and relatively easy changes we can make. But you may be surprised to learn just how much damage the wrong clothing can do to the environment.

Synthetic fabrics can take 200 years to decompose in landfills, according to Sustain Your Style. And when a store fails to sell a fast fashion piece or a consumer loses interest in the trend, that cheap, synthetic clothing usually gets thrown away.

The microfibers in synthetic materials can end up in our oceans, creating more waste and even affecting animals’ health when ingested. Clothing made with azo dyes, which may be toxic to an aquatic ecosystem, can cause even more harm.

When you invest in eco-friendly clothing, you get high-quality materials made from natural textiles, such as cotton, hemp, and linen. You can also avoid azo dyes and other harmful chemicals with eco dyes.

When a company values sustainability over profit, its products are made with care, often using practices that reduce waste, water consumption, and electricity usage to create goods that are safe for consumers, workers, and the environment. At Passion Lilie, we are transparent about our production practices, and we’re always looking for ways to treat our environment better.

If you’re ready to reduce your environmental footprint, check out our tips for incorporating eco-friendly clothing into your wardrobe without breaking the bank today.

How to Incorporate Eco-Friendly Clothing into Your Wardrobe on a Budget

1. Look for Classic, Staple Pieces

Breton Striped Organic Jersey Top, $46

One of the many problems with fast fashion is that the clothing is often based on temporary trends. Looks are moved from catwalks to stores as quickly and cheaply as possible, sacrificing quality materials and production. Consumers can buy into fads at a low price, only to end up wasting what little money they spent on poor-quality clothes, which fall apart and become outdated.

As you begin creating an eco-friendly wardrobe, don’t fall prey to the many trends that come and go. By all means, if there’s a trend you absolutely love, go for it! But only if it’s made of quality materials that will last, and it’s a style you know you’ll want to wear—even when it falls out of favor.

Otherwise, consider classic designs, such as stripes, polka dots, herringbone, and geometric patterns. Look for timeless staples, such as sleeveless blouses, straight-leg pants, and A-line skirts, in solid colors or classic designs.

By investing in classic styles and staple pieces, you’ll wear your clothes more often, have an easier time matching them in different outfits, and ultimately save money.

2. Create an Eco-Friendly Capsule Wardrobe

Halley Organic Jersey Skirt, $58, and Breton Striped Organic Jersey Top, $46

When you start to invest in a smaller number of high-quality pieces, you can transition to an environmentally-friendly wardrobe at a pace you can afford. One great way to maximize new clothing purchases is to build a capsule wardrobe with pieces you can easily mix and match.

Start with the basics, such as:

— A pair of dark denim jeans
— A pair of black pants
— A navy or black skirt
— A white or gray sweater
— A plain white or black t-shirt
— A white, navy, or black button-up shirt

These types of classic, staple pieces should all pair well together, making it easy to pick a stylish outfit every day of the week. As you continue to find eco-friendly clothes you love, compare them to the other pieces you regularly wear, and consider whether or not they will be easy to match with your existing wardrobe. For example, introduce a new color you love and know you’ll wear, and donate or give away clothes you no longer want.

3. Choose Accessories for an Affordable Update

A wide variety of Passion Lilie scarves

Accessories are some of the most affordable eco-friendly clothing you can find. Scarves, hats, and purses often use fewer materials, making them less expensive than full articles of clothing. Even better, you can easily incorporate them into your wardrobe and add a pop of color or pattern to plainer stable pieces.

A simple way to jump-start your sustainable wardrobe is by swapping out any cheap, synthetic accessories for higher quality, eco-friendly ones. Headbands, lightweight scarves, and sarongs are great options because they can be worn throughout the warmer months and into winter.

Choose colorful pieces that you can style with your clothing. The right accessories can turn your clothes into a completely new outfit! With a few carefully chosen accessories, you can do even more with a smaller wardrobe.

4. Take Care of Your Clothing

As you start purchasing more eco-friendly clothing made from high-quality materials, you can use these tips to help make sure your clothes last longer:

— Wash your clothes on a lower temperature. This gets them clean while also extending their lifespan. Not to mention, you won’t be wasting as much energy.
— Use an “eco” or gentle wash setting. Most clothes, unless they’re very dirty, can use a shorter washing time than the average washing machine runs. This can reduce your energy usage and water consumption while helping to preserve your clothing.
— Invest in an eco-friendly detergent. Avoid harmful chemicals in detergents, which could negatively impact your health, the environment, and the color and texture of your clothing.
— Hang clothes to dry on a drying rack. While some items, such as wrinkle-prone shirts, need to be dried in a dryer, many do not. Air drying your eco-friendly pieces can help keep the colors bright and your clothes intact for years to come, so always check the care instructions on the label.

Once you find affordable, eco-friendly clothing you love, you should treat it with special care so it lasts even longer.

5. Follow Local, Eco-Friendly Brands

Shops love to give loyal customers a heads up when they have an event or sale going on. With Instagram, Facebook, and other social media channels, you can keep tabs on your favorite eco-friendly stores and find out when the pieces you love go on sale.

Some stores post on social media to let their followers know about sales before they even change the prices in their shops. Plus, by getting to know your favorite brands on social media, you’ll be able to ask questions, learn about new environmental issues, and find clothes you love.

6. Shop Eco-Friendly Clearance Items

Another way to save money on eco-friendly pieces is to shop the clearance section.

Consider buying a piece or two that’s on sale as the seasons change. You may not be able to wear a coat during spring, but it will surely cost less in the off season. If the price is right, and it’s a classic style you’ll want to keep wearing, buy it! This is a great way to replace synthetic coats on a budget, so you’ll be ready for fall and winter.

Like most retail, even eco-friendly clothing shops have to change out their inventory, leading to amazing sales. Unlike other fashion, however, sustainable clothing is made with high-quality materials that are made to last, giving you a much better deal.

Shop Affordable, Eco-Friendly Clothing from Passion Lilie

Ethical brands around the country are staging a fight against fast fashion. Fast fashion is a movement among fashion retailers that prioritizes quick turnaround for inexpensive products that capitalize on current trends. These clothes are cheap—both in price and quality—and result in high levels of pollution and waste. The men, women, and children in developing countries who make these garments are often underpaid and work in unsafe conditions. While ethical brands care about the working conditions, wages, and livelihoods of their workers and the state of our environment, fast fashion ignores all of that.

Why Are Ethical Brands Fighting Fast Fashion?

There are many reasons why ethical brands and shoppers alike have joined the fight against fast fashion.

Lead and Hazardous Chemicals on Clothing

The Center for Environmental Health found that many fast fashion brands, including Forever 21 and Charlotte Russe, are selling purses, shoes, and other accessories that are contaminated by lead. Even low levels of lead can cause major health issues, such as nervous system damage and issues during pregnancy.

Disempowerment of Women

According to the World Fair Trade Organization, Asia (WFTO Asia), as much as 80% of the workers producing fast fashion in Asia in 2016 were women ages 18 to 24. Many of these women are impoverished and underpaid, and they often face sexual harassment. For example, the Asia Floor Wage Alliance found 11 out of 12 factories fired women for becoming pregnant.

 

Clothing That Falls Apart

Fast fashion is made as quickly and inexpensively as possible. Fast fashion brands make hundreds of millions of garments per year, bringing new looks into stores every single week. It goes so quickly, you feel out of style after only one wear! Unfortunately, those pieces don’t last longer than a week anyway. These companies make low-quality pieces so they can keep up with the high volume demanded and entice customers with low prices. Why keep spending money on pieces that don’t last when you can invest in ethical, high-quality clothing instead?

Harm to the Environment

Given how quickly these fast fashions fall out of favor (or just fall apart), many of these clothes end up in landfills. In the United States, only 10% of donated clothes get resold. The rest get put into landfills, which can become contaminated from the chemicals found in fast fashion clothing. Furthermore, since fast fashion clothing tends to be made of synthetic, petroleum-based fibers, it will sit there for decades before it decomposes.

 

How Can I Join the Fight Against Fast Fashion?

One of the best ways to fight against fast fashion is by buying your clothes from ethical brands. Ethical brands consider your health as well as the health of our workers and the environment. At Passion Lilie, we provide shoppers with stylish, well-crafted, ethical attire. We avoid any harsh chemicals that would harm you or the environment. Furthermore, Passion Lilie requires safe, healthy working environments for our artisans. We are a member of the Fair Trade Federation, and we ensure our artisans receive fair wages so they can support themselves and their families. Read more about Passion Lilie’s ethical practices here. Consider shopping for some of our fashionable pieces to join the fight against fast fashion!

Peach Flowers Top

This floral peach print has a warm, summery feel. The shirt is cute, comfortable, and lightweight, making it an ideal choice for nearly any outdoor occasion.

Spinnaker Zig Zag Pants

How fun and flowy are these pants? They’re great for the summer and fall seasons, whether you’re headed to work or for a night out with friends.

 

Shop Passion Lilie Today

Passion Lilie is an ethical brand dedicated to empowering artisans around the world and fighting fast fashion. Designed in New Orleans and made in India, we are proud to produce ethical apparel. Learn more about our ethical apparel and shop more of our fabulous products today.

Part of the fun of the warm weather months is the fashion! From the latest trends to shorts, dresses, and other summer staples, the options for summer outfits are endless. The perfect summer outfit is a necessity for everything from weddings to backyard parties. Passion Lilie has assembled a few summer outfit ideas for you that are easy to wear and 100% ethical. Take a look!

 

Summer Outfit Ideas

Here are a few of Passion Lilie’s favorite pieces for these popular summer activities and occasions.

Outdoor Errands: Blue Impressions Organic Jersey Kaftan and Pineapple Tote

On a hot day, errands can be dreadful. Having to run around with all your goods while fighting humidity and heat requires a strategic summer outfit, and there’s none better than a kaftan dress. Try our Blue Impressions Organic Jersey Kaftan paired with one of our Pineapple Totes (pictured below). The blue and yellow will complement each other, and you’ll be comfortable with our loose-fitting yet stylish kaftan dress. And did we mention this ethical dress is made of 100% organic cotton? The tote is also a useful accessory that can help hold all your goodies!

 

Wedding Rehearsal Dinner: Pink Pomegranate Dress

It’s that time of year again when we hear wedding bells. Our Pink Pomegranate Dress would be perfect for a rehearsal dinner or more casual wedding. With its vibrant pink pattern and tied bow detail in front, there’s a romantic feel to this look. Sleeveless and made of cotton, you’ll stay comfortable in this dress as you dance the night away. Write the bride and groom a congratulatory note you can feel good about on one of our beautiful greeting cards made of recycled paper.

 

Backyard BBQ: Playful Blue Shorts and Timeless Blouse in Grey

There’s nothing quite like spending time with your family and friends while delicious food cooks on the grill. This casual, trendy summer outfit is a great look for any barbecue or backyard party. The blouse has a subtle print and neutral color that work well with the shorts. The Playful Blue Shorts are sturdy, feel comfortable, and feature pockets for you to keep some of your belongings on hand without a handbag.

 

Summer Day at the Office: Chambray Wrap Dress and Classic Blue Ikat Scarf

This timeless dress paired with a light scarf is a great way to look trendy yet professional in the office. The Chambray Wrap Dress will flatter your figure and keep you feeling confident all day. Our scarf not only adds a fun accessory to the look, but also can be used to wrap around your shoulders when the office air conditioning leaves you feeling chilly.

 

Shop Passion Lilie’s Summer Outfits Today

To refresh your wardrobe with ethical summer outfits, shop now at Passion Lilie! If you want to learn more about shopping ethically, check out our ethical shopping guide here. Feel free to contact us with any of your questions or concerns, and share the summer outfits you’re wearing with us on our social media!