STYLE YOUR OWN DIY GLASTONBURY
Despite Glastonbury having been cancelled, there’s still an expectant air of excitement and coming togetherness around the retrospective events on TV to mark the festival’s 50th anniversary. Not least because the prospect of reliving live sets from Lady Gaga, Adele and Beyoncé is an excuse to get out of the sweatpants we’ve been in since spring.
Glastonbury style has shifted over the decades, from the peace symbols, bell bottoms and flowing locks of the early Seventies, to the Oasis-era parkas and bucket hats of the Nineties, and its current unofficial dress code of eclecticism and unicorn stardust.
And while most men aren’t keen on loading up on the glitter face paint and neon dayglo, I’d hazard that there are more than a few of us aching to break up the monotony of our at-home wardrobes. It’s time for some free-spirited dress-up.
A vividly patterned shirt is the obvious starting point (in fact, at Glasto, it’s almost mandatory); it’s the sort of thing I’d normally steer men away from, but Glastonbury’s break-the-rules attitude calls for some exuberance. Indian paisley print or splashy florals hit a nicely hedonistic note. Offset the bold print with some simple white or navy shorts, or, if you’re less keen on showing off pale English legs, some loose, breezy linen trousers.
Even though you’re still at home, stick to the gentlemanly edict that toes are for beach and pool only – espadrilles are a lot more chic than sandals – as Cary Grant proved with raffish Côte d’azur ensembles.
Accessories are the final flourish, from the Pyramid Stage to the Green Fields, but if you’re a fellow over a certain age, I’d steer clear of the shell necklaces. The tech bros of Palo Alto love nothing more than a beaded bracelet to show they’re not of the corporate banker mould, so follow suit with something discreet but playful.
All that’s left is tasking any small people that might be weary of home schooling to weave you a floral crown, pay £8 for a warm cider and enjoy the break from the lockdown doldrums while you can.