Long gone are the days when Hunter wellies and Frankie Says Relax t-shirts epitomised festival cool. Now, Lady Gaga and her cult of “little monsters” are influencing a whole new trend when it comes to festival attire – the more outrageous the better. Summer marks the beginning of ‘freedom season’ – an excuse many use for ditching their sensibility and 
going all-out crazy to see the headliners of the year. What better excuse than embracing your superhero alter ego? Here are some of the most popular and creative inspirations taken from event trends of the past year.
Captain Jack Sparrow And His Undead Crew
Ever since Mr. Depp was confirmed for the lead role of Jack Sparrow in 2001, the world has been awash with plundering wannabes bringing the 21st Century take on pirates to every major event. There’s no escaping the plethora of women replicating the bosom-busting 18th Century dresses of Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley) or the twenty-something guys attempting to grow their facial fluff into a style vaguely resembling the chin tail of Captain Jack.
Wizards and Warlocks
Blame Harry Potter and the Lord of The Rings for the trend that continues to grip the nation. Budding wizards tend to ditch the trademark pointy hat, in favour of loose flowing locks and a simple orb on a stick as a prop. Secondly, the old silver stars on crushed blue velvet have been replaced with a markedly more Gothic getup. Think lashings of black layering, loose flowing robes and a distinct greying around the eyes à la Gandalf.
X-Men
Superman is so last decade! Or so the fascination with Jack Kirby’s dream-team of superheroes would suggest. Rugged “Wolverine” remains top of the list for aspiring male wannabes – many actually holding contests prior to festival weekend to see who can grow the best Hugh Jackman inspired facial fuzz. Silver-haired “Storm” maintains herself as a firm favourite among women with the kind of figure that just pours into a silver cat suit.
Cross Gender Role Reversal
The burgeoning popularity of men dressing as women is evident nearly every weekend at party strips throughout the UK. What once began as a little tongue-in-cheek fun for stag nights has actually evolved into a challenge that subliminally proves masculinity. Women seem less taken by the idea, although the Blues Brothers in female form have been known to pop up at Reading Festival.
Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland”
The annual Mad Hatter’s Tea Party at Bestival has long been an influential reason for donning outrageously large top hats and huge ginger wigs, however Tim Burton’s 2010 release has seen a new take on the traditional “Hatter” look. Garish white make-up and a vampy, Gothic style of dress circa Victorian era have replaced the green felt jackets and plaid trousers of yore. Helena Bonham Carter’s “Red Queen” character has also prompted a female response to the new trend.
80′s Metal Head
Wherever there are rock stars cued to perform, there’ll be a dignified following of hardened rockers, intent on keeping alive the exuberant glam of the 1980′s. Interpret this how you will. Stars such as Axl Rose, Freddie Mercury and even Bon Jovi are notable inspirations. Think big hair, tons of hairspray and zebra print leggings teamed with leather jackets, if you want to do the metal-head style real justice.
Bohemian or Hippy Chic
Technically, the long-reigning popularity of ‘boho’ is the result of fashion revival, rather than fancy dress inspiration. Tumbling blonde wavy hair, dreadlocks and braids are all characteristic of the style, yet some will always take it a step further, donning flamboyant flairs and precarious platform heels in homage to 60′s stars. The Austin Powers one-piece suit is a notably popular step beyond the standard hippy garb.
The Flintstones
There’s something about the slight increase in climatic temperature and the emergence of a few rays that gets even the sanest festival-goer geared up to shed his/ her clothes in favour of a fur mini-dress or grass skirt. Team with a white pearl necklace and flat Grecian sandals for the Betty Rubble take, or Birkenstocks and an orange vest for the guys.
Cowboys
A result of cutting-edge denim fashions and an infinite love affair with the legendary Clint Eastwood – the key ingredients responsible for the continuing popularity of the cowboy. You don’t tend to see many adopting the look at rock festivals; however Cambridge and Bournemouth Folk Festival have both lured out the country bumpkins, intent on keeping style synonymous with the roots of music.
Batman, Robin and The Joker
Best mates have a habit of choosing hero or fantasy duos as the inspiration for fancy dress. Since “The Dark Knight” premiered in 2008, there has been a tenfold increase in the number of Batman and Robin costume hires. Prior to Heath Ledger’s psychologically challenging performance as “The Joker”, few costumers even stocked an outfit for the character. Today, he remains the most requested of all the Christopher Nolan new movie characters.
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