The Isle of Wight Festival returns this weekend, after a year off due to Covid-19, and tens of thousands of music lovers are about to descend on Seaclose Park for a line-up that boasts Duran Duran, Tom Jones, Liam Gallagher, Snow Patrol, David Guetta, Sam Fender and many more. 

The weather appears to be changeable, but warm and mostly dry.

The theme is Peace, Love and Understanding, channeling 'the harmonious vibes of the 1970 festival', according to the event's website.

We're urged to dress in our colourful rainbow best and if you really embrace the dress-up theme, show it off at Strawberry Fields, at 2pm on Saturday, in the Best Dressed competition.

The winner will bag an exclusive backstage tour and a champagne picnic!

So, what to wear? Here's our guide to how to rock the 1970s look! 

Where to shop?

Isle of Wight County Press:

Raid the attic (or the back of the wardrobe), or check out the following to find fashion for the festival.

An eccletic treasure trove of vintage fashion hangs on the rails of The Velvet Pig in Union Street, Ryde. Pop in, if you're arriving by Wightlink Fastcat to Ryde Pier, or by hovercraft to Southsea.

Find swishy festival style fashion at Dragonfly in St James' Street, Newport.

For a modern, stylish take (and a rock and roll approach), Skin Trade in St Thomas's Square in Newport offers plenty of choice (as well as selling wellies).

Taking a tour? Ventnor is a stylish destination for bohemian fashion.

Or, why not try the pre-loved look at the Island's charity shops. You'll find (at least) one to suit you in every town!

It's 70s, man!

Bringing to mind the 70s and hippie culture, the on-trend festival-goer will be embracing flares, crochet and psychedelic prints.

Also keep in mind the weather as some festival staples (such as wellies) may be very necessary! 

Crochet

Isle of Wight County Press:

This summer, crochet and macrame styles have been extremely popular, on both the High Street and fashion runways, and it looks like they are here to stay.

Vests, dresses, skirts and even crochet accessories, such as bags and bandanas, will hit the vibe.

It's not to late to make your own, while you await the Isle of Wight ferry! Crochet is no longer just a hobby… it's the trend of the moment!

Prints

Bring a bit of vibrancy with you by wearing bold, bright prints.

Hippie-inspired patterns, like tie-dye and psychedelic, are huge at the moment.

For something more subtle, try paisley.  

Isle of Wight County Press:

Flares

Bootcut is coming back and the 70s staple fits into the theme perfectly!

Get ready for flared trousers everywhere. 

Bootcut jeans and wide-leg trousers will give you the hippie look whilst keeping you a bit warmer in the September weather.

Embroidery

Bohemian style is always in when it comes to festival fashion!

Think light, flowy fabrics in muted colours, with vivid embroidery.

Look for peasant-style tops, embroidered jackets and accessories.

Dress for the weather

Nice, sunny weather is never guaranteed (scroll up for a linke to the weather forecast).

Keep your wellies and rain mac on standby, you might need them!