Outdoor music festivals have taken the 21^st century by storm. And why not? We get to watch our favourite acts in one place, it’s a great chance to hang out with our friends, and best of all, we can take a break from our hectic lives, let our hair down, dance and be merry for a day and watch some good bands. Judging by how recent music festivals such as Coachella, Glastonbury, and even our very own Laneway have increasingly been attracting the A-list crowd, it is of no surprise that these outdoor events have evolved into way more than just music festivals. They have become avenues for people to flaunt their personal styles, perhaps acting as some form of indication of their idiosyncrasies and quirks, giving these events the additional colour and edge that capture the curiosity of many.

Of course, an outdoor music festival in Singapore would take on a slightly different form than the mega international music festivals. Well, if you are a fan of local music, you’d know that Baybeats 2013 will be kicking off tomorrow. While I am fully aware that Baybeats is no Coachella – it is of a much smaller scale appealing to a different crowd, a festival wear guide is always relevant. So we have put together a list of dos and don’ts, which considering how the weather in Singapore is generally cray, would hopefully present a more realistic look at the type of apparel for you to enjoy this event in.

Hello self-declared hipsters. Despite claims that Indie is now the new mainstream, we still believe in the integrity the term has to offer. Especially when it comes to fashion. Simply put, or rather, according to the Urban Dictionary, indie kids are those that “rule out the rules of fashion”.

Following that, we have put together some outfit ideas for you. Yay or Nay?

Printed trousers, printed tanks, printed rompers. Somehow, prints are associated with hippie wear. They add a little personality to your ensemble, while still keeping some form of understated simplicity so that it doesn’t seem too over the top.

Of course, there IS such a thing as too over the top.

If you’re looking for something a little more unique, then headbands, cowboy boots, funky hats and having arm candy always works.

The Hardcore Kids

With a bunch of loud and heavy bands playing at the three-day event, we’re sure that some of you would consider yourself metalheads. You guys prefer the heavier stuff, so we would expect your outfit preferences to be grungier and darker. Also, it would probably be a fair assumption to associate your tastes with the colour black. Well, good news, you can’t really go wrong with black. Or can you?

Though leather anything is generally not advisable for our local climate, we have to admit that it screams badass. And it’s extremely easy to look good in leather. So if you’re feeling adventurous, leather jeans or leather vests are the way to go.

For those who are afraid of the heat, who have killer legs and abs, or who are just generally swaggy by nature.

For Those Who Just Wish To Stand Out

So you like attention. It’s cool, here at Bandwagon, we encourage you to let your creative juices flow. We hope that the following would provide some inspiration if you truly would like to be noticed (in both positive and negative ways). And who said Singaporeans can’t think out of the box.

A single, unique accessory like a parka or wellington boots will act as an immediate head turner at an outdoor event like Baybeats. Sheer patterned stockings also seem to be popular amongst the celebs these days, though I really can’t see why. Regardless, if you’re looking to make a statement, or just attract attention, then the crazier the design the better.

Of course, one of the surest and quickest ways to stand out is to bare more skin. Bright coloured printed cropped tops, bandeaus and bralets paired with an equally jarring bottom should do the trick.

If you’d like to show more skin…

Or if you just want to look funny (read: ridiculous)

For Those Who Just Want To Have Comfortable, No Frills Fun: Everyone Else

High five, you’re 'normal'. But then comes the bigger problem. What should you wear if you have absolutely no quirks? (haha, just kidding) Well, if all else fails, simplicity is key.

Band tees or tank tops paired with a comfortable pair of shorts should be a staple at every music festival.

Of course if you’d like a more sophisticated look, then pairing shorts with a more formal collared top or wearing a shirt-dress are viable options as well.

And since Singapore is the land of eternal summers, we can’t leave out floral and maxi dresses! Nina Dobrev looks gorgeous in this red dress, but of course, if you have arm candy who looks as good as Ian Somerhalder, anything goes, really.

We hope you have a smashing time at Baybeats! We’re looking forward to seeing you, and your outfits, there.