With the hundreds of thousands of people pouring through the Summerfest gates each day, the cross section of clothing choices runs the gamut from the good to the bad to the straight up embarrassing (I'm talking about that feeling you get when you spot some poor woman who thought a bikini top was a sexy alternative to an actual shirt.)
Summerfest is truly an anomaly of fashion crimes and good ideas gone wrong. Remember, what might be good for a night out on Milwaukee Street (or a day at the beach) doesn't necessarily translate to the densely populated people-watching cesspool of the grounds.
We've asked around and gathered up a series of Summerfest safe suggestions. Here they are, should you choose to accept them.
Shayna Miller, assistant/style editor at Madison Magazine in Madison
Don't: Wear too little!
The bikini tops, the too-short shorts and minis, the cleavage baring, and frankly, just barely covering your bits and pieces has got to go. Total information overload, if you know what I mean.
Do: Um, wear clothing! And enough clothing!
Don't: Wear a cheesy head-to-toe look
Outfits should match, of course. But matching is not so great when you're rocking too much in one look. Example: a Def Leppard concert attendee in all '80s stuff; the tourist look (even if you're not one) with a fanny pack, visor, camera, socks with sandals, etc.; the superfan with all Packers or Brewers gear; the "I'm going clubbing" look with tightness all over (see: above), too much makeup and sky-high stilettos. It's a festival, people, not Eve.
Do: Wear comfortable, cool clothing. It's pretty easy to find stuff that does.
Don't: Wear disrespectful T-shirts
Mom, this one's
for you, who mentioned this to me the other day. What's with the
graphic/crude T-shirts these days? Inappropriate language, scantily
clad women and the like are all things that need to go. Do it for the
children. No seriously, there are tons of children that could catch an
eyeful of that shirt.
Do: Wear one or two of-the-moment trends that will add spice to your outfitn't have the errant swear word on it, you know?
Stephanie Sherman (wife of OMC president, Jeff Sherman), co-owner of Lela Boutique in Milwaukee
Don't: Too-tight tanks are bad. Don't show your midriff.
Do: Rock a pair of shorts the right way. Short shorts are in -- but make sure you have the legs for them. If you don't, opt for the longer city short. If you do wear the short shorts, combine them with a longer top. Short shorts and a cropped top are a bad combination.
Don't: Wear stilettos to Summerfest -- we've seen this time and time again, amazingly enough. Your feet will thank you.
Do: Choose a dress. This season, the bold, printed sundresses are everywhere. From micro mini to maxi (long), there are lots of great, no-fuss options.
Don't: Sun coverage is good -- but ladies, don't wear a baseball cap.
There are so many adorable hat styles, from military to newsboy, choose
something fashion-forward.
Do: Accessorize. Headbands are a big look this season, and you can easily add color to your look with a stylish hair accessory.
Plus, Miller adds her fashion forecast for the rest of summer and early fall.
Tunic and empire waist tops
Typically, short-sleeve tops have more of an A-line look, while tanks are fitted at the bust (empire waist) and flare out in a flattering way. Comfy and fashionable.
Metallics
This is a trend that will carry into fall. I've noticed silver making a strong resurgence in things like clutches, flats, heels and handbags. Gold is still an option too.
Wedges and platform-soled heels
Wedges in every color and fabric imaginable are still hot. Plus (as noted above) they're more comfortable for walking all day than heels. Platforms are still big, showing up patent, nautical stripes and metallics, to name a few.
Flats
If you don't like to wear heels or wedges, flats are an alternative, dressier option than sneakers. Pick a pair up in a vibrant color (red, yellow, blue, etc.), metallic, stripe, animal print-there's a wealth of flats out there in all price ranges.
Dresses
In all shapes and styles-sundresses, trapeze, maxi-dresses and shifts. This is another big trend that will carry into fall.
Pendant jewelry and bangles
Add some excitement to a blah tank with an adorable pendant. I've seen cute pendants with strawberries, clovers and charms-don't worry, you won't look like a box of Lucky Charms, just wear one. A big, chunky bangle is another statement-making piece.
Did I mention all of these could work at Summerfest? You can still make a statement about your style, be cool and comfy and be the best dressed at the Fest.
OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Julie Lawrence grew up in Wauwatosa and has lived her whole life in the Milwaukee area.
As any “word nerd” can attest, you never know when inspiration will strike, so from a very early age Julie has rarely been seen sans pen and little notebook. At the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee it seemed only natural that she major in journalism. When OnMilwaukee.com offered her an avenue to combine her writing and the city she knows and loves in late 2004, she knew it was meant to be. Around the office, she answers to a plethora of nicknames, including “Lar,” (short for “Larry,” which is short for “Lawrence”) as well as the mysteriously-sourced “Bill Murray.”