FASHION FRIDAY: DRESSING FOR BLUEGRASS

21 Jun FASHION FRIDAY: DRESSING FOR BLUEGRASS

Though our summer calendar features back-to-back events, Telluride does not have a lock on the market. It’s that time of year when open-air festivals from Bonnaroo to Glastonbury are in full swing. For those old enough to remember – or you saw the video – the underlying message of the late 1960s was, courtesy of the Fab Four, “All You Need Is Love.” Not so fast: love AND light layers. What layers? Telluride Bluegrass weekend is a time to let down your hair and throw away the rule book – although there are a few guidelines for comfort and Festivarian chic at the 39th annual Telluride Bluegrass Festival.

Telluride’s summer (yesterday was the solstice, the official start of the season) tends to be hot (much hotter than usual this year) by day and cool by night. This year’s lack of precipitation also means Town Park grounds are dusty and dirty. To deal with the weather and look cool, I offer up three really good options: two are retro – hippy chic and tie-dyed diva – and one is western, prairie girl.

Hippy chic is stereotypical Bluegrass. That typically translates to a long cotton print dress, head band, beaten up leather tote, and Birkenstocks (which leads to really dirty festival feet.) My personal variation on that theme features a Joie floor-length mini-floral print dress with ruffle v-neck. I don’t – and won’t – own Birkenstocks, so I would wear TKees on my feet. For nighttime, I suggest adding a chunky cardigan sweater. I think heavy knits make a nice contrast to girly-girl florals.

If my choice were tie-dye diva, I would turn to New York design duo Heyne Bogut. Their updated tie-dyes are tone-on-tone and printed on drapey yet form-flattering bodies. I particularly love the short-sleeve t-shirt dress in blue and black twist fabric. The casual cotton frock is perfect for daytime, yet its rouched sides and soft neckline lend themselves to a nighttime vibe. Pair with cowboy boots for a perfect festival look. And after an evening set, head for the New Sheridan Parlor Bar for a night cap. You will fit right in.

Another outfit that is equally Bluegrass and New Sheridan is, of course, the prairie girl look. My best shot for this right-off-the-ranch outfit is a billowy blouse, perhaps in white cotton voile, or better yet, in a mini-floral prairie girl print from Girl Band of Outsiders. Wear the blouse loose and flowy by day and belted by night to flatter your form. Paired over skinny jeans tucked into Frye boots and gosh darn, you are a cowgirl.

Note to my readers: at my boutique, Two Skirts, you’ll find all the eclectic elements mentioned above for Bluegrass chic, including mismatched prints if that’s your choice. We’ve got it all – except the horse and saddle for all you weekend cowgirls.