Elizabeth Hurley turned heads at the Stagecoach festival over the weekend, offering a masterclass in festival fashion for women over 50. She wore perfectly fitted jeans, a white sheer boho top, and a tan suede jacket with fringe, looking effortlessly stylish without trying to reclaim her youth.
Natalie Wall, a former fashion buyer and editor, praised Hurley's approach: 'I love how Liz took her classic signature style while nodding to the festival theme. She used the 'jeans and a nice top' formula and ran it through a festival lens.' Wall advises women over 40 to embrace boho style, which feels relaxed and comfortable, and to avoid floor-length dresses that collect dirt.
Wall recommends subtle references rather than head-to-toe festival looks. 'One nod is chic. Three nods is a costume,' she says. For a country festival, a hint of suede fringing works well, while cowboy boots alone can make a statement without overdoing it.
She also suggests starting with existing wardrobe pieces and elevating them slightly. 'You don't need to become someone else just because you're in a field,' Wall notes. Layering necklaces, wearing cool sunglasses, and using an across-body bag are key accessories. A silk scarf adds a soft touch, knotted around the neck or waist.
Finally, Wall emphasises practicality: a stylish waterproof layer like a Barbour jacket is essential for UK weather. She also advises against jumpsuits due to the difficulty of using festival toilets. 'If you wouldn't want to wear it in a portaloo, don't wear it,' she concludes.
