What To Wear to Summer Fest

Free Press Summer Fest Fashion Guide: What to wear for a muddy good time

Get ready to pretend you're artsy (even if it's just for 48 hours) and endure the humidity for your favorite bands because Free Press Summer Fest is finally here. To kick off your summer, the up-and-coming music festival hits Houston Saturday and Sunday with some hot and not-so-hot artists. But who's complaining? As long as you have your CamelBak strapped on tight (hydration is key, folks), sunglasses secured with croakies (80 percent chance your Ray-Bans will somehow disappear) and Instagram-worthy outfit, you’re set.

Of course you are dressing for your peers, but what would you do if you ran into an old teacher (yes, this has happened to me) or even your boss (hello co-workers, see you there!)?

If you are struggling with that last one, I’ll do my best to put my years of Summer Fest experience to the test and help find you the perfect outfit.

Some pointers you may want to consider: Will sweat show in this? Is it flattering when I’m not sucking in and standing up my straightest? And of course you are dressing for your peers, but what would you do if you ran into an old teacher (yes, this has happened to me) or even your boss (hello co-workers, see you there!)?

Let's get to it.

Jorts

If you are showing any midriff, high-waisted shorts are an absolute must. They’re flattering if you find the right fit and pretty comfy. Feel free to steer away from the boring blue jean and go for a fun color or print if you’re keeping it simple up top. Tight budget? Try making your own out of an old pair of jeans.

Crop Tops

I keep highlighting this kind of top because I’m considering comfort here. Do you really want to be outside for eight hours in a long-sleeve garment? Of course not. Also, jump around a bit when you’re trying things on (do everyone a favor and make sure everything stays in place). There is also a 60 percent chance of rain on Saturday at Eleanor Tinsley Park (40 percent chance of precipitation on Sunday), so try and avoid anything sheer or white on top.

Bikini Tops

Because it will most likely rain, this waterproof option doesn’t sound so bad if you’re OK with showing a little skin. You’ll be moving around a lot, so go for support but nothing too constrictive. Also, mid-kinis appear to be a thing now, which I am a big fan of. I would also invest in a light tank top to wear when you walk in or have in case you late night somewhere that requires you to really be clothed.

Have fun, look cute and know that when it rains, the only thing you'll have to worry about is your hair.

Sundresses

If you like to be a little more free, a light, flowy sundress is your perfect pick even when the sun's not shining. Floral prints can really enhance a summer vibe here. Also, if you plan on getting on anyone's shoulders, perhaps a fun romper would be the smarter choice.

Shoes

Summer Fest is the perfect place to break out the old pair of comfy shoes that you don’t mind getting ankle deep in mud. Preparing for the rain, wear either something waterproof like Chacos or an old pair of Converse. Now is not the time to break out your cutest pair of summer sandals, because the last place people will be looking is at your feet.

Extras

My go-to accessory in life is the fanny pack. Laugh all you want, but I have never lost a purse at a big event or had the burden of carrying one around all day. It is the perfect place to keep your cash, phone, sunscreen, chapstick, gum, you name it, without anything getting soaked. You can also attach a hat or cover up to the side of it if when the weather is constantly changing.

It’s also smart to bring your own CamelBak. FPSF will have free refill stations, and you’ll be thankful for not having to waste your money on water bottles at the event, since you can’t bring any of your own through the gates.

Rain Plan

My last pieces of advice when it comes to preparing for the worst:

Wear clothing that won't draw eyes when wet, and perhaps pack an extra tank to change into for your post-Summer Fest activities,
Invest in some waterproof eye makeup,
Pack some extra plastic grocery bags or Ziplocs for your valuables,
Flappy sandals will absolutely be devoured by the mud, and rainboots, although cute, will be way too heavy and a big burden. Go for something in-between that is really strapped to your feet but light,
A small umbrella or even poncho can easily be strapped onto the side of your bag (but bring a cheap one, it will be the first thing you dump if it stops raining),
If you're driving, pack beach towels in the trunk that you don't bring into the festival to protect your seats on the ride home.

So have fun, look cute and know that when it rains, the only thing you'll have to worry about is your hair.

Victoria's Secret Ruffle Halter Top $22, Victoria's Secret Getaway Halter $27 and Victoria's Secret Long Line Triangle Top $25.50.

unspecified

HOTTEST HEADLINES OF 2025

Celeb's Texas-sized ring dazzles in our top 10 fashion stories of 2025

Photo courtesy of Kendra Scott

Kendra Scott's million dollar engagement ring crafted by a Houston jeweler tops Houston's most-read fashion articles of 2025.

Editor’s note: Houston’s shopping and style scene delivered plenty to talk about this year, with headline-making jewels, must-have accessories, major retail moves, and Texas-sized collaborations. Readers couldn’t get enough of a million-dollar pink diamond crafted by a Houston jeweler for Zac Brown and Kendra Scott, the Labubu frenzy, and the arrival of luxury brands in River Oaks District. New flagships from beloved Texas brands, summer shopping guides, and the return of the Nutcracker Market, along with news of a Macy’s local closure also topped the year's must-read articles. Here's a look back at the stories that captured the Bayou City's love of luxury, hometown pride, and constantly changing retail landscape.

1. Houston jeweler supplies star Zac Brown with a Texas-sized diamond ring. Country superstar Zac Brown popped the question to billionaire jewelry mogul Kendra Scott with a one-of-a-kind creation from Houston jeweler Valobra Master Jewelers. The jaw-dropping 3.06 carat fancy pink diamond (GIA certified, VVS2 clarity) was set in platinum gold and surrounded by 28 baguette-cut white diamonds totaling 3.17 carats. The jeweler wouldn't comment on the price, but it would surely retail for over $1 million.

2. Loveable Labubu: Where to find the must-have fashion accessory in Houston. Love them or hate them, these tiny monsters broke the internet with the April release of Big Into Energy Labubu. Lucky Houstonians who were able to buy one online flocked to area stores in Sugar Land and The Woodlands for their pick-up-only purchases.

3. 2 luxury jewelers unveil flagship boutiques in River Oaks District. With VIP salons, ornate decor, and luxury jewelry, two French jewelry houses made an entrance in River Oaks District this summer. Joining the neighborhood's luxury lineup, shoppers can now buy their baubles from Cartier and Van Cleef.

4. Colorful Texas handbag maker opens new flagship store in Katy. Popular handbag brand Consuela opened its first Houston-area store at La Centerra in Cinco Ranch, Katy. Shoppers can now get their hands on the bold, colorful printed bags and accessories without a long drive or an online checkout.

5. Macy's to shutter dozens of stores nationwide, including 1 in Houston. As part of a strategy to make Macy's profitable again, the store shuttered six Texas stores, including a longtime location at Almeda Mall. Five DFW stores also went dark, and by early 2026, the retailer will have closed 150 "unproductive" locations nationwide.

6. Where to shop right now: 12 Houston shops with fresh summer finds. Amid back-to-school shopping and the August 8 sales tax holiday, Houstonians were especially interested in where to find the best deals at local retailers, including Chloe Dao, Mejuri, Reformation, Abejas Boutique, and more.

7. Houston bootmaker offers $5,000 cowboy boot and gator hunt adventure. For $5,000, Houstonians can now source an alligator hide near Anahuac that will be transformed into a pair of bespoke cowboy boots by Republic Boot Company.

8. What to know about the return of Houston's Nutcracker Market for 2025. The Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market is one of the most highly anticipated shopping events of the year. This year's market welcomed 40 new vendors and over 100,000 shoppers, with ticket sales exceeding $24 million. Over $6 million went directly to support Houston Ballet, its academy, and scholarship programs.

9. Texas brand Lucchese launches UT Longhorns collection with boots and more. Storied Texas bootmaker Lucchese released a collaboration with the University of Texas featuring two men's styles and three women's styles. The lineup pairs white and cream colored leather with burnt orange accents as a nod to Longhorn pride.

10. Whataburger partners with Texas activewear brand for new capsule collection. Whataburger tapped Austin-based activewear brand Burlebo for a capsule collection just in time for Father's Day. The line included caps, infant onesies, and shirts available in three different patterns.

kendra scott engagement river oaks district labubu whataburger clothes nutcracker market 2025 zac brown engagement ring most popular stories