Summer festivals call for cut-off denim shorts, crop tops, flowy dresses, chiffon maxi skirts, plenty of floral prints and adorable headbands. But when it comes to one of the Ohio Valley's biggest summer festivals, the weather can make it hard to choose an outfit.
After getting a terrible sunburn in the Forecastle heat in 2013, watching Outkast perform in the cold, dreary rain in 2014 and thunderously evacuating Waterfront Park in the middle of Sam Smith's set last year, it's safe to say that Louisville's weather patterns don't care about your outfit. But that doesn't mean you can't still dress extremely cute and festival-ready without the fear of a surprise thunderstorm or an unexpected temperature drop.
You can check out the weather predictions for Forecastle 2016 here. And just in case, here's a list of the best local places to find your perfect Forecastle outfit, no matter what the weather might decide to do this weekend.
General Eccentric
1600 Bardstown Road
458-8111
Image: General Eccentric
Rompers are perfect for when you don't feel like wearing pants, a shirt or a dress. It's a one-piece outfit usually made of breathable material and often eliminates your chances of thigh chafing, which is a major plus for festival-goers. And with General Eccentric's wide selection of short, long, off-the-shoulder and long sleeved rompers, you can't go wrong in any type of weather.
Acorn Apparel
1602 Bardstown Road
384-5114
Image: Acorn Apparel
If you want to take a more vintage approach at this year's Forecastle, you're sure to find something at Acorn Apparel. Stocked full of secondhand outfits reminiscent of the '90s, '80s, '70s and '60s, your outfit will remind everyone of a cooler time, before global warming made the summertime heat unbearable.
Bermuda Highway
811 E. Market Street
690-7224
Image: Bermuda Highway
Nothing keeps you warm in rare chilly summer weather better than a kimono. The lightweight material of these wardrobe staples makes for a breathable experience while also keeping the cold, rain or skin-damaging sunshine off your shoulders. Not to mention, they look adorable over almost any outfit. Bermuda Highway has plenty in stock.
Urban Attic
1608 Bardstown Road #2
454-8181
Image: Urban Attic
For those who already have the perfect vintage T-shirt or crop top in mind, you're sure to find the perfect bottoms at Urban Attic. As one of the Highlands' busiest consignment shops, this place sees all types of gently used items in every size. Its selection of shorts, skirts and pants is sure to meet all of your festival attire needs.
Hey Tiger
1572 Bardstown Road
690-5152
Image: Hey Tiger
No outfit is truly complete without the perfect pair of shoes. And though sandals are a typical summer go-to, they're not the best for getting caught in a surprise thunderstorm. Hey Tiger always has an impressive selection of secondhand and vintage shoes, several of which are perfect for trekking through a wet Waterfront Park. Perhaps you caught a glimpse of a few pair in the shop's recent feature on Sweet's Louisville Snapchat story.
Dot Fox
1567 Bardstown Road
452-9191
Image: Dot Fox
The weather may force you to sacrifice your outfit, your shoes and your hairstyle, but one thing the weather can't take from you is your accessories. Dot Fox is a one-stop shop for sunglasses, jewelry, handbags, headbands, and though we don't condone sneaking alcohol into the festival, you can often find a variety of flasks here as well.
Cover image: Glenn Hirsch
