wacken wear for the ladies

My experiences from Wacken 2008 will forever stay with me. Not bringing trousers was THE worst mistake of my life. Apparently, the only trousers they sell at the Wacken markets are leather and I wasn’t about to fork out the dosh for a pair. So I shivered the nights away. Next time, I thought as I was moments away from freezing to death (I’m being dramatic of course, it makes for a good story) I am not going to put myself in that position again. So now I am going to be smart about it and take my years of festival experience into consideration and PACK ACCORDINGLY.

Metal fashion is completely male-centric. That usually leaves us with shirts that are too big or we go the complete opposite way – fishnets and tits. I’m totally fine with women doing either but I don’t. I don’t believe that looking trashy is necessary (because not everyone loves seeing that pimple on your ass being squeezed through those fishnets). On the other hand, looking and dressing like a dude shows complete lack of self confidence.

So ladies, I hereby introduce to you someone you may know. Her name is Sarah Connor. Not Sarah Connor Terminator 2. Or even Terminator 1. OH GOD NO – THE HAIR. I’m talking Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles. Why? Because it’s a little more modern, it’s not slutty and it’s not too manly. It’s a perfect example of how you CAN dress at Wacken. Not just for looks but for practicality. That’s right, I’m not a completely shallow woman. If you’ve never watched the show, I suggest you activate some downloading action now. And if you have watched the show and perhaps have a few episodes legally or illegally lying around on your computer have a quick look at them now.

Sarah’s clothing is quite military (which is apparently super-duper in right now): boots, trousers, tank top and sometimes a leather jacket. There are always variations, there may be belts here or there. Her boots change but they are always boots. And she’s either wearing jeans, leather pants or pants with lots of pockets depending on the day. So here’s what you can take from dressing like a fictional character and convert it into Wacken Wear.

• Layers: These will save you from the crazy weather which has been known to go from boiling hot to freezing cold and raining in not much time at all. A couple of tank tops, a shirt, long sleeved top and jacket. Easy to carry around with you and stops you having to go to your tent during the day to make (what I like to call) costume changes.
• Bottoms etc: Jeans are only practical when it’s not raining. Otherwise, if it looks like rain I suggest trousers that dry easily or work the tights-under-shorts combo. It’ll also help keep your undies dry if you don’t have a garbage bag to put over yourself.
• Boots: Boots are a must and the higher up your leg, the better. If it rains, you could very well find yourself in mud. Sarah usually wore boots with buckles or exposed zips but over-the-knee options are always fun. I would stay away from PVC or patent leather unless you want to look like a stripper. Sarah’s boots are always FLAT. Don’t wear heels unless you want to help aerate the grass or sink in the mud. Wedge/platform boots to be worn at your own risk (the ground isn’t exactly flat). And most importantly, make sure they are comfortable as you will be standing for long periods of time. Ones that you can pull on or zip up are the most practical.
• Accessories: I am not really one to accessorize at Wacken because this requires effort and more luggage. Also, no one cares. But if you must, I would stick with belts and very minimal jewelery.
• Bags: Bags at festivals annoy me but if I’m going to be out all day I need a place to keep my water, medication, passports etc. And I am NOT one to wear pants with lots of pockets. Make sure it’s a bag that goes over your shoulder and you can keep it close to your body so you don’t bash people with it. Sarah rarely uses bags (she’s cool like that) but if she does, it’s a brown leather messenger bag.

Yes, you can look awesome and be practical at Wacken. It just takes thought, consideration, multiple tank tops and episodes of Terminator.