Boots & Hearts 2014: What to Wear

We are only 1 week away from Boots & Hearts 2014 and you should be putting together your list of things to bring – including your wardrobe.

Because this isn’t our first rodeo, we want to help with some suggestions on what you should pack and prepare to wear at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park July 31 – August 3.

Shorts… I know, it sounds simple but if you aren’t a shorts person you may want to think about being one for a couple days. If you’re going to be at Boots & Hearts from start to finish, day after day, and the sun decides to beat down – it’s going to be hot!

Pants… Conversely, if we don’t have hot days and the sun sets with a chill in the air, you may wish that you had some long pants on to cover up a little. The tougher and drunker of us may not care, but some of us will, and a pair of jeans can never be the wrong thing to have on at a country festival. Find a pair you like and put them in your bag.

Tank tops and t-shirts… You’re going to want a handful of options here, and not just for fashion. In 2012 and 2013 we had rain at Boots & Hearts, so having dry clothes to put on is always, always a good idea. And again, when the sun is out you’re going to want something that keeps you cool – and that you can replace when you sweat through it.

Long sleeved shirts… It’s the same as the pants here kids. If you catch a chill you’re going to wish you had some long sleeves. I’m partial to a button down plaid something or other, or perhaps a denim shirt – both give me the option of rolling up my sleeves, keeping them down, buttoning up, leaving it open AND whether I want to wear a shirt underneath.

Hat… I know not everyone is a hat person, but it’s a pretty good idea to keep one with you at the festival. B&H cowboy hats and ball caps will no doubt be available at the LUG tent as they have been in recent years, or you can bring your own. Being able to keep the sun and/or the rain off your face 3 summer days in a row can go a long way.

Note: I’ll be packing a cowboy hat and a ball cap or 2, not that anyone who knows me will be surprised.

Rain coat… As I said, Boots & Hearts is no stranger to rain, so be prepared. Bring a raincoat that you can keep in the car or the tent and pray that you don’t need to pull it out. I know I hope I don’t need to wear mine, but I’ll be able to grab it if the time comes.

Socks and underwear… Like I’d forget. However many pairs of socks and underwear you would usually pack for a 3 or 4 night trip… double it. At least. Trust me.

Scarves, bandanas, etc… If you have a favorite accessory that fits your fashion, rock it. Look how you want to look and be as comfortable as you can!

Boots and shoes… Yes, Boots & Hearts is a country music festival. And yes, Durango Boots will be there as a partner. But, these are long days with lots of walking (back and forth from stage to stage and to the food trucks and to your campsite) on uneven terrain, and your cowboy boots might not be the most comfortable option. I’ll have my boots with me… but mostly I’ll have running shoes on my feet and I would strongly consider that you do the same. I know sandals will be a popular choice too. Whatever you choose, don’t wear your favorite footwear. There’s a strong chance they won’t look the same when you leave as they did when you arrived.

Other essentials…
PJs: If you’re camping, make sure you remember to pack something comfortable to sleep in. I know that pajamas are always the thing I forget to pack.

Sunscreen: When the sun comes out, and we all hope it will, you’re going to be in it for long periods of time. There can be a surprising lack of shade available, so make sure you get that good sunscreen applied in the morning and again in the afternoon.

Bug spray: I can’t tell you if the bugs are going to be good or bad, but it makes sense to be prepared on this one.

We can’t wait to see all of you at Boots & Hearts next week. And we can’t wait to see what you’re wearing. Keep an eye here and on Trish’s blog for pics of some of our favorite outfits, hats, boots and more!