Festival fashion is big business, as style followers try to grab a little piece of the laid-back, off-duty glamour that the likes of Kate Moss, Sienna Miller and Agyness Deyn somehow exude as they pick their way through the mud and beer tents at Glastonbury.

In practice, it's not quite as easy as they make it look, as those of us who have tried flinging on an old waistcoat, a hip-slinger belt and a pair of green wellies have discovered. More Wurzel Gummidge than Gwyneth Paltrow in many cases.

Still, this does not mean that we can't come up with our own versions of festival chic. We just have to adapt it to suit age, body shape and personality.

It's got to be a relaxed, easy, fun look – that's what a festival is all about, after all, no matter whether it's celebrating rock and pop music, or classical music, or literature or food and farming. So aim for something with an unstructured bohemian flavour, something you can move around in easily and something that covers all the parts you want covered, without having to worry what might be riding up as you walk.

This season, it's easy to key into the global trends that are swamping the high street – ethnic and safari print maxi dresses, kaftans and long crinkled Indian-style skirts are all ideal for long, easy, day-to-night dressing.

If you have the legs, shorts are very practical, especially in warm but wet weather, teamed with a loose pintuck shirt, logo or flower-pop T or short kaftan, finished off with beads and bangles and neck scarves. Playsuits too are a good alternative this season, bringing comfort, fun and style points all-in-one. There are long and short versions, so most women can at least have a go.

Prom-style dresses and sun dresses are both also options, especially for shorter, smarter events and especially if you prefer to display a more flirty and feminine look. Add a denim jacket to dress it down a bit and forgo heels, opting for flat sandals or boots.

Team everything with flip-flops, gladiator sandals or your wellies, especially if the ground is going to be less than firm. Keep hair loose and gently textured, make-up minimal and waterproof, and don't forget that you'll need a bag you can keep an eye on, so something that you can wear across your body is best.

Finally, don't be afraid of being extravagant or even eccentric in your festival gear. It was Glastonbury, after all, that spawned the ballgown with wellies look. Mix the fabulous with the practical – and if you can't do that at a festival, where can you do it?