Fashion and music go hand in hand, and the two have always influenced each other. Toronto’s infamous week-long music festival, NXNE, is on now until June 17th and the worst thing you could do (besides not see any shows) would be to neglect what you wear. Here is your guide to this year’s best NXNE style essentials from around the city!

Sunglasses are a must when it comes to surviving a week-long music festival. Long days outdoors, and equally long nights (hello 4am extended last call) call for some serious eye cover-ups. These Karen Walker sunglasses are a perfect cross between 90s surfer and the cat eye.

 Karen Walker sunglasses, $275 at A2Zane

Packed, sweaty bars combined with the summer heat means you’ve got to be prepared to take off your layers. Luckily, the bra top is one of the summer’s hottest trends, and we love it best in the form of this cut out contemporary sports bra by MICHI. It will not only keep you looking (and feeling) cool, but secure when surfing the crowds.

 Lioness bra, $115 by MICHI

If you’re torn between heading out with your Hello Kitty encased iPhone or your heavy duty SLR, Nikon’s newest camera is for you. Why? Because it is super cute in bubble gum pink and also compact! Plus you get the perk of being able to switch lenses, increasing chances of getting up-close shots of those cute band boys.

 Nikon 1 J1 Camera in Pink, $758 at Henry’s

 Leopard print is like the salt to Rock ‘n Roll’s pepper. Needless to say, NXNE style would be incomplete without the sprinkle of some spots. We believe these Equipment shorts would be particular stellar paired with the Lioness bra.

 Lillian silk drawstring shorts by Equipment, $180.57 at Intermix

Jewellery, jewellery and more jewellery. This is a general Rock ‘n Roll style mantra appreciated by all sexes and all ages. This black and gold plexiglass necklace by Blackbird will sit like a crown atop all of your layered chains.

Gold Heart Necklace, $135 by Blackbird

It gets chilly late at night (or should we say early in the morning?) make sure you’re prepared for every climate with some sort of cover up stashed in your bag. This lightweight denim button up from American Apparel will layer well over anything, and roll up into almost nothing.

Unisex Denim Long Sleeve Button Up, $72 at American Apparel

A great bold lipstick is the quickest way to fix up your face after sweating off all of your makeup. This YSL comes in the must delectable shade of plum, with the addition of some glitter. Glam, non?

Rouge Volupte Perle in Iridescent Burgundy, $38 by YSL at The Bay

What better time to evoke your inner flower child than at a music festival? This crochet cover up will look amazing dressed up or down, all week long.

White crochet dress, $95 by Gypsy Junkies at Philistine

While these may not seem like the most practical choice for hopping around the city from venue to venue, they are probably the most ideal shoes for the shorter set. How often do you get stuck staring at the back of necks while watching a show? If your answer is “most often” then we suggest avoiding the problem all together by instantly adding an extra 6.5” to your height.

Extreme Wood Sandal, $165 by Jeffrey Campbell at Urban Outfitters

No one is going to try and butt in front of you while waiting in line, or at the bar, if you’re wearing a ring so intense it looks like a medieval form of brass knuckles. What can we say? A girl’s gotta look good armed!

New Bishop Ring, $80 by Chloe Comme Parris

 

A no brainer in the bag department is having one that can fit essentials like a wallet and set of keys, but that can also hold an extra pair of shoes and those layers we mentioned before. A backpack is probably best for carrying around all day, especially when it comes in cute stripes like this one.

Baggu Backpack in Sailor Stripe, $42 at Philistine.

If you’re one of those fans who shows up to a show hours in advance to guarantee a good spot, you’re going to have some extra time on your hands. Joe Fresh’s line of nail polish comes in compact bottles in the brightest and boldest colours. We particularly love this fluo blue.

Fluo Blue nail polish, $4 at Joe Fresh

While not a huge fan of flats, they are the key to surviving the full duration of NXNE. These Marimekko for Converse make being comfortable look a lot cooler. Plus, they’ll easily fit in your bag for a shoe change on the go.

Marimekko for Converse high tops, $64 at Groovy