First, let us introduce our style inspiration: Kate Moss, the queen of festival chic. Before her, what did all the girls do? Just show up in shorts and t-shirt and have a good time? Good God, thank heavens she arrived on the scene and let it be known that festivals are important fashion events. What you wear is crucial to letting everyone know how cool and trendy you are.

So, first and foremost, wellies. Wellington boots/rubber boots have become a festival staple. Heels are out of course, not because they're impractical but because how will your gold sparkly dress appear insouciant without some green rubber boots? Head to the Five Star Market in Haidian and haggle or try the army surplus shops just south of Ming Guang Bridge.

Look no. 1. Dress (You are chic, even holding a plastic cup of warm beer)

The dress is the practical option. It's much easier to hoik up in the plastic toilets than struggling to keep a pair of shorts or trousers out of a puddle. If you want something lamé, shiny and bodycon.. can you see where we're going with this? In case you don't want to go to American Apparel, here are some other options:

Zara has some lovely cotton and silk tunic dresses in salmon, mint and dark blue for RMB399. They have pockets too (we like a sizable pocket.)

We also like the black sleeveless shirtdress with drawstring waist from Uniqlo for RMB199.

H&M has several nice summery dresses at the moment. We like the brightly-coloured strapless feather print one (RMB149) and the scoop-neck black one with pink and purple bird print (inspired by the amazing Miu Miu spring/summer collection, no doubt)

Look no. 2. Ultra short shorts + waistcoat (Your boyfriend's band is on)

Mango has some tiny faded denim shorts for RMB269. H&M also has some very short faded denim shorts for RMB149. However. There is no crime more hideous in this world than cameltoe, so for a roomier (safer) option, try Zara's dark denim shorts with turn-ups and elasticated waist for RMB299.

For a waistcoat, check out H&M's version, with brass buttons on the lapels for RMB199. Alternatively, Uniqlo has reversible waistcoats in the men's section for RMB149. Obviously they're slightly bigger so wear a vest underneath. Zara has a dressier black waistcoat for RMB299.

Look no. 3. Jeans + jacket (You are sensible and clearly don't care about fashion enough. Why are you reading this?)

At least get some skinny jeans and pretend like you care. Uniqlo has some skinny fit tapered jeans for RMB299. For jackets, you want something you can squash into your bag if the sun comes out and throw back on when the wind whips up, so we recommend these two: Uniqlo's black linen-blend blazer with cropped sleeves is a snip at RMB299; H&M's khaki green jacket with pockets galore, also RMB299.

Other festival must-haves

If last year's weather is anything to go by, get some sun cream and a big hat. H&M has some big straw sun hats in a variety of colours from RMB79.90. For you fashion mavericks, get a plain scarf and wear it round your head like a turban for instant Carmen Miranda fabulousness (we're not kidding, check our our muse in her own design at the Met Ball last summer and Carrie Bradshaw in this year's Sex and the City sequel).

If this year's weather is anything to go by, get a big umbrella and a bin bag. Uniqlo has umbrellas for RMB59 in several colours; H&M has spotty ones for RMB79.90.

Boys

Get a trilby and a black and white scarf (H&M has both, RMB99 and RMB69.90 respectively). Oh, and get a bumbag/fanny pack for your phone, wallet etc., but mainly because we like flippant purchases.