Best of Starfields

The beloved annual start-of-year celebration that transforms Lower College Lawn into a festival dreamscape is back, in all its boho chic glory. A debut for the newbies and a tradition for the most seasoned, Starfields not only brings great tunes to town —it’s a showcase of the most fashionable, summer-tanned crowd. As it was my last year going, my final taste of St Andrews’ iconic event craze, it felt a little emotional.

As per usual, shimmying to the rhythm of tech house beats, was a wide array of lace, mesh, gingham and camel suede. But this year comfort was key. The jeans-and-a-cute-top combo made its standard appearance but leaned more boho horsegirl rather than fresher’s night out uniform. Think Gigi and Kendall, protagonists of Vogue America’s latest cover, striding through open fields reins in hand, dressed in a plain tank top, chunky camel belt, high wasted straight leg denim, and the unmissable cowboy boots. Seems like Starfields 2025 had the same mood board.

The boho influence was unmistakable –fringes, crochet tops, flowy white lace dresses paired with suede jackets were favoured, always accompanied by a trusty pair of boots. In terms of patterns, gingham was popular as well as the occasional polka dot, showcased in very playful sheer tights peeping underneath micro shorts, perhaps the latest autumn trend. Denim, patterned and plain, booty shorts were everywhere, paired with sporty windbreakers, tiny tank tops or flowy blouses. And what festival doesn’t involve a bit of sparkle? Spotted amidst the dancing crowd were an abundance of sequins and glitter, from embellished tops to dazzling gem makeup and sparkling eyeshadow. For the men, I have little to say: apparently fur is in, as well as questionable graphic tees, the omnipresent finance bro shirt and, for a techno rave twist, some wraparound sunnies.

Let’s talk best dressed. Julia, Lizzie and Kerry (see above), each showcased their take on festival fashion, wearing a fishnet crop top and Cavalli jeans ensemble, white crochet poncho with a flowy skirt and cowboy boots, and micro gingham shorts paired with a Champion windbreaker, colourful lens and practical wellies. Honourable mention to their accompanier pulling off the striped shirt and Budweiser shorts combo.

Featured in our cover image, another trio that competes for the award, wearing V-neck maroon halter top with stud embellishments, a chunky brown belt and low waisted dark denim; a strapless gingham dress layered with lace and patterned tights, all complemented by glistening iridescent gems and statement silver jewellery; and a glittery top paired with low waisted jeans and a leather jacket.

For an effortlessly cool look, Diana, Sophia and Yasmin opt for a black tank top and low-rise jeans combo, reinterpreting a similar outfit but switching up textures, hair and accessories. Diana chooses layered patterned mesh, messy braids and a statement belt, Sophia goes for sequins while Yasmin prefers a floral lace lingerie moment.

The night was a blast and while at times I got lost in the repetitive techno beat, it was the boho-country-festival fashion that kept my head turning.