User blog:Entany/Country Singer Natalie Prass’s Festival Style

Natalie Prass, a country singer from Richmond, Va., discussed her on-stage style necessities after performing at last weekend’s Pitchfork Music Festival in Chicago.Describe what you’re wearing and what your favorite piece is.I’m wearing a dress I picked up in New York City a few days ago, on sale at this really great store I stumbled upon called & Other Stories. I pretty much love everything they sell. I had never heard of them before, but now I’m a huge fan. When we played Pitchfork Festival, it was the brightest and hottest part of the day, so I borrowed my guitar player’s sunglasses because they matched my dress. But my favorite part of this outfit is definitely my gold shoes. I got them in Paris, on sale too, and they have become a staple in my stage wardrobe. photo:one shoulder formal dressesHow much of a role do your clothes play in your performances?A huge part! I love wearing dresses, but more simplistic, classic looking dresses. It’s very important to be comfortable, and it has to be made out of material that will withstand being shoved in a suitcase and backpack everyday. It’s harder than you think to find a dress that’s your style and also made out of really durable material. When I find something that works, I tend to wear it over and over.What’s one thing that you always pack when going to festivals?I’ve got to have sunglasses and shoes that are comfortable, that I don’t mind getting dirty. Those two items are definite essentials.

Do you dress differently for festivals than for concerts or small venues? If so, why?Tights are the main differentiator. In venues, I tend to get cold, so no matter what time of year it is, I’ll wear tights. But for festivals you’re outside and tights are way too hot to handle. That’s pretty much the only difference.What inspires your overall style?Audrey Hepburn is a huge influence on my style. She’s classy, confident and simplistic. She’s a tomboy and also super feminine. Overall, I have a relaxed yet put together kind of thing going on at all times. Except for my hair, I can’t quite seem to keep that together.

One of my first big shows in Nashville, like probably six years ago, I went to a thrift store and bought all the black hooded sweatshirts I could find. Then I hot-glued silver bead strands to the outside of the hoods so when you put the hood up, the long beads dangled over your face like a mask. I did this to a huge pair of sunglasses as well that I wore. I’ve always been into visuals and visual art, but this was probably my most “out there” on stage wardrobe I ever wore. My band wouldn’t wear the ones I made for them and I don’t blame them for that.

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