What to wear to Notting Hill Carnival

Disclaimer: This guide is provided for styling purposes only. Primark is not affiliated with, endorsed by or associated with the Notting Hill Carnival in any way.

It goes without saying that concerts, festivals and carnivals dominate our summer social calendars. From house music and heavy metal tunes to pop culture’s biggest hits, there's an event for every mood. For the fans of soca beats, it’s the Notting Hill Carnival. A vibrant celebration of the Caribbean culture, this three-day parade is defined by steelbands, costumed masqueraders and Jamaican food.

Whether you’re attending for the first time or have been one of the two million people who took part in the previous years, your outfits need to match the vibe and be comfortable enough for hours spent dancing. We’re talking face gems, bright outfits, denim shorts, football jerseys and anything loud and colourful. Keep reading to discover our top picks and outfit ideas that’ll get you ready to party! For more outfit inspiration when it comes to upcoming occasions, be sure to read our guides on Creamfields outfits as well as Reading & Leeds festival outfits as well.

Paint the Parade bright

Search for Notting Hill Carnival outfits online and you’ll find rows of colourful looks, each bolder than the last, but did you know that each highly saturated hue has a specific cultural meaning? Electric blue represents the bright Caribbean ocean while fiery orange and acid green mimics the native flora. To fit in with the vibrant crowds, lean into to the maximalism by picking a blinding neon shade, like hot pink, and wear it from top to bottom. Say, a pink bikini top with a midi skirt in the same shade. Alternatively, set your base with a neutral bodysuit and add some drama with a bright maxi skirt and gold-tone hoops.

Match made in Carnival

The beauty of choosing a co-ord set for Europe’s largest street festival is that it’s effortless and easy to wear for a nine-hour street party. A denim crop top and jorts duo is a streetwear staple that you don’t have to overthink. Want to rep your culture? Go for a matching football tee and high-waisted shorts combo in the exact colours of the country’s flag you’re supporting.

Style tip: to make the most out of your co-ord, look for ones that come with pockets to carry your phone and lip balm. If not, complete your outfit with a bum bag.

Low rise, high vibes

In case you missed the memo, low-rise silhouettes like jorts, baggy pants and cargo shorts are back on trend. Their slouchy, masculine energy acts as a sharp contrast when paired with feminine tops like bralettes and baby tees. To double down on its rugged vibe, why not pair your wide-leg jorts with a graphic T-shirt. To dial up the heat, pair a printed bikini top with statement jewellery like a waist chain.

Loud, proud and printed

We’ve talked about making an impact through colours and silhouettes, now it’s time to focus on prints and patterns. Y2K-inspired motifs like grafitti art and psychedelic imagery are a popular choice among festival-goers along with animal prints like zebra stripes and and leopard rosettes. They’ll help you make a statement while acting as a focal point to your look. Think graphic tees worn over wide-leg jeans with oversized sunglasses and a bandana.

The bare necessities

Wearing mini skirts, bikini tops or sheer dresses are a great way to keep things light and cool, especially during high temperatures. If you’re feeling bold, wear a fitted halter T-shirt with micro shorts. For a look that’s covered yet comfortable, style your favourite vest top with a pair of relaxed jeans.

Mens Notting Hill outfits

A sports jersey is a carnival staple when it comes to mens fashion. Wear it over a pair of denim shorts and trainers and you’re good to go. Want to try something different? A printed summer shirt or an oversized mens graphic T-shirt are fashionable alternatives. Simply swap your bottoms to suit your taste. If you’re in the mood to serve a monochromatic moment, why not try a brightly-coloured co-ord set.

Footwear for footwork 

When it comes to completing your Carnival look, leaving your fresh white trainers, slides and heels at home is a total must. With long hours of dancing, walking and jumping behind the music trucks, your feet need something supportive and broken in. If trainers aren’t your vibe, there are still plenty of stylish options to choose from such as combat boots, utility sandals and clogs.