Have a novelty-free festival

The weather is promising for this weekend’s Electric Picnic so dress accordingly for the last festival of the summer

But before we settle into the darker days of autumn and start lighting fires, stockpiling tea and taking angora sweaters out of storage, there’s this one final summer-themed hurrah. And, lest you should fear the good news stopping there, Met Éireann is predicting that it will “become warm over next weekend in southern and eastern areas”. For those of you heading to Stradbally, Co Laois to take in the sights, sounds and stilt-walkers, that will be a serious load off your mud-fearing minds.

Although the outlook is positive, that doesn’t mean rocking up to rock out in your beach gear. Instead, it’ll mean eschewing some caution in favour of style.

First, there’s nothing quite so jaded as welly couture – and it doesn’t matter if yours are animal-print, glittery or have photographs of your siblings emblazoned on the sides. Wellies are simply not chic. They are the waterproof version of the Ugg boot – unflattering, difficult to walk in and sweaty. Ditch your Hunters this year and think of something a little cooler, like a pair of leather biker boots. Isabel Marant-style wedge trainers will keep you looking cool, with the likes of Topshop.comstocking funky pairs at around the £80/€100 mark. If money is no object, you can always find the real deal at Brown Thomas. Alternatively, some good old-fashioned desert boots will do the trick nicely. As with all weekends away, bring a spare pair of something in case yours should get rain-sodden, weighed down with muck or plain ol’ stolen.

Short shorts and dresses are still handy – layer yours with tights for when the cold bites at dusk – but without the worry of being soaked to the skin, jeans come back into play. Hilfiger Denim’s cranberry coloured jeans will look great tucked into dusty leather boots, and even better throughout autumn, paired with a chunky knit and heeled ankle boots.

With rain off the forecast, you can also get rid of that neon poncho you were planning on stuffing at the bottom of your bag and go for something that’s warm, still waterproof, but a shade cooler. Barbour is a tried and trusted outdoors staple, but the pictured My Tribe leather jacket has it beaten for coolness and sartorial longevity.

Above all else, think practically, and that means preparing for all eventualities. Bring a pair of leggings to throw on under a dress when it gets chilly. Pack a hooded sweatshirt for night-time, when your sleeping bag just isn’t as thermal as you were promised. Bring a pair of slip-on shoes or flip-flops for mid-sleep excursions to the loo. And do not be tempted to buy any clothes from the on-site stalls. What goes on at Electric Picnic, stays at Electric Picnic.

Leather bound to please for wedding anniversary gift

My wife and I are celebrating our third wedding anniversary this month, and I’d like to get her something leather. I have a budget of around €80 – so a handbag is out. All ideas would be appreciated.

Adam, by email

Congratulations on making it further than Kimmy K, Adam, and on being so thoughtful in your gift idea. Finding something leather on a budget shouldn’t be too much of a challenge.