Good news! The Minnesota State Fair is almost here! With that in mind, let’s review some of the best fashion tips of the year, just in time for the Great Minnesota Get-Together. After all, your fashion choices will be seen by thousands of passersby at the fair — and who knows, maybe even some old friends, neighbors, exes (gasp!), frenemies, or, heaven forbid, Mrs. Walsh: your 12th grade English teacher. 

The State Fair has an activity (and a daring food option) for practically everyone, so you’ll want to customize your outfit to match your plans. Let’s discuss tips on how to stay cute and comfortable for every type of adventure at the fair. 

Oh, and don’t forget to mark your calendar with the Minnesota State Fair dates!

The Perfect Outfit for Any Type of State Fair Activity

There are countless things to see, do, eat, and stare at (helllllooo, people watching!) at the Minnesota State Fair, so no two excursions will be quite the same. That’s why it’s important to dress for both form and function during the fair, whether you’re sticking around for two hours or ten (stay for ten hours, and you’re definitely gonna see Mrs. Walsh). No matter what you’re about at the state fair, from Mighty Midway to a new fried food on a stick, we’ve got the perfect outfit inspiration for you!

The Foodie

If you’re on a mission to give your taste buds a wild ride, you better not limit yourself with tight clothing choices. Instead, wear loose-fitting clothes to help you remain comfortable even after your third Pronto Pup. Dark colors or vibrant patterns also provide fantastic camouflage in the event of a spill. But, if you’re more into neutral tones, try opting for a light shawl or cardigan to cover up any possible stains.

If you’re serious about trying out the best new Minnesota State Fair foods, a tiny stain — or even a shockingly large one — is almost unavoidable (what do you expect when you go head-to-head with a Crispy Lutefisk Steam Bun?).

We suggest a flowy midi or maxi dress, or possibly a romper!

The Thrill Seeker

If the Midway, or the Kidway, is your primary destination at the fair, you’ll certainly want something you can be upside down in. Try clothing that’s a little more fitting, maybe even athleisure wear, for any active games you want to play. So go ahead, try to win that stuffed unicorn! 

Consider wearing comfortable shorts and tank-tops to beat the heat, so you’ll stay energized while standing in line or running from ride to ride. One more thing: don’t forget to make sure your shoes are fastened to your feet!

The Day Tripper

Heading to the fair from open to close? That’s quite a bold choice — we like your style. Speaking of, this type of trip requires more than just style — it requires smart planning. Don’t just leave the house with a standard outfit and small handbag! Make sure to grab a larger bag for any purchases you make, or Midway prizes you win. And, if it’s going to be sunny, don’t forget to bring a hat! 

Since you’ll be on your feet for hours and hours, you’ll need to wear your most comfortable footwear. If you’re thinking flip flops right now, think again. They simply won’t cut it. Go for comfortable — but cute! — tennies so you’re comfortable-yet-chic all day long.

*Pro tip: Between the greasy fair food and messy farm animals, avoid wearing your very favorite clothing. It’s bound to get a little messy.

We suggest something like this:

Or this summer outfit, (mix and match the best hat to your own style!):

The Concert Fanatic

Each year, thousands of fans flock to the Minnesota State Fair for one reason: the concerts at the grandstand! They’re one of the fair’s most popular attractions — for diehard and casual fans alike.

If you’ve got tickets to a concert at the Grandstand, you and your crew may already be wondering what to wear. After all, there are bound to be many live streams, stories, and selfies taken — so you’ll want to look your best!! At the same time, you’ll want to be comfortable while dancing in the summer heat.

Opt for a skirt and flowy tee or a tank top with a stylish button up tied around your waist, ensuring you’ll have an option for the cooler night air if you need it! Depending on the concert genre, your style may vary a bit (for goodness sake, don’t bring your cowgirl hat to the Yung Gravy concert). If you really want to get into it, try adding some stylish bohemian accessories to match your concert vibe.

We suggest these options as a start:

 

Now that you know what to wear to the state fair, it’s time to start shopping for your outfit! Shop Turn Style for stylish clothing without breaking your bank, so you can splurge on all the Tornado Potatoes and fair activities you want. Find your local Minnesota Turn Style location today!