Missing Notting Hill Carnival? Relive the fun with our round up of fabulous carnival fashion

Like festivals and sporting events, Notting Hill Carnival was cancelled this year due to the pandemic and concerns over social distancing.

This annual shindig in West London is always a major date in the summer calendar and as it takes place on the last bank holiday before Christmas, it's also one last hurrah before autumn arrives.

But, sadly this year the streets of Notting Hill won't be ringing with the sound of steel pans and soca or filled with the vibrant colours of the daily parade.

We couldn't go a whole year with no carnival action, however, so we've looked back at the last couple of events to find some style inspiration we can inject into our wardrobes, which will, at least, make us feel more carnival-esque.

Check out these carnival cuties...

Doing It In Denim 

Denim cut offs were big at Notting Hill Carnival 2016
Denim cut offs were big at Notting Hill Carnival 2016
Denim cut offs were big at Notting Hill Carnival 2019

Denim cut offs were big at Notting Hill Carnival 2016 and 2019

Denim shorts are a summer must-have.

Whether you go high waisted, ripped, baggy or super short, they're just so versatile they can take you from the beach to a festival to carnival and back again.

And they were styled beautifully at carnival over the last few years with Lady Leshurr rocking them with a mesh top and Yasmin Evans and Molly Moorish working them with midriff-baring cropped tops.

Trainers were essential for all that walking and dancing carnival entails and we like the addition of a denim shirt layered over, but left open.

Playsuit Parade 

Playsuits on parade at Notting Hill Carnival
Playsuits on parade at Notting Hill Carnival

Playsuits on parade at Notting Hill Carnival

Playsuits have long been a trend for summer and of course if you wear them with tights you can actually style them up all year round. 

Ashley James opted for a tailored tropical print all-in-one in 2019, while Charlotte de Carle looked stylish in a dark wash denim version back in 2016, accessorised with bright sneakers and a neon backpack.

Acid Brights 

Acid Brights at Notting Hill Carnival
Acid Brights at Notting Hill Carnival
Acid Brights at Notting Hill Carnival

Acid Brights at Notting Hill Carnival 

Notting Hill Carnival is always an explosion of colour. From the dancers in the parade to the party-goers joining in from the pavements, it's all about being noticed and turning heads.

And these three beauties would have certainly done just that in their killer acid bright outfits.

We love the combination of purple with lime green on Eliza Doolittle, while Neelam Gill looks incredible in her matching fluro set.

And Lily Allen, a carnival regular, even matched her hair to her neon track pants and top. That's commitment to the cause and we're into it. 

Doing Their Own Thing

A midi dress and ankle boots at Notting Hill Carnival
Boxer shorts at Notting Hill Carnival

Going their own way: Dresses, boxer shorts, ankle boots - anything goes at Carnival

The great thing about Notting Hill Carnival is that anything goes.

You don't need to conform or follow a style rule book. Just do you.

Martine Lervik rocked a lovely printed midi dress last year and opted for tough girl ankle boots instead of streetwear sneakers.

And Pearl Mackie was dressed for the heat in super lightweight boxer style shorts which she wore with a bralet and chunky trainers. Ace.

We can't wait for Notting Hill Carnival 2021! We know it'll be the biggest and best yet! 

Ad Feature by Very: Give your wardrobe some carnival vibes

Give your look a carnival-inspired update with these gorgeous pieces from Very.

Doing It In Denim

These cut off denim shorts by River Island are a style classic. Pair them with a red hot bikini top for ultimate carnival vibes. 

River Island Denim Shorts (£30) at Very
V by Very Mix & Match One Shoulder Crop Top (was £15, now £12) at Very

L-R: River Island Denim Shorts (£30) and V by Very Mix & Match One Shoulder Crop Top (was £15, now £12) at Very

Missguided Boyfriend Fit Oversized Denim Shirt (£28) at Very

Missguided Boyfriend Fit Oversized Denim Shirt (£28) at Very

And layer over a loose denim shirt for chillier days, or tie it around your waist as a nod to the 1990s.

Playsuit Parade

V by Very Denim Playsuit (£40)
Tommy Jeans Heritage Tommy Jeans Sneaker (£105) at Very

L-R: V by Very Denim Playsuit (£40) and Tommy Jeans Heritage Tommy Jeans Sneaker (£105) at Very

Playsuits are a great option for summer days and this cute denim version has a touch of the 80s with its cinched in waist and turn ups.

Rock it with chunky trainers for all-day comfort and added cool.

Acid Brights

Make a statement wherever you are this bank holiday weekend in neons by Nike.

These running shorts will look fab against tanned legs and these bike shorts couldn't be more on the nose right now. 

Nike Running Air Shorts (£27) at Very
Nike NSW Air Bike Shorts (£30) at Very

L-R: Nike Running Air Shorts (£27) and Nike NSW Air Bike Shorts (£30) at Very

Accessorize Leaf Print Tie Side Plunge Swimsuit (£35) at Very

Accessorize Leaf Print Tie Side Plunge Swimsuit (£35) at Very

This Accessorize swimsuit is gorgeous and we love the green and yellow combination print. Wear it to sunbathe or swim in or why not rock it as a bodysuit under jeans or shorts? 

Doing Their Own Thing

You can never have too many summery midi dresses and this printed red style by V by Very has a sultry split hem and flattering belted waist.

Or do lightweight striped shorts and a tank for super hot days.

V by Very Curve Split Hem Midi Dress (£32)
V by Very Tie Waist Jersey Shorts (£12)

L-R: V by Very Curve Split Hem Midi Dress (£32) and V by Very Tie Waist Jersey Shorts (£12)

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