Margie Fishman

The News Journal

The third annual Firefly Music Festival has buzzed off, but many of the fashion calamities are seared in our memory.

Like that guy who wore the slinky stars-and-stripes leggings (which he proudly informed me were $3 at Goodwill) with a fitted Bonnaroo (huh?) tank. Or that gal in the thigh highs, lacy bustier and mini acid-wash cutoffs who insisted she was "completely comfortable." See our complete Firefly coverage for all the gory details.

Here are the top five Firefly fashion trends and how you can actually wear them outside of The Woodlands – the land that modesty forgot.

High-waisted shorts and crop tops

The secret to this look is not baring it all. It won't work in the real world if the shorts look saran-wrapped on or flash half a butt cheek. Same goes for the top. The outfit is about balance.

Revealing too much cleavage or slapping on a bandeau that ends right below the bust line is more Jessica Simpson in "The Dukes of Hazzard" than classic Hollywood pin-up girl Ava Gardner. And we all know what happened to Simpson's acting career. (Hair extensions or acne cream, anyone?)

There were several Firefly ladies who really got it right, pairing retro high-waisted denim or silky shorts with crochet or floral bralette tops. Or they chose a simple high-neck crop top with tribal-print palazzo pants or skirts that were both flirty and sophisticated.

The 'Merika effect

The ultimate print mash-up: Stars and stripes. This look performs triple-duty on July Fourth, at a United Nations summit, and at a music festival where at least you're not the gal wearing the glittery horse head.

Surprisingly, few Firefly attendees said their patriotic outburst resulted from Team USA's match against Portugal in the World Cup Sunday. It was more about showing pride in their country. And, well, everybody else was doing it.

Not to appear like a traitor, but patriotic bandanas, board shorts and flag dresses wrapped to resemble Lady Liberty are kinda hokey. A more versatile compromise is to choose A. Stars or B. Stripes or include a hint of both.

J.C. Penney carries Hot Kiss American Flag Light Wash shorts ($20 at jcpenney.com) with exposed front pockets (one stars, one stripes) and subtle back pocket details. Or try the work-appropriate Eliza J Belted Striped Jacquard Fit & Flare dress ($186 at avenuek.com).

Bikinis minus the beach

I admit it. I detest string bikinis because I can't wear them and never could. But, seriously, they really do belong by the pool or by the beach, not full frontal in the middle of an 80,000-person jam fest. I don't care how hot it is or how hot you are.

To the two damsels who dressed as Batgirl and Supergirl (complete with mini butt capes), I know you said those outfits never made it to their intended Halloween party. And that's a blessing, because Halloween is trashy enough.

Now, if you're going to ignore my advice, at least throw on a boho backless tunic or sarong to minimize tick bites and overzealous crowd-surfers. Several college co-eds pulled this off with some creative scarf-knotting.

PHOTOS:Firefly fashion dos and don'ts

STORY:$490: What I spent for two days at Firefly

Socks with shorts

Young lads, we're talking to you. Are your feet gnarled beyond repair? Do you think you're channeling a hipster when you wear black ankle socks with Velcro sandals?

There is NOTHING sexy about this look.

They're cutting off your tanned legs. Where did you leave the rocker? You know how they tell women not to wear pantyhose with sandals? They do that because it looks idiotic. Just like your socks.

Here's a primer: Shorts + sandals or casual loafers or sneakers (with low-rise athletic socks) = gold star. If your feet stink to high heaven, may we suggest some $4 foot powder.

Woodland nymph headgear

How can you be a fairy princess without a billowy ball gown? Just throw on a braided flower headband. If designer Anna Sui can put it on the runway, you can certainly rock it at the dank porta potty.

We get it. There is something magical about parading through a forest flavored with the scent of grass (in all varieties) and vomit. It's all chill here. Firefly doesn't believe in velvet ropes. I mean, the barrier to the Super VIP area was a vine decorated with fake flowers.

But don't overdo it. You don't need the floral headband and a knee-length recyclable vest and camo bell-bottoms. One nature-inspired look at a time, please.

I'm also not sure where the head wreath goes after the festival is over if you're not getting married, going to Point-to-Point or performing in "A Midsummer Night's Dream." A more practical approach is a thin rhinestone or floral headband to add interest to a monotone ensemble, like Anthropologie's Nihiwatu Headband ($32), a beaded tropical-themed delight.

Follow TrenDE on Twitter @MargieTrenDEand on Facebook at www.facebook.com/margietrende. Email shopping column ideas to mfishman@delawareonline.com.