Skip the sandals at Lollapalooza, advises Garmental.com’s Suzanne Kopulos

By Kristin Larson

For Sun-Times Media

Are you one of the thousands heading to Lollapalooza this weekend? Skip the heels and sandals and wear something to protect your feet, says Suzanne Kopulos, style director of Garmental.com.

“You’re going to be on your feet all day. The best thing to do is wear mid-calf Wellies,” Kopulos says. “Just think about the mud and trekking through all that grossness. If you’re wearing flip-flops or flat sandals, can you imagine what your feet are touching?”

Not into rainboots?

The local fashion expert’s other favorite looks for the festival include boots — both cowboy and motorcycle — from low-rider and bootie styles to knee-length are current and fashionable.

“A great motorcycle or cowboy boot will go with all of your denim, shorts, rompers and dresses,” she says, who’s a diehard Frye fan. “People underestimate how well booties and boots go with everything.”

Concerned about hot feet? Look for styles with perforation for better air circulation — plus it’s trendy, she notes.

The good thing about boots is that the more rugged and worn-in they are, the better they look. “Don’t worry about getting them all scraped up, it adds to their appeal,” Kopulos says.

But a gym shoe always works. Kopulos recommends choosing a slip-on canvas pair with quilting, studding detail or a cool graphic pattern. “Keep the print to the shoes and the rest of your look solid,” she suggests, adding that she likes Bucket Feet sneakers, which are sold in this year’s Lollapalooza shop.

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And if you really must wear sandals, go with a wedge. The wedge will provide more comfort than a flat shoe due to its arch support and the height will keep you above the ground and the elements — again, this is key, she says.

“Think about it. You’re running through the crowds and your feet are going to get trampled,” Kopulos says. “Your feet are the one stability you can have. That’s why I love wearing boots. They cover your feet and they look stylish.”