Or any fair, for that matter.
For the fashion forward thinkers of the world, this is quite a dilemma (at least it always is for me), as I attend the best state fair America has to offer (in my expert opinion).
I’m quite a fabulous fair tour guide and I long to look cute while trekking between the livestock barns, stuffing my face at corn dog stands (and doughnut, giant tenderloin, fried oreo, cheese curd, funnel cake, fried butter, kernel corn, taffy, fried snickers, gyro and anything you could imagine on a stick stands), resting my weary feet at one of the various free music stages (Boys II Men this year, folks!), standing in line to see the famous butter cow, waving at all of the Presidential candidates (saw Sarah Palin there last year – lucky me!), riding the double Ferris wheel and capping the day off watching fireworks (as if I’ve never seen any before) over the Grandstand.
So how does one remain cute while attending the Iowa State Fair?
Rule one: Cute but comfy shoes. I WILL NOT WALK WITH YOU IF YOU WEAR CROCS!
Even feet used to wear and tear will feel the wrath of the standing, eating, walking, eating, running (to meet the State Fair Queen), and eating. I never do sneakers unless I’m working out, therefore I have found that wedge flip flops work best. They keep your feet breathable in all kinds of weather and add a bit of support for arches.
Look cute while side stepping the pig manure!
Tori Burch flip flops, $29.99. Marti and Liz.
Rule two: Wear a fabulous outfit (with an expanding waist band to compensate for the overindulging). I WILL NOT WALK WITH YOU IF YOU WEAR A MUUMUU!
I typically wear a dress that will not make me look 9 months pregnant after 9 straight hours of fair food. I find a-line dresses the best for keeping it cool and letting it all hang out.
Dress, $19.99. Forever 21.
Rule three: Carry a multi-purpose bag. I WILL NOT WALK WITH YOU IF YOU WEAR A FANNY PACK!
I find that a cross-body bag is the most useful because I’m constantly in and out of it for my phone (everyone wants that Facebook update), a drink of water (or Captain), sunglasses (constantly in and out of buildings) and retrieving Pepto Bismol (every hour on the hour).
Betsey Johnson cross body bag, $14.99. TJ Maxx.
And that, my friends is how you look Fairlicious! Now go and have a corn dog on me.
Cowboys and Crossbones 
Love love love the humor! And I can sooo relate! .No Crocs. No fanny packs and No muumuu. 💕
I mean, us gals gotta have standards- even at state fairs! 🎡🌽💖
you wont walk with people if the wear crocks, fanny packs, and muumuu’s? Thats kinda mean…Fanny packs are all the rage…
It may seem mean but it’s a little tongue-in-cheek. I loathe fanny packs, Crocs and muu muus but my crew always donned one of the above. Fanny packs may be all the rage but that’s one thing that should have stayed in the late ’80s, early ’90s, in my opinion. Not a good look on anyone. But hey, to each their own!
I miss the fair!
I have been almost every year of my existence. It is worth the trip, regardless of how far one must travel to get there. So go on, now!
I likee. Sounds like you have been there a few times.
Love those shoes! Super cute and the price is insane!!!
Lovely sandals and toes! I wished my toes were that nice! Best, Kellie