Concert Style 101: The Ultimate Fashion Guide for Concerts & Festivals
Somehow this blog post is one of the most clicked links from google! Which means people must be searching for concert style ideas! Let’s not waste any time, this concert style 101 blog post will help you figure out what to wear to a concert or music festival!
For anyone who doesn’t follow me on Instagram or stumbled upon my site by a random click, you might be wondering what gives me “concert style” expertise?
Well, first off I worked in the music industry and used to go to concerts for a living. Fast forward to present day, my husband is in a touring band called Pierce the Veil – so for the past decade I’ve spent a good chunk of my life going to concerts with him and traveling with him touring the world.
I’m a realist when it comes to festival fashion and what I wear to a concert. While I want to wear something that is cute & somewhat stylish, I think it’s important to wear something functional.
The first things to ask yourself:
- What’s the weather going to be like?
- Is it an indoor or outdoor venue?
If it’s the middle of winter, you’re not going to see me wearing shorts and a tank top. Which leads to my first piece of advice…
Dress Appropriately for the Weather
I get it, you have a super cute new skirt you want to wear. But does it really make sense to wear that skirt and freeze your buns off? Do you really want to be standing outside in the rain wearing shorts and sandals?
The best plan of attack? LAYERING!
If the concert is inside, it will probably warm up regardless of the weather. My go to is a t-shirt and flannel or a sweatshirt. If it’s a little chilly, I’ll throw my leather jacket on. It’s easy to tie the flannel around your waist if it gets warm.
For example, if it’s an outdoor concert in the summer, my go to is a shorts and tennis shoes. I’ll usually wear a t-shirt or tank top, but still layer a flannel or lightweight crew neck that I can tie around my waist.
In addition, if you live somewhere with snow, the venue will most likely have a coat check you can use. So you can bring that giant parka and stay warm when you’re trekking from your parking spot. It’s always a good idea to check the venue’s website to find out!
It’s a Concert, Not a Fashion Show
I realize that sounds kind of harsh. And it’s a kind of sensitive subject. So I’m going to start by saying… you do you.
Wear whatever you want. BUT, in my personal experience… I don’t recommend wearing stilettos to a rock show. Does that mean it’s “not allowed”. Hell no! But, I’m all about being comfortable and practical. If you’re going to be standing in a crowd for hours and risk getting tossed around, a flat shoe will be more functional.
And don’t wear something you’re worried might get ruined. People are messy! What if someone spills a drink on you? Or someone falls in the crowd and grabs onto you and rips your sleeve? What if someone steps on your new white shoes? Shit happens, literally.
Stay True to the Inner You
So, if I go to a Carrie Underwood concert, I’m not going to go out and buy cowboy boots to wear. It’s just not me. The same goes for rock or any other genre. Don’t feel like you need to “dress the part”. Wear something that you feel comfortable and confident in.
Most people say that the way you dress for different genres depends on the style promoted by the music. I think that’s lame. If you want to dress differently, that’s totally cool. But don’t feel pressured to go out and buy a new outfit to fit in.
Besides, it’s all about having fun and enjoying the show!
Smart Accessories
- If you’re bringing a purse, I recommend bringing a cross body bag. If it’s a long day, you can totally bring a backpack. But I always get worried about being in a crowd with a giant backpack on because sneaky fingers could make their way in without you even knowing. If you’ve got a cross body on, you can keep your important stuff close.
- A lot of venues are requiring clear bags that you can see into and have size maximums. Again, review your ticket and check the venue site for more information.
- My favorite invention ever is the external phone charger. Don’t stress about your phone dying, bring a charging case or external charger in your bag!
- Also, don’t forget to bring hair ties, they come in handy when you’re bouncing around.
- Your ID, some cash & a debit/credit card.
- A few other things you might want to stash in your bag: ear plugs, a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, but leave the gum at home (most of the time the venue will make you throw it away)!
my favorite concert outfits style inspo
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