Concert outfit ideas: Country concerts, festivals, and more - Reviewed

2022-09-10 06:53:43 By : Mr. Tony Tong

Shop stylish looks and embrace your inner rockstar.

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After two years of delays and postponements, concerts and music festivals are back—and so is the chance to sport show-stopping outfits from the audience. Whether rocking leather for a rock show or picking a pop concert look that, well, pops, music events are a chance to ditch everyday style for more adventurous looks.

Before you jam out to your favorite artists, fine tune your concert fashion with these tips from New York-based stylist Gloria Cospito and New Jersey-based stylist Amy Berenbak. Prepare for these outfits to be the star of the show.

Credit: Reviewed / Amazon A concert tee is guaranteed concert style success. Show you’re a fan of the artist—and a fan of timeless style—with a band T-shirt. Regardless of which concert you’re attending, both stylists recommend customizing tees with creative styling or DIY hacks. “Band T-shirts are a lot of fun and give you leeway to [transform them] with just a pair of scissors,” says Cospito, noting that you can change up the neckline, make it a crop top, or cut fringe and knots with a few simple snips. To stock up on band T-shirts, consider the Merch by Amazon store, which features officially licensed shirts, sweatshirts, phone cases, and more from a wide range of artists. We tested the line and found the Dolly Parton shirt comfy and cute.

A concert tee is guaranteed concert style success.

To add some flair to the go-to garment, wear it with leather shorts, as Berenbak recommends. While her favorite We Wore What pair is currently sold out, try the Press Play Shorts at Free People for a similar style. They’re available in black in women’s sizes 0 to 14.

For a more modern take, substitute shiny shorts for a pair of wide leg trousers. “It just looks like you're not trying too hard but you look really put together,” Berenbak says of the “edgy cool” look, where the trousers “elevate” the tee. Consider the Harlow Wide Leg Pants from Madewell for a versatile option that could go from office to arena. The best selling style is available in women’s sizes 00 to 16.

Add some stylish boots to your look.

Just as country songs cross over to pop radio, country singers like Maren Morris and Kacey Musgraces have recently infused their stage costumes with pop-inspired glamour. “Country feels like it has definitely changed in the last few years… but it is always fun to include that typical or traditional country element,” says Cospito.

You can’t get more country than cowboy boots. Shop the Steve Madden Hayward boots for a stylish spin on the traditional footwear. They’re available in five colors in women’s shoe sizes 5 to 11. Cospito recommends styling the boots with a matching white leather jacket and minidress.

Another country classic? Vests. “They're just super sexy but you could still make it look more appropriate for work if you want to put something underneath it,” says Berenbak, who suggests vests from designer Amanda Uprichard. Shop the x Revolve Quincy Vest in women’s sizes XS to XL.

Jeans are always in style, especially at a pop concert.

When it comes to pop concerts, think “fashion-forward, flashy [and] sparkly,” says Cospito, noting that certain fandoms have made recent headlines for going “all out” with their looks. Harry Styles fans are among those ensuring that concert dressing isn’t the same “As It Was” pre-pandemic.

Don’t be afraid to play with patterns, let feathers fly, or add some sparkle with a bra top like the Rhinestone Mesh Top at Urban Outfitters. After all, pop concert looks are about “just having fun and not being afraid to go over the top,” says Cospito. The shimmery style is available in one size and can be layered with a plain tank top or T-shirt.

For a sleek ensemble, “bodysuits are amazing, because it gives that outfit more of that streamlined look,” says Berenbak, who suggests styling one with leather shorts and cowboy boots. She recommends Alix NYC, which sells a range of figure-hugging fashions, including the Ivy Bodysuit. The trendy, one-shoulder style is available in women’s sizes XS to L in burnt orange and white.

Like T-shirts, denim can be turned into a pre-concert project. “You could get denim pants and go to town with them creating tears [for] a little bit of the distressed look,” says Cospito, adding that you can also add rhinestones with fabric glue or patches for a retro feel. “I feel like the 60s are very alive in all of this concert attire, and you can really have fun with a pair of jeans and make them your own.” Shop second-hand or score discounted denim from brands like Old Navy, which often offers sales. Try styles such as the highly-rated High-Waisted O.G. Straight Cut-Off Jeans, which come in women’s sizes 00 to 30, for a blank canvas.

An alternative concert gives you the opportunity to go high style.

Let fashion take center stage, so to speak, when creating an outfit for an alternative concert. Veer away from costume territory and instead “go more high fashion, let this be your Vogue moment,” says Cospito, who recommends looking to bands like Haim as style muses.

Mesh dresses are simultaneously stylish, “lightweight and comfortable,” says Cospito. Try the Katya Ruched Mini Dress, which comes in a blue marble print in women’s sizes XXS to XL.

Top off the look with a combat boot, as Berenback recommends. Our tester recommends the Dr. Martens 1460 Pascal 8-Eye Boot for shoes that don’t require breaking in. Shop it in women’s shoe sizes 5 to 11.

Rock out with leather and retro-inspired vibes.

When it comes to rock n’ roll concerts, you’ll be ready to roll with a retro-inspired outfit. “We’re re-entering a glam rock [era]”, says Cospito, with musicians such as Machine Gun Kelly leading the way in colorful looks.

Stock up on leather or “vegan leather,” looks like skirts, corsets, or pants to add edge to your ensemble. For a wide-leg pleather pant, consider the Star-Crossed Lover Vegan Pants from Free People. They’re available in women’s sizes 0 to 14 in black, olive, and brown.

If you prefer to a sleeker and more figure-hugging fit, opt for a bodysuit like the Faux Leather Scoop Bodysuit at Skims. “The material is soft and stretchy, not too thick or too thin, these are quality pieces,” one reviewer raves of the style, which features an underwear bottom. It’s sold at the Kim Kardashian-owned brand in women’s sizes XS to 4X.

Athleisure is a fun modern festival look.

While festivals were once known for their bohemian styles, the dress code has shifted towards “more high-fashion street style” in recent years, says Cospito. But with a long, warm day ahead of you, you’ll want to consider function in addition to fashion. Sport stylish sneakers such as Vejas, which we tested and loved–and so do and Berenback and Meghan Markle. Shop the Veja V-12 Sneakers in women’s shoe sizes 40 to 47.

When it comes to dressing for outdoor festivals, consider trendy styles that you can easily cool down in. “Incorporate swimsuit items…that you could sweat all day and feel fine,” says Cospito. Slip on the Always Fits One-Piece from Good American for a swimsuit that does double duty as a stylish bodysuit. We’ve tested the brand’s denim and appreciate its style and quality. Shop the suit in women’s sizes XXS to 5XL.

In addition to swimsuits, consider casual outfit options like the Island Terry Halter Dress from Fabletics. The lightweight style, part of the brand’s collaboration with Vanessa Hudgens, goes seamlessly from summertime concert to beach day. It comes in four colors in women’s sizes XXS to 4X.

Be prepared with a see-through fanny pack.

Because many venues don’t allow large bags, consider stashing your goods in a see-through fanny pack instead of a purse or backpack. The Veckle Clear Fanny Pack is a bestseller on Amazon, with 4.5 stars out of over 4,500 ratings. “Great for concerts where a clear bag is required,” writes one reviewer.

For another storage solution, forgo bags entirely by investing in a bra with pockets. Running sports bras such as the Tracksmith Allston Pocket Bra feature a pocket large enough to slide in your phone, credit card, or keys. Shop it in four colors in women’s sizes XS to L.

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