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Once spring arrives, it’s not just a sign that warmer weather is on the way. It’s also the start of the festival season which, coupled with the kick-off of summer tours, is the ideal time to hope to see our favorite musical groups live. But with that always comes the inevitable question: “What should I wear to a summer concert?” »
The reality is that the definition of summer concert attire varies for everyone. While some fans in standing-room-only arenas might prefer the comfort of casual attire, others with assigned seating are more likely to opt for more elevated styles. If a music festival – whether it’s the UK’s Glastonbury or New York’s Governors Ball – is on the horizon, the issue becomes even more complicated, as festival-goers can expect to spend time The equivalent of a day’s work standing and dancing outdoors in somewhat extreme conditions. Despite all these factors, there is an innate need to channel your personal style as best you can without succumbing to a bad experience just because your shoes were too uncomfortable.
Then there’s the ever-evolving trend of themed dressing, which has taken over some of the most popular concert tours in history – among them Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour and the Renaissance Tour by Beyoncé – with fans dressing the part. Cowgirl disco reigned supreme during Beyoncé’s Renaissance Tour last year, for example, while Taylor Swift fans adopted the friendship bracelet as the Eras Tour’s official accessory. With artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Bad Bunny and Green Day taking the stage in the coming months, there are bound to be more clothing themes this summer.
Whether you’ve purchased tickets or are planning an upcoming tour, concert attire is truly a unique outfit formula that allows for plenty of play and self-expression. Ahead, here are 9 summer concert outfit ideas to get your brainstorming started.
Renaissance Disco
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Beyoncé’s Renaissance tour may be over, but the futuristic disco trend is still going strong, with brands like Diesel and Rabanne adopting the style in their spring/summer 2024 shows. Even though this bold aesthetic seems intimidating, a concert of Summer is a great time to experiment with it through a mini skirt and bralette combo with both nostalgic and futuristic accessories, like wraparound sunglasses and a mini handbag. For a cool night (or just a bolder addition), throw on a biker jacket in a matching metallic silver shade.
Western takeover
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Few trends are as popular in 2024 as Western styles. Thanks to Beyoncé Cowboy Carter album, country staples like cowboy hats and boots are must-haves for the summer season. And luckily, they’re concert-friendly. From a music festival to an arena show, adding a cowboy hat is a starting point for channeling the trend. If you want to take it a step further, try pairing it with leather pieces, whether it’s shorts or a sturdy vest.
Balletcore has gone rogue
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Over the past year, balletcore has been a dominant trend, both on the runway and on the streets, making clothes and accessories suitable for the stage and rehearsals look cool. Think cardigans, leggings, tulle skirts and ballet flats. All are a fun approach to hyper-feminine fashion, but can be limiting when it comes to concert fashion. A surefire way to follow the trend is to pair a contrasting leather skirt paired with a classic cardigan top. The juxtaposition of textiles (hard leather and soft knit) will make for an interesting outfit that can be paired with flat boots, ballet flats, or kitten heels, depending on your planned concert experience.
A look back at the year 2000
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The year 2000 nostalgia trend is still here. Scarf tops, defined by their triangular, strapless silhouette, are an early 2000s style that can ease anyone’s summer concert fashion conundrums. Whether it’s a scarf-like top or an actual piece of fabric tied around your chest, the style is easy to style and accessorize depending on the venue and aesthetic. Denim scarf tops are a top choice for music festivals, while an arena concert can work with more delicate materials like silk, linen and knit.
Denim on Denim on Denim
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Denim trends have had a good time, ranging from low-rise jeans and cargo jeans to mini skirts and tonneau styles. For a summer gig, your best bet is to just style them all together. The durability and comfort of denim make it an ideal textile choice to wear to a summer concert, where it’s hard to avoid stains, sweat and tears on your clothes as you move and run alongside others. ‘strangers all night. For a trendy take on this classic staple, opt for a matching set in a dark shade with contrast stitching, accessorizing the look with statement sunglasses and a mini handbag.
Dress with sneakers
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A proven combo, this outfit formula is supreme when it comes to summer concerts. Not only does it have room to have fun with clothing options, but it gives you the comfort of everyday casual wear. Bolder clothing choices, whether it’s an asymmetrical hemline, color-blocking elements, or bold prints, pair well with fashion-forward summer concert outfits. To contrast the vibrancy of the dress, choose sleeker sneaker styles, whether that’s keeping the look monochrome with a matching sneaker or a classic white shoe.
Monochrome set
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There are times when a summer concert requires your outfit to be more high-end than your traditional festival look. Not that we’re dusting off our prom dresses for an outing to Madison Square Garden, but sometimes cut-off jeans and band tees just aren’t enough. A good alternative is to opt for a monochrome matching set, easy to transform with accessories that best match the aesthetic of the concert. If you’re attending a rock party, heels and a chain handbag are good options, while a blockbuster concert might call for white sneakers and a shoulder bag. Whichever matching set you choose, be sure to opt for lighter, more breathable fabrics like linen and cotton for a cooler experience in the sweltering heat of summer.
High Athleisure
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Even if a concert calls for bold styles, sometimes the best sartorial solution is to forgo the usual costume choices and just be comfortable. Yet opting for a hooded outfit doesn’t mean your look has to be boring; Rather, it can be a good opportunity to play with athleisure. For a fashion-forward take on sportswear styles, pair a hoodie with long shorts, preferably denim, in a contrasting shade, along with rimless sunglasses.
Blazer without pants
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A summer concert might seem like the best time to let loose, especially with your casual style. But for those who want a more personalized approach, there is always the option of opting for a blazer. The twist here is making the blazer work without pants, a styling tip that can be achieved by choosing an oversized silhouette. Although it works alone, it can also be easily tied with a belt or accessorized with brooches. For a more daring version, combine the blazer transformed into a dress with ankle boots, flat or with heels, and chain-shaped jewelry.
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