What to Wear to a Concert – Whatever Your Music Taste

by Kathleen Loxton
Concert crowd

Concert clothes don’t have to be drab to be practical, so we’ve compiled our favourite looks for you to rock at your choice of concert this year. Regardless of whether you’ll be belting out the classics at Adele’s arena tour, or bopping your head to ‘The Boss’ at one of Springsteen’s dates, we’ve got the top tips on how to dress for a concert.

What to Wear to a Rock Concert

Perfect for: Bruce Springsteen, Maroon 5, The 1975, The Cure, Download Festival, Reading Festival.

Rock concerts are the perfect occasion to embrace your inner badass. Think leather jackets, studded boots, and ripped jeans for classic rock style. Be careful, however, that you don’t go too overboard and end up looking like a reject from Spinal Tap! Choose one key statement piece for your outfit instead and keep the rest a little more subdued.

For the ultimate in rock concert fashion opt for animal print patterns or crushed velvet/velour to add a little texture to your outfit. Match this with a vintage band tee and a pair of distressed skinny jeans and you’ve got the perfect rock and roll vibe.

When it comes to what to wear on your feet, pair your rock concert outfit with some sturdy shoes. This will allow you to jump, dance, and mosh (if you’re feeling brave) to your favourite band without having to worry about trodden toes or a broken heel. Moto boots are the most obvious choice as they combine functionality and style, but other options include maroon Dr Martens or sequinned boots or brogues for that added glam rock feel.

In terms of accessories, you should add a little femininity to what can be a slightly more masculine look. Avoid dangly earrings for fear that they may get caught in the madness of the gig, and instead choose studs. Opt for bangles and big rings instead to compensate.

Hairstyle Ideas

Rock concert hairstyles should be kept low-maintenance. Don’t spend hours curling your hair or styling it into the perfect coiffed up-do. Instead opt for a messy top-bun or a back-combed ponytail.

In terms of make-up, it’s all about dark kohl on the eyes and bright red lips à la Gwen Stefani. Yes, you might get sweaty, and yes, it might run, but Debbie Harry used to pull off smudged eyeliner and so can you!

Celeb Outfit Inspiration

Kate Moss is one of world’s most iconic fashionistas. Her rock chic charm seems effortless as she combines edgy outfits with a hint of glamour.

Kate Moss Rock Chic Style - what to wear to a rock concert celeb inspiration

PHOTO CREDIT: Pinterest

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What to Wear to a Country Concert

Perfect for: Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Mumford and Sons, Country 2 Country Festival

Country music festivals are known for being chilled out affairs, so your concert outfit should match the vibe. Be careful not to delve into the realm of novelty with cowboy boots and a hat to match as this isn’t necessary. Instead, subtly nod to the country style with a denim or plaid shirt, or a pair of denim shorts, paired with cream brogues or suede ankle boots.

A country music gig is the ideal opportunity to pick one of your perfect concert dresses, as the relaxed atmosphere means that you won’t get pushed around in the crowd. Choose an ultra-feminine floral patterned dress and wear with a tasseled suede jacket for an edgier look.

Country music originates from the United States, so American inspired pieces are always a winner – especially if the event is outside. Keep it classic with a college varsity jacket, and finish off your country summer concert outfits with a pair of Ray Ban sunglasses.

To add a touch of glam to your country music festival look, consider pairing your outfit with thigh-high boots. They add a chic and edgy vibe to any outfit and keep your legs warm in case the evening gets chilly. Choose a neutral color like black or brown to keep it versatile, or go bold with a bright red or white pair. Whatever you choose, thigh-high boots are sure to take your country music festival outfit to the next level.

Womens Outfit Grid - What to Wear to a Country Music Concert Outfit

Get the look (clockwise) : Winky Lux & Marzia Matte Lip Velour Lipstick (ASOS – £13.00) | Printed Crepe Dress (Zara – £49.99) | Ray-Ban Clubmaster Polarised Foldable (ASOS – £197. 00) | Fringed Biker Jacket Yellow (Missguided – £45.00) | Espadrille Brogues Pink (Missguided – £25.00)

Hairstyle Ideas

Relaxed curls or a messy bun will look great, as will a braided fringe or a loose side ponytail. Keep your make-up minimal but feminine with pale pink lips, winged eye-liner and rosy cheeks.

Celeb Outfit Inspiration

Nobody has brought country music into the mainstream like Swifty, and with her cute outfit choices and to-die-for endless legs, she has quickly become a celeb whose style is one to watch.

Taylor Swift Fashion Style Country - what to wear to a country concert celeb inspiration

PHOTO CREDIT: Pinterest

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What to Wear to an Outdoor Concert

Perfect for: Coachella, Bonnaroo, Glastonbury

All-day festivals in the great outdoors require a little bit more attention when choosing your wardrobe. You’ll be on your feet, and (hopefully) in the sun, all day, and therefore your gig outfit ideas need to be practical and comfortable. Firstly, you will want to wear a lightweight material if you’re going to be in the heat and amongst a sweaty crowd. Breathable cottons are great for absorbing moisture and keeping you feeling fresh.

When pondering over concert outfit ideas for the outdoors, remember you can be a little bit more experimental with your pattern and colour choices. Co-ords or ‘two-piece’ outfits are really great for festivals as they are usually made of lighter materials and provide an alternative to the jumpsuit which is just not practical at a festival – nobody wants to be spending more time in a portaloo then is absolutely necessary!

On your feet it should be wellington boots in the rain, and a pair of sturdy trainers or ankle boots if dry. Oversized glasses are great for hiding blurry eyes from the night before, and a bum-bag is perfect for carrying the essentials (sun cream, wipes, money, phones) without a worry.

Accessorise to your heart’s content at an outdoor festival with key trends such as metallic temporary tattoos and hair wraps proving very popular.

Womens Outfit Grid - What to Wear to an Outdoor Festival Outfit

Get the look (clockwise) : Black Embroidered Waistcoat & Shorts (River Island – £55.00 waistcoat & £45.00 shorts) | Pieces Metallic Arrow Body Tattoos (ASOS – £5.00) | Mi-Pac Tumbled Leather Look Bum Bag (ASOS – £17.00) | Pixi Mattelustre Lipstick (ASOS – £14.00) | Leather High-Top Sneakers with Zip (Zara -£39.99)

Hairstyle Ideas

Braids will be your best friend at an outdoor festival. This no-fuss, low-maintenance style will keep your hair intact all day so you can focus on enjoying the music. Pack a travel-sized bottle of hairspray to keep any flyaway hairs at bay throughout the day.

In terms of make-up, go bold or go home. Embrace the freedom and creativity that these festivals stand for so opt for bold lips and bright eyeshadow, and maybe even add a few embellishments or stickers around the eyes or brow line for added glam.

Celeb Outfit Inspiration

This Channel 4 beauty always knows what to wear to a gig and looks flawless when presenting from the biggest festivals throughout the summer. If we can look anything like Jameela Jamil on day three of a musical festival then we will be extremely happy.

Jameela Jamil Festival Outift - what to wear to a gig celeb inspiration

PHOTO CREDIT: Tumblr

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What to Wear to an Indie Concert

Perfect for: Bastille, The Last Shadow Puppets, PJ Harvey, Florence and the Machine

When wondering what to wear to an indie concert you should embrace your alternative side and opt for a vintage dress, a pair of converse and a large fedora hat.

A pair of high-waisted shorts and a retro blouse in a bright pattern is also a great option if concert dresses aren’t your thing. An oversized blazer, silk bomber jacket or heavily embellished leather jacket would finish off  this outfit fabulously.

A pair of bright vintage court shoes will add a ‘pop’ of colour to your outfit (although they might not be comfortable if standing for a long period of time). Alternatively, a pair of pointed ankle boots or brown brogues will look great.

Womens Outfit Grid - what to wear to an Indie Concert Outfit

Get the look (clockwise) : Printed Blouse (Zara – £29.99) | AVA Felt Fedora Black (Reiss – £60.00) | GIDDY Curve Tab Court Shoes (Topshop – £20.00) | Glitter Liner in Mosaic (Topshop – £7.00) | Braided Leather Bag (Cos – £79.99)

Hairstyle Ideas

Loose waves and a heavy fringe are popular amongst the indie crown at concerts or, if wanting to keep your hair off your neck, choose to rock some Heidi braids for a no-fuss style.

Keep your lips bright red and your winged eyeliner big if you want to look like Zooey Deschanel, and don’t be afraid to add a bit of sparkle to your eyeshadow.

Celeb Outfit Inspiration

Florence is the queen of indie fashion. Her bold statement pieces and keen eye for vintage dresses and blouses makes her the perfect inspiration for your indie concert outfit.

Florence and the machine style outfit

PHOTO CREDIT: Pinterest

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What to Wear to a Hip Hop Concert

Perfect for: Beyonce, Drake, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Kendrick Lamar, Tinie Tempah, Wireless Festival

When choosing what to wear to a hip hop concert, embrace the recent ‘athleisure’ trend with a few key sports-inspired pieces. Oversized sports jumpers paired with shorts and trainers or some denim dungarees are great outfits for a concert. Accessorise with a pair of gold hoops or a gold chain.

If you don’t want to wear anything too baggy, then opt for a pair of black skinny jeans with a plain t-shirt and a plaid shirt tied around your waist. Camouflage is also big in hip hop fashion right now with the likes of Beyonce, Amber Rose, and Rita Ora rocking this pattern recently.

Another great option for a hip hop concert outfit is to show off your love for your favorite rock band by wearing a graphic t-shirt with their logo paired with ripped jeans and high-top sneakers. Layer a leather jacket or denim vest on top for some edge and finish off the look with some statement jewelry like a chunky chain necklace or bold hoop earrings. Don’t forget to bring a crossbody bag to keep your essentials close and your hands free for dancing!

Womens Outfit Grid Hip Hip Concert Outfit

Get the look (clockwise) : Khaki Camo Print Shacket (New Look £29.99) | Adidas Originals Slim Cropped T-Shirt With Trefoil Logo (ASOS – £20.00) | Adidas Originals Superstar Trainers (JD Sport – £75.00) | Midweight Chain Gold (ASOS – £6.00)

Hairstyle Ideas

Big curls all the way for this concert: the bigger the better. Just make sure you’ve used enough product to avoid it going static in the heat. Alternatively, a slick top bun with lashings of hairspray is a care-free alternative.

Celeb Outfit Inspiration

Queen RiRi is reigning in the hip hop world, and her way of matching sports items with feminine pieces is spot on.

Rihanna Hip Hop Outfit Style

PHOTO CREDIT: Tumblr

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What to Wear to a Pop Concert

Perfect for: Jess Glynne, Little Mix, Meghan Trainor, One Direction

Pop music is fun and light-hearted, so cute concert outfits are a must! Keep it sweet with a shift dress and a pair of white loafers with a bright bag to match. Have fun with your jewellery with bright statement pieces and, if possible, try and work some metallics into the outfit too.

Womens Outfit Grid Pop Concert Outfit

Get the look (clockwise) : Lime Croc Effect Pouch Purse (River Island – £10.00) | Lip Ring (Topshop – £7.00) | A Line Shift Dress with High Neck in Stripe (ASOS – £20.00) | Satin Bomber Jacket Brown (Missguided – £35.00) | MYSTERIOUS Pointed Loafers (ASOS – £28.00)

Hairstyle Ideas

Assuming that the gig is going to be more relaxed than a rock gig, you can afford to have a hairstyle that is a little more delicate. A great style to go with your dress is a low messy bun with backcombing on the crown for a 60s glam look.

Celeb Outfit Inspiration

If you’re wanting to know what to wear to a pop concert, look no further than Blighty’s own Pixie Lott. She epitomises style and femininity, and isn’t afraid to have fun with her wardrobe by including novelty jewellery pieces and temporary hair colours.

Pixie Lott Style Pop Concert

PHOTO CREDIT: Pinterest

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What to Wear to a Gig: Key Tips

  • In general, don’t wear anything too thick. Whether inside or outside, summer or winter, if you’re standing in a large crowd it will get warm.
  • Always wear a bag that is zipped. Tote bags look great but it means that your belongings won’t be safe in a crowd.
  • Finish off your concert outfit with flat shoes, or a small heeled- boot or wedge. Avoid open toe flats or sandals at any cost to protect your feet.
  • Have fun with your fashion! Concerts and festivals should be a time of freedom and fun, so embrace brighter colours and bolder patterns.

Above all, remember: comfort is key. You’ll most likely be on your feet all day and you’ll definitely be dancing to some sweet tunes. Nobody wants to be hobbling at a concert, heels in hand, whilst everyone else is having the time of their lives. Rock on, music lovers!

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Read more great articles on women’s fashion at alexie.

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