As much as we all love seeing our favorite artists perform live, figuring out what to wear to a concert or music festival can be tricky. You want your outfit to be the perfect blend of comfortable and chic so you can dance the night away and look good doing it.
To put your mind at ease before heading to take in some live music, we’ve come up with a helpful guide to concert and festival dressing, broken down by genre. Throw on your favorite playlist and keep reading for a musical dose of fashion inspo.
1. What to Wear to a Country Concert
Don’t get stuck on stereotypes when it comes to figuring out what to wear to a country concert. No need to go the flannel-and-cowboy-hat route (though that’s totally a fine option). It’s easy to add a little country flair to any outfit! For a modern take on classic country style, try a retro graphic tee with a denim mini skirt or boyfriend jeans. Or, tap into your plaid instincts and pick a breezy casual dress to pair with trendy western boots.
Country Concert Outfit:
2. What to Wear to a Rock Concert
Aim for effortlessly cool when picking what to wear to a rock concert. Keep it simple with neutral hues — if you want to infuse a little more personality into your look, reach for something with interesting details like grommets or studs. Keep your accessories simple, especially if you think there’s potential to mosh. Combat boots or sneakers are a must!
Rock Concert Outfit:
3. What to Wear to a Hip-Hop Concert
A hip-hop concert is the perfect place to show off your sporty-chic side. Dress comfortably enough to spend the night moving around, without sacrificing style. Try pairing your favorite joggers with a cute crop top for a fashion-forward, danceable look. Top the outfit off with your favorite kicks and minimalist jewelry.
Hip-Hop Concert Outfit:
4. What to Wear to an R&B Concert
Heading to an R&B concert? Rent a killer matching set or body-hugging dress and pair them with your fave pair of sneakers for a figure-flattering, sporty look. Keep your accessories laid-back with a simple pair of hoop earrings and a small crossbody bag.
R&B Concert Outfit:
5. What to Wear to a Rap Concert
Keep it sporty and lowkey when picking what to wear to a rap concert. Style elevated athleisure (you know, the kind you wouldn’t usually work out in) with simple gold jewelry and sneakers for a casual, yet eye-catching look. A sleek ponytail will keep you cool all night long.
Rap Concert Outfit:
6. What to Wear to a Pop Concert
As far as concert ‘fits go, deciding what to wear to a pop concert is basically a big game of dress-up. Take cues from the wardrobe of your pop star of choice to influence what you decide to throw on (but it’s pretty safe to assume that anything goes). Reach for sequins, animal print, and more — the sky’s the limit! No one is going to roll their eyes at you if you show up in stilettos, just bear in mind that your feet might hate you the next day.
Pop Concert Outfit:
7. What to Wear to a Reggae Concert
Reggae shows are all about laid-back and relaxed vibes. When choosing an outfit, consider what you’d wear to a kickback with friends…if you knew you’d be tagged in photos on their IG later. Lowkey, comfy, but still cute. Keep your accessories simple and unfussy so you can relax and enjoy the music.
Reggae Concert Outfit:
8. What to Wear to a Jazz Concert
Jazz concerts typically call for more of a polished look. We recommend pairing a classic LBD with a light jacket to balance crisp and cool (and to keep you warm inside a chillier venue). A fancier blouse with casual trousers will also do the trick. Add a hint of personality with a conversation-starting clutch. Rent a convertible option that can do double-duty as a crossbody, in case you want to keep your hands free during the concert.
Jazz Concert Outfit:
9. What to Wear to a Classical Concert
Whether it’s attending an opera, or classical music or dance concert, these events traditionally require formal evening wear. Even without an official dress code, it’s a great excuse to get dressed up. A blouse paired with either a skirt or a pair of trousers is appropriate and will help you achieve a clean look. If you want to take it one step further, a co*cktail dress with heels can make you feel totally put together for a rare occasion like this. We’re guessing that you only attend classical concerts a couple times a year, so renting is the perfect solution.
Classical Concert Outfit:
10. What to Wear to a Music Festival
When deciding what to wear to a music festival, look to the location and venue for hints on the dress code. Seeing a lineup packed with pop stars in the city? Channel your inner off-duty-model with a casual tee dress or bike shorts and bra top, paired with a denim jacket.
City Music Festival Outfit:
Headed to the valley? Pick a bright and breezy mini dress to turn heads and minimize cling in the sweaty heat. Your best accessory will always be sunscreen!
Valley Music Festival Outfit:
Hopefully, now you can take deciding what to wear to a concert off of your to-do list and start focusing on the amazing night ahead of you. Regardless of where you’re going, always double check that your phone, tickets, and any emergency items (cash, detergent stick, etc.) are stashed in your bag before leaving the house. And most importantly, have fun!
