Jazz, Pop, Orchestra, Outdoor Festival: Here’s What to Wear to Every Type of Concert
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Whether you’re seeing Chappell Roan, The Roots or the New York Philharmonic, there’s something extra special about watching a live musical performance. And while it’s become the norm to dress on theme to see artists like Beyoncé or Taylor Swift to dress on theme for the show, other events don’t come with such an obvious dress code. Stressing over what to wear to a concert shouldn’t take away from the fun of it, so to reduce any chances of you having to sit in an uncomfortable ensemble for hours, I’ve pulled together an easy cheat sheet for what to wear for every type of concert. Read on and prepare to rock your next live jam sesh in style.
Things to Consider When Deciding What to Wear to a Concert
Other than looking cool, there are a handful of practical things you need to consider when deciding what to wear to a concert as well.
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1. Band Tee + Jeans
Melodie Jeng/Getty Images
Let’s start with the easiest and most obvious choice: the band T-shirt. Rocking merch that supports the artist you’re there to see is fun, cute and 100 percent on-theme. It’s exactly what these tees were made for. Rather than overthinking the moment, I say lean into this straightforward combo, so you can focus on enjoying the music.
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Cowboy Carter Ringer T-Shirt
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Madewell The '90s Straight Jean
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Chuck Taylor All Star Low-Top Sneakers
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2. Mini Dress + Sneakers
For something a bit flirtier, try a dress and sneakers. Choose a mini dress that fits the vibes of the concert—sequins and bright colors for Sabrina Carpenter, an oversize jersey or T-shirt silhouette for Billie Eilish, plaid pleats and torn fishnets for Olivia Rodrigo—then pair it with some comfortable kicks so you can jump, dance and party the whole night.
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ASOS Batwing Mini Dress
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Nike Gamma Force Sneakers
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Bardot Enya Organza Mini Dress
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3. Cute Top + Jeans
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
There’s a reason “jeans and a cute top” is the calling card of every millennial woman—it’s a no-fail outfit combination that can be made to work for almost any event on your calendar. This dynamic duo is a fabulous choice for an intimate bar performance or low-key show, and can easily transition to post-concert drinks or late-night munchies with your friends without it being too obvious where you started your night.
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Maeve Mock-Neck Shell Top
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Abercrombie & Fitch High Rise Loose Jeans
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Playa Lucila Crew Top
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4. Sequins + Casual Basics
Outside of New Year’s Eve, concerts are one of the only times when wearing sequins is considered totally ordinary. So break out your shimmering camisoles, sequined skirts and glam dresses! If you want to tone down the holiday vibes, pair them with casual separates like loose jeans, cotton T-shirts or sporty sneakers instead of faux-leather leggings and heels.
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12th Tribe She's a Gem Silver Rhinestone Tank
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More to Come Yarina Mini Dress
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Never Fully Dressed Jaspre Skirt
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5. One Stand-Out Piece + Simple Basics
Edward Berthelot/GC Images
Everyone loves a classic jeans-and-t-shirt combo, but if you want to try upping the ante, I suggest replacing your regular blue-wash denim for something a bit bolder. Pick a pair of pants in a wild print or stand-out color to shake things up without going too far outside your comfort zone. Finishing with a neutral-hued T-shirt and boots lets your pants truly shine.
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Boden Wide Leg Pull-on Trousers
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Luen Rainbow Pants
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Ann Taylor The Pleated Wide Leg Pant
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6. Head-to-Toe Print Clashing
Concerts are a great place to just let loose, so why not let loose with your ‘fit as well? Mix and match prints, patterns and graphics to create a look that feels totally rock-n-roll. This is one instance where I say it’s totally fine to abandon all rhyme or reason, but if you do want an outfit that feels at least a little cohesive, look for prints that share a few common colors. For example, in the ‘fit pictured here, every piece has some black-and-white components to it (she also repeats the green of the jacket on her graphic tee), which helps tie the whole look together.
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Farm Rio Winter Garden Long Wrap Cardigan Sweater
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ASOS Graphic Tee
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Reformation Carla Mini Skirt
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7. Sleek Top + Velvet Pants
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
Stand out from the sea of expected LBDs at the jazz club with a pair of cool velvet pants in an unexpected color like millennial pink, teal or even deep red. The lush fabric will fit right in with the moody lighting and even moodier sax solos. Keep the rest of your ‘fit on the simpler side—a sleek bodysuit or basic tee, pointy-toe flats or classic pumps and a structured clutch or top-handle bag—so your trousers can steal the spotlight.
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8 by YOOX Velvet Pants
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L.L.Bean Pima Cotton Turtleneck
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Good American Velvet Wide Leg Trouser
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8. Dramatic Top + Shorts + Boots
Katie Jones/WWD via Getty Images
Festival fashion has evolved way beyond crochet bikini tops and fringe vests. Swap the mesh tank top for a vibrant duster jacket or embroidered linen shell instead. Finish your outfit with some easy shorts, a pair of boots (closed-toe shoes are a must for tromping through festival grounds) and all the wildest accessories your heart desires.
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Levi’s 501 Shorts
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Bellini Remi Boot
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9. Midi Dress + Blazer
For a smaller classical performance (i.e., something more low-key than opening night at the Philharmonic), I highly recommend one of my go-to outfit combinations: a blazer layered over a midi dress. It feels posh and polished, but not too stuffy or formal, and can be tweaked to fit the mood with the help of your accessories. If the evening will feature Beethoven’s finest, opt for heels and a sleek top-handle bag or clutch. If you’re there to enjoy John Williams’s greatest hits (Star Wars! Indiana Jones! Harry Potter!), colorful flats and a matching crossbody may feel like a better fit.
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Emerson Fry Lucy Dress
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Everlane Oversize Blazer
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Abercrombie & Fitch Short-Sleeve Slip Midi Dress
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10. Modest Maxi Dress
Christian Vierig/Getty Images
A night at the opera or any formal classical music performance is a fabulous excuse to dress up. But there are some key things to be aware of when choosing your look for the evening. Orchestra seats are not the roomiest, so a voluminous skirt may infringe on your fellow concert-goers’ space. Similarly, this isn’t really the time for sexy cut-outs and plunging necklines. Stick with something sleek and have fun with bold accessories to round out your concert hall ‘fit. Sure, the guy sitting next to you might be in khakis, but nobody ever suffered from being a little overdressed.
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Ulla Johnson Ceryse Dress
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BHLDN Leila Satin Gown
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