What to Wear to a Concert: Outfit Ideas & Tips

Concert outfits have become a huge part of live music culture. The trend really took off during Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, but dressing up for concerts has always been part of the experience.

Over the years, I’ve worn it all - comfy outfits, totally uncomfy ones, merch looks, vibe-matching fits, and even DIY creations. So at this point, I feel pretty confident answering the question: “But what should I wear to the concert?”

In this guide, I’m sharing my favorite concert outfit ideas - from DIY looks to second-hand finds - so you can create something stylish, personal, and more sustainable.

Me wearing my DIY Dua Lipa concert outfit, ready for the Radical Optimism Tour in Liverpool.

Comfort is Key

Before you even think about glitter or tassels, remember this: your outfit should be comfortable and weather-appropriate - especially for outdoor shows.

• Shoes first. Pick sneakers or shoes you know you can stand, walk, and dance in for hours.

• Weather check. Layers are your best friend for outdoor concerts. Avoid heavy pieces, and if it’s hot and sunny, bring a cap or light cover-up.

• Think of others. Avoid oversized hats, wings, or anything that obstructs the view of people behind you (yes, I’m looking at you, giant cowboy hats in standing areas). Or at least take it off during the concert.

Example: After Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour, I saw so many people walking barefoot with their cowboy boots in hand. Meanwhile, I was living my best life in my New Balance sneakers. No regrets.

Now, I don’t always listen to my own advice hahah. I’ve worn high heels to multiple concerts - but only when I had reserved seating and knew I wouldn’t be walking much. For me, it’s all about context and knowing which heels I can actually dance in.

Build Your “Concert Essentials” Sets

As someone who goes to a lot of gigs, I’ve built little outfit routines depending on the vibe and season. About 80% of the time, I wear the same base pieces - then style them with merch or something unique for the specific concert.

Casual, cool, and comfy - my go-to choice for outdoor gigs.

Concert vibe	Key pieces	How I style it
Winter, indoors	Black skirt/trousers + blazer +boots	Add a band tee underneath
Summer, outdoors	Denim shorts + tee + sneakers	Throw on a faux leather jacket if it’s chilly

A versatile pick for both indoor and outdoor concerts for a chic look - style it with a blazer or a merch tee.

The Ultimate Accessory - Your Concert Bag

And of course, let’s not forget: your concert bag. Most venues require bags no larger than A4 size, so make sure you pick something small and comfy.

Personally, I use a simple black shoulder bag (very similar to the famous Uniqlo shoulder bag). It has multiple compartments for little things like makeup, keys, and tickets, and it fits more than you’d expect. Plus, it’s comfortable to wear for long periods - unlike some bags that have literally given me back pain from uneven weight (team millennial problems).

• Go small & practical. Find a small, comfortable bag that won’t weigh you down.

• Transparent bags (optional). They basically match everything, and they make security checks faster.

• Pack smart. Not sure what to bring? I’ve got you covered with my full guide: What to Pack for a Concert: The Complete Checklist.

Want a ready-to-go option? Check out my Concert Gift Bag - fashionable, functional, and designed with concert-goers in mind.

My classic go-to for edgy rock concerts - black jeans never fail.

DIY Concert Outfit Ideas

I’ve created my own concert outfits twice - for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour and Dua Lipa’s Radical Optimism Tour - and both were so much fun.

DIY outfits are one of the best ways to create something unique, personal, and budget-friendly.

DIY concert outfits are always fun, unique, and totally personal.

Here’s my DIY approach:

1. Pick a theme based on the artist’s tour aesthetic or album era.

2. Check your wardrobe first before buying anything new.

3. Set a budget. (For example, my Dua Lipa look cost only €6 - I just bought a chain, everything else I already had.)

4. Buy minimal extras. Tinsel, fringe, fabric paint, or a fun accessory can be enough.

5. Customize, don’t overcomplicate. DIY doesn’t mean sewing from scratch. Simple tweaks like cutting, tying, or accessorizing can go a long way.

   
   

Want to see exactly how I created my outfits step by step?

• DIY Taylor Swift Eras Tour Outfit

• DIY Dua Lipa Radical Optimism Tour Outfit

Shop Second-Hand & Stay Sustainable

One downside of the concert outfit trend is how fast fashion brands pump out cheap replicas of merch and themed pieces - often worn once and then tossed.

For example, during Billie Eilish’s Hit Me Hard and Soft tour, I saw so many fans in identical jerseys and scarves from fast fashion stores. It was a bit painful to watch, especially since Billie is such a strong advocate for sustainability.

I’m not perfect (or am I?), but I try to be mindful and look for alternative ways to build outfits.

For Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter show, here’s what I wore - all second-hand or reused:

• Cowboy-style jacket – found on Vinted

• Belt – from my teenage wardrobe, just needed some fixing

• Earrings – my old “Diva” earrings (from my teenage wardrobe as well)

• Shorts, top, sneakers – all things I wear in daily life.

My second-hand cowboy jacket was the perfect choice for Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Tour.

Where to look for unique, sustainable finds:

• Online: Vinted, Depop, eBay

• Offline: thrift stores, flea markets, vintage shops

• Borrow: swap with friends who’ve already done themed outfits

This way, you:

• avoid wearing the same outfit as everyone else

• save money

• create something more unique and sustainable

My Lady Gaga Concert Outfit

For Lady Gaga’s concert, I built my outfit around a black tulle skirt I’ve had since my early 20s. I paired it with a black corset I found on Vinted after some searching, and it came together exactly how I imagined.

My final look for Lady Gaga concert in London

This is usually how I plan my concert outfits: I start with one piece I already own and build the look around it.

💡 My tip: don’t leave outfit planning until the last minute - especially if you want to thrift or DIY your pieces. Finding the right items can take time, but it’s always worth it.

Main Takeaways

• Comfort first (especially shoes).

• Start with a base outfit you can style differently for each concert

• DIY when you can - it’s fun, affordable, and unique.

• Shop second-hand to find original, sustainable pieces and avoid fast fashion.

💡 Final tip:The best concert outfit is the one that makes you feel confident, comfortable, and connected to the music. Whether it’s merch, DIY, or thrifted pieces — wear it your way.

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