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Concert Outfit Ideas & Tips: What to Wear to Your Next Gig
- Agne
- 2 hours ago
- 5 min read
Concert outfits have become a huge part of live music culture. I think this trend really skyrocketed with Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, but even before that, people loved dressing up and getting creative.
Over the years as a concert-goer, I’ve worn it all: comfy outfits, totally uncomfy ones, merch looks, vibe-matching fits, and even DIY creations. So, I’d say I have a tiny bit of expertise when it comes to answering that annoying question: “But what should I wear to the concert?”
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.
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 |
Rock concert | Black ripped skinny jeans + boots | Pair with a faux leather jacket and grommet belt |
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.
DIY Concert Outfit Ideas
I’ve made my own concert outfits twice - for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour and Dua Lipa’s Radical Optimism Tour - and both were so much fun.
Here’s my DIY approach:
Pick a theme based on the artist’s tour aesthetic or album era.
Check your wardrobe first before buying anything new.
Set a budget. (For example, my Dua Lipa look cost only €6 - I just bought a chain, everything else I already had.)
Buy minimal extras. Tinsel, fringe, fabric paint, or a fun accessory can be enough.
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 mine? Check out my posts here:
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.
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 looks
This way, you avoid the “everyone’s wearing the same thing” problem, you get a unique outfit, and you make a more sustainable choice.
My Upcoming Concert Outfit: Lady Gaga
I’m almost done planning my Lady Gaga look. I had a cute black tulle skirt from my early 20s, so I built my outfit around it. I’m pairing it with a black corset I found on Vinted after some research.
Planning takes time, so my tip is: don’t leave it until the last minute - especially if you want to thrift or DIY your pieces.
Main Takeaways
Comfort first (especially shoes).
Have a base outfit set you can style differently for each gig.
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 concert outfit ideas, or thrifted treasures — wear it proudly.