Let’s face it, as soon as you’ve secured your tickets, you’re thinking about what to wear to the actual concert. When it comes to concert dressing, your styling choices often hinge on who you’re seeing. The vibe for a Lady Gaga concert will be very different to that of Oasis.
Whatever you decide to wear to your next concert, there are a few rules to follow. Number one is that comfort is key. If you’re anticipating being on your feet all night, comfy shoes are a must. Boots, sneakers, ballet flats, even comfy heels can all work, but flimsy thongs just won’t cut it in a mosh!
The second rule is to keep your wardrobe fun! Concerts provide a rare opportunity to amp up the camp and lean into frivolity. Leather, sequins, mesh — it’s your chance to play dress-up as an adult and imagine you’re on the stage. So, dress accordingly!
If you’re still stumped, there are some playbook combos you can follow. High-low dressing formulas—like, a slip dress and combat boots, a mini skirt and band tee, jeans and a party top—will always win when it comes to cool-casual dressing. Style icons like Alexa Chung, Kate Moss, and Olivia Dean are all great starting points for your Pinterest board. (You may also want to scroll our Glastonbury style files for festival fashion ideas.)
Otherwise, take these photos as inspiration to help you decide what to wear to a concert.
Lace Skirt + Combat Boots
Sheer dressing has become a favourite of the street style savvy. However, if you’re too shy to show off your underwear at the grocery store, a concert is the perfect place to adopt a more risque look. Add combat boots and a leather jacket, and you’re a vision in ‘leather and lace‘.
Lace Mini Skirt
MAISON ESSENTIELE
Coro Boots
M.N.G
Viper Oversized Jacket
THE FRANKIE SHOP
Luxe Triangle Bra
FLEUR DU MAL
Trousers + A Nice Top
It sounds basic, but the ‘jeans and a nice top’ look is perfectly acceptable for a concert. We recommend finding your comfiest black trousers, and pairing it with your flashiest party top. Think: Sequins, disco, Kiera Knightley nightclubbing in Bend It Like Beckham. Have fun with it!
Sequinned Halter Top
ZARA
Aya Pant
CAMILLA AND MARC
SL 557 Shade
SAINT LAURENT
1969 Moon Chainmail Shoulder Bag
RABANNE
A Slip Dress + Cowboy Boots
A black slip dress has to be one of the most versatile clothing items around. For a concert, you can dress it up or down, and play with the length and fit according to how much dancing you’ll be doing. If it’s a lot, you may consider a slip with a more A-line skirt or a mini slip. P.S. Remember when choosing a bag to take to a concert, check the size requirements with the venue!
Savanna Plunged Tie Maxi Dress
SHONA JOY
Medea Leather Knee Boots
AEYDE
Amy Powney Keshi Pearl T-Bar Necklace
MONICA VINADER
Everyday Croissant Mini Bag
BRIE LEON
Tank Top + Black Pants
Nothing says ‘effortlessly chic’ at a concert, like a classic tank and a cool pair of trousers. Whether you want to dip your toe into the leather pants pool, or go for a favourite pair of jeans, that’s up to you. A classic slim-leg, boot cut pant will be your best friend. Pair with a shoe of your choosing, from boots to sandals or sneakers.
Satin Bomber
SCANLAN THEODORE
Ribbed Tank Top
COS
315 Bootcut Shaping Jeans
LEVI’S
Yancy Joggy Sneakerina
VIVAIA
A Mini Dress + Sneakers
Why not wear your favourite LBD to a concert? Australian concert-goers will understand how hot it can be in the summer, and an airy shift dress of any variety could be your perfect concert companion.
Organic Cotton-poplin Mini Dress
DEIJI STUDIOS
RX Marie-Jeanne Sneakers
SALOMON
Allegra Mini Gold Knot Crescent Bag
VESTIRSI
Van Saint
REALITY EYEWEAR
Read more from marie claire’s Nothing To Wear series:
How To Style An Oversized Shirt