Sequins, Cowboy Boots and Halter Tops—This Is What to Wear to Your Next Concert

Taylor Swift is taking over Edinburgh this weekend, and while I wasn't one of the lucky ones who secured a golden ticket, I have been assembling hypothetical outfits in my head as if I were. Summer is often when the biggest, most exciting concerts and festivals happen—whether you're attending a weekend-long event in a field, or an intimate gig at your favourite local venue, you'll need a killer outfit to show up in style.

What you wear depends on the artist you're seeing, to an extent. There's a whole TikTok hashtag dedicated to Eras Tour outfits—let's just say bejewelled dresses and pink cowboy boots feature heavily—but other concert types call for a moodier, low-key vibe. Whichever route you go down, don't forget to wear comfortable shoes for dancing and keep a layer on hand (especially if the concert is outdoors).

I've plucked five cool outfits from Instagram to get you started building your perfect concert look. Some are better suited to a Coachella-style extravaganza, while others will be your go-to for a nighttime show in a 1000-person theatre. If your upcoming gig sits somewhere in between, the following outfits are bound to spark some ideas...

1. White Shirt + Sequin Skirt + Mules

What to wear to a concert: @karodall wears a white shirt and sequin skirt

(Image credit: @karodall)

Style Notes: The sequin skirt is clearly the focal point of this outfit, so take note from Karo Dall and make use of your existing staples—specifically, a relaxed cotton shirt—to build out the look.

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2. Halter Top + Hoops + Flared Trousers

What to wear to a concert: @alyssainthecity wears a halter-neck top and flares

(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)

Style Notes: If I was seeing Lana Del Rey this summer (a girl can dream), this is the mood I would be aiming for. Red is a confident colour, and I always want to feel my best after waiting months for a concert.

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3. Bardot Top + Mini Skirt + Western Boots

What to wear to a concert: @amaka.hamelijnck wears a bardot top, mini skirt and western boots

(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)

Style Notes: Headed somewhere sunny for a weekend of live music? Keep it lightweight and breezy with a simple top and white cotton skirt. Bonus points for the cowboy boots and belt bag.

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4. Biker Jacket + Wide Jeans + Leopard Boots

What to wear to a concert: @raennlangas

(Image credit: @raennlangas)

Style Notes: Let's face it, if you're attending an outdoor concert in the UK, there's a good chance it'll be overcast with a nip in the air. Opt for boots over sandals and carry a biker jacket to toss on when the chill hits.

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5. Beaded Top + Cargo Pants + Trainers

What to wear to a concert: @aimeesong

(Image credit: @aimeesong)

Style Notes: Torn between glam and laid-back aesthetics? You don't have to decide. Assemble a high-low look like Aimee's: party on the top, practical on the bottom.

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Freelance Fashion Editor

Bébhinn Campbell is an Edinburgh-based fashion and lifestyle writer and editor. She started her first blog at age 14 and went on to intern at print and digital publications in Berlin and London, including Dazed & Confused and Indie magazine.

A job at a fashion startup took Bébhinn from Ireland to Scotland in 2019, where she now works as a freelance journalist and copywriter covering everything from travel and interiors to styling advice. As a contributor to Who What Wear, Bébhinn always keeps her eyes peeled for emerging trends and looks worth writing about. She prides herself on her ability to cut through the noise and identify solid investment buys, exciting new brands and fresh takes on classic design.

In her spare time, Bébhinn enjoys perusing Edinburgh’s best vintage shops, working through her out-of-control book collection and watching dog reels on Instagram.