Going to a live music concert is one of the most euphoric experiences you can have, and given the incredible reaction to Taylor Swift and Beyoncé's blockbuster stadium tours, we're all embracing the joy of joining a crowd of fellow fans. While summer festival season is just gearing up, there is still a full roster of live music concerts to consider too, from the intimate indie gigs, to sold out shows (we're looking at you Kylie and Shania).
While the experience of seeing your favourite artist live may be exhilarating, figuring out what to wear can be the exact opposite. You need to be comfy and able to stay on your feet (and dancing, hopefully) for hours, but you also want to feel like you've dressed for the occasion. It'll get hot inside the venue, but once you leave you'll be confronted by the cold evening chill as you try to beat the crowds to catch your train. Plus, if the social media videos and pictures from the Renaissance and Eras tours are anything to go by, the fashion bar for concert dressing has seriously been raised.
So where to begin? First of all, consider the artist and the venue—a bedazzled top and cargo pants may not be the look to go for if you're seeing an emerging indie band in an intimate music hall, but if the concert is the equivalent of the biggest party of the year, go for it. Then, make sure you prioritise comfort—and I don't just mean swapping the stilettos for a chunky heeled boot or trainer, but making sure your outfit still feels like it resonates with your personal style and gives you the confidence to be totally carefree in the crowd. Here, we've pulled together eight different outfits that we're confident will do the trick.
1. SIMPLE TOP + CARGO SKIRT + MULES
Style Notes: If you've got seats at an indoor venue, this laidback yet luxe 'fit says that you know how to party in style. Elegant, effortless, and with a (small) heel, it strikes the right balance between dressed up and casual for an evening spent dancing to your favourite songs.
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There are tank tops, and then there are COS tank tops.
I love the 90's Spice Girls energy of this khaki cargo.
Your feet will thank you after a night in kitten heels.
Safe and stylish.
2. LEATHER JACKET + LEGGINGS + KNEE-HIGH BOOTS
Style Notes: If you're ever in doubt about a specific dress code, head-to-toe black never fails. Rock and roll leather belongs at gigs, but when the venue is too warm for a jacket and leather trouser combo, we recommend leggings as a breathable alternative that allows for plenty for movement.
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Just the right boxy fit.
You could style these in so many ways beyond this concert look.
We prefer flat boots for maximum comfort.
3. JEANS + A BANDEAU TOP
Style Notes: There's a reason that the tried and tested trope is "jeans and a nice top", as this easy pairing does it all. Of course, you can opt for more of a statement top (more on those later), but bandeaus are back with a bang in 2024 and come Gen-Z approved.
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This comes in so many different colours you're spoiled for choice.
The pale wash and wide leg would give a great contrast with the tube top.
Guaranteed to sparkle under the lights.
4. SATIN DRESS + EMBELLISHED BAG
Style Notes: We'll be honest, if the pictures out of Beyoncé's Renaissance tour taught us anything, it's that concerts can be an opportunity to dress to the nines. A healthy dose of shimmer and sparkle will see to this, and nothing says "dressed up" quite like a slinky dress and a glittering bag that will catch the lights.
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The closest thing to pyjamas you can wear to a concert.
For a bit of rock 'n' roll edge.
Go for silver to pick up on the denim jacket hardware.
A sneaker helps toughen up the slip dress.
5. GRAPHIC T-SHIRT + LEATHER JACKET + JEANS
Style Notes: Not all kinds of gigs require a heel and a pretty dress, and if you're more likely to be front and centre in the mosh pit or standing in a field outside, baggy layers are the cool-girls style of choice. This look takes 2 minutes to assemble, but you'll be thankful for the comfort on the long journey home.
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The classic concert jacket.
The t-shirt doesn't have to be vintage to look it.
Pure Nineties grunge style.
6. MINI DRESS + MARY JANES
Style Notes: If you're going to make a day out of it (and why wouldn't you!), here's a cute outfit that transitions seamlessly from dinner to drinks to the dancefloor. Short hems, punchy prints and a ladylike shoe all give "polished yet playful" energy without the need for killer heels.
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This looks like the freest possible concert outfit, and the sew-in knickers are a great touch.
This will look like the lead singer leant you his jacket.
Comfy, but make it cool.
To add a bit of texture to the outfit.
7. CROP TOP + MAXI SKIRT
Style Notes: The beauty of this look is all about playing with proportions, and little tops with long skirts turn conventions on their head. Layla's bohemian inspired look [pictured above] might not be best placed in a sticky bar, but it is perfect for sundown, open air gigs this summer. How dreamy.
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This stopped me in my tracks.
Lean into the Seventies style with a billowing skirt.
The pièce de résistance.
8. WIDE LEG TROUSERS + SPARKLE TOP
Style Notes: Ask any fashion editor and they'll tell you, the foundation of many of our going-out looks starts with a statement top. Its the easiest way to make a good outfit great, and no matter what you wear on the bottom half, sequins and glitter do a lot of heavy lifting.
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Express your inner diva with this spotlight-grabbing top.
Slightly cropped to show off your shoes.
A deceptively easy-to-wear wedge will keep you dancing all night long.
9. STATEMENT SKIRT + PRINT CLASH TOP
Style Notes: A cleverly considered print clash is the epitome of cool-girl styling. It's brash, it's bold, and it's always fun, so if you're tired of the same minimalist uniform, consider this the sartorial equivalent of letting your hair down. Seun's addition of ballet flats gives her look a softer edge [pictured above], but why not go full throttle and add a chunky boot for a little extra edge.
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This form fitting longsleeve is the perfect silhouette to go with the mini skirt.
This skirt is ready to party.
These mean serious business.
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