With the summer festival season now over, it’s time for concert season to begin. Whether it’s an outdoor event, at a smaller venue or the growing Country 2 Country festival at the O2 Arena, many country music fans have plenty of live music booked in their calendar. After all the planning, you need to decide on what to wear. That’s why we’ve compiled a selection of country concert outfit ideas so you can have one less thing to stress about!
Country concerts often have a mixture of people in attendance, meaning an array of outfits too. Some will dress up in sequins and fringe dresses whereas others will simply go for a graphic T-shirt (often of the band) and a pair of jeans. We’re all about dressing however you want to do so dress up as much or as little as you’d like to!
Dress for the venue, not just the occasion
This might sound silly but the venue is important to take into consideration when picking your country concert outfit. If it’s a small indoor venue, it will probably get very hot, very fast, especially if it’s an upbeat artist. For indoor arenas, it can be cool to begin with but usually heats up once everyone starts moving around. If you’re seated, you can pop your jacket under your seat and many venues have cloakrooms if needs be.
Outdoor concerts are even trickier because you have to take the weather into consideration. Even in the height of summer, it often rains so a waterproof jacket (like a jacket in a packet for men and women) is a good option to pop in your bag. However, rain shows are often the most fun so you might not be that fussed about getting wet!
If you want to dress up, go for it. If you don’t, that’s also fine. Just remember that you could be stood there for hours so don’t go in something extra tight-fitting or uncomfortable. Wearing brand new shoes is always a no-no!
Denim will never look out of place
Whenever you see a country artist or watch a Western film, denim is a must-have. Whether it’s jeans, shorts or a jacket (possibly more than one in one outfit), you’ll automatically fit in with the crowd. If you’re not ready to embrace double denim quite yet in case you look like the fifth member of B*Witched, choose one key piece, such as jeans. for a subtle double denim look, choose two different washes, such as black jeans and a light wash jacket.
If you’re new to the country concert lifestyle, a standard pair of dark wash jeans will see you through any occasion. Our women’s straight leg styles have a bit of extra stretch in them, making them comfy for an all-day or all-night concert. The indigo dark wash colour goes with just about any colour of top too so no need to worry about any colour clashing!
Choose comfortable footwear
Whether you plan on standing all day or night long or have a seat in the arena, comfy shoes are still a necessity for any concert. Odds are you’ll be up on your feet at some point so having a pair of your favourite shoes on is a must.
Cowboy boots are usually the first type of shoe that people associate with a country concert but any boots or even sneakers will do just as well. You’ll see a range of footwear from battered trainers to sky high heels and everything in between. Don’t ever think you have to dress up too much for a country concert but if you want to, you definitely can do it!
For the ladies, a pair of leather Chelsea boots are a great flat option but try to pick regular or patent leather. Suede can get dirty easily, especially with spilt drinks and people stepping on your feet. If you prefer something more feminine, how about a pair of heeled boots? Always remember to never wear brand new shoes to a concert so be sure to wear them in properly.
For the men, Chelsea boots or any kind of flat leather boots is perfect for a smart-casual look. They’ll finish off any outfit and make you look smart but not too overdressed, ideal for a country concert.
Go for layers
Gone are the days when we go out on a night without a coat if it’s cold out! That’s why layers are so important for a country concert. You should always check the weather before leaving the house! If you need a waterproof jacket, try to take a lightweight one, like a jacket in a packet, so you can pop it under your seat or fold it up into your bag. Instead, layer up underneath.
How about wearing a T-shirt underneath a checked shirt for a cool country look? It could be a T-shirt of the band you’re seeing or just a plain coloured crew neck top but it acts like a base for the rest of your outfit. A checked shirt (men’s and women’s) on top is a nod to the country theme both of the concert and of your lifestyle!
Opt for a small bag for just the essentials
Lots of venues have got new policies in place about bag size so it’s best to take something small. Many state that it should be A5 size or smaller whereas others allow up to an A4 size. You can fit in more than you think into an A5 sized bag but it’s best to only take what you really need.
We recommend a bag with a long strap so you can keep it close to your body at all times. Try to only pack your essentials: ticket for the concert (if you’re lucky enough to get a paper version), your phone, your purse/wallet/card, keys, and maybe some lip gloss to touch up halfway through the night. The less you take, the less time you’ll be standing at the bag search station! You might even be able to squeeze your jacket in a packet in there. Alternatively, you can purchase a clip so you can pop it on the outside of your bag (a plastic shower hook works just as well, too).
Don’t forget that smaller venues might not have a cloakroom for coats and larger bags so double check on their website first.
Getting the right country concert outfit gets easier the more often you go to one! Take inspiration from fellow concert goers and ask where they find their items. They’re some of the friendliest live music fans you’ll ever find!
