5 Ways to Make Your Concert Outfit Feel More Personal
5 Ways to Make Your Concert Outfit Feel More Personal
Five practical ways for Bozeman concertgoers to bring their own style to live music, from a signature piece and smart layers to accessories.
Three friends in flannel shirts dancing at an outdoor evening concert with mountains behind
5 Ways to Make Your Concert Outfit Feel More Personal
You've had the tickets on your fridge for weeks, and now it's the afternoon of the show. You're standing in front of the closet, holding the same black T-shirt you wear to everything, wondering if there's a way to make tonight feel a little more like you.
There is, and it doesn't take a new wardrobe. A concert outfit feels personal when it reflects your taste and still works for a long night of standing, dancing and walking back to the car in the cold. Here are five ways to get there, for a packed club downtown or an outdoor show in July.
Way #1 - Build Around One Piece That Feels Like You
The easiest way to personalize a concert outfit is to choose one signature piece and let everything else support it. It might be a jacket you've had for years, a band shirt from a show you'll never forget or something that matches the music you're about to hear.
Think about what you'd wear if nobody were watching. That's usually closer to your real style than whatever feels safe. If you're seeing a darker rock, metal or post-punk act, a gothic piece can tie your outfit to the music. A velvet top, a lace-trimmed shirt or a long dark coat says a lot without needing anything else. Browsing goth clothing from Medieval Collectibles, which covers both men's and women's styles, can give you ideas for a single standout piece. Try anything new at home for an hour before the show, so you know it's comfortable to move in.
Keep the rest of the outfit simple. Choose one statement piece and pair it with basics, such as dark jeans, a plain tee or boots you already trust. One strong piece looks intentional, while three competing ones can look like a costume.
Way #2 - Layer for the Venue and the Weather
Layers let you look the way you want at the start of the night and stay comfortable as the room heats up or the evening cools down. In Bozeman, the temperature can drop fast after sunset, even in summer, so plan for the walk to and from the venue as well as the show itself.
Start by checking where the show is and whether it's indoors or out. Then plan your layers for the walk home, not just the moment you arrive.
Indoor Club Shows
Small venues get warm quickly once the crowd fills in. Wear a light base layer you're happy to be seen in, and pick an outer layer you can tie around your waist or stash in a small bag. Coat checks fill up, and not every venue has one.
Outdoor Summer Shows
An outdoor show means hours in the sun before the headliner starts. The CDC recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF of 15 or higher, and notes that it works best combined with protective clothing and hats. A wide-brimmed hat or a light long-sleeved shirt can be part of your look, not an afterthought. Bring a warm layer for after dark, too.
Winter Shows
Winter concerts are about the line outside as much as the room inside. A warm coat over a lighter outfit works best. Pick a coat with some personality, since it's what people see first and what you'll wear on the walk back to the car.
Top Tip: Lay your whole outfit out the night before, including the layers you'll carry, and try it on. Move around, raise your arms and sit down. Anything that pinches, slips or needs adjusting will bother you far more after two hours on your feet, and it's much easier to swap now than in the parking lot.
Two friends lacing up sturdy boots on a porch step before a night out
Way #3 - Pick Shoes You Can Stand in All Night
Shoes can make or ruin a concert, so choose a pair that matches your style and can handle hours on your feet. Most shows involve a lot of standing, some walking and possibly a crowded floor where toes get stepped on.
Before you commit to a pair, check these:
• Have you worn them for at least a few hours before?
• Do they have enough grip for a sticky or wet floor?
• Do they protect your toes in a crowd?
• Can you walk comfortably from where you'll park?
If a pair is new, break your shoes in first with a few long walks around town. Boots are a popular choice because they look good with most styles and protect your feet. If you're set on something less practical, bring a backup pair to leave in the car. A great outfit doesn't help much if you spend the second half of the set thinking about your feet.
Way #4 - Make Your Phone Part of the Look
Your phone is in your hand for half the night, so its case is one of the most visible accessories you'll carry. You'll pull it out to scan your ticket, check the set time and take photos, and the people around you will see it every time.
A phone case with a meaningful design is an easy way to add something personal that you'll use long after the show. Consider a photo from a past concert, a picture of your dog or the view from your favorite trail. With custom phone cases from Custom Envy, you upload your own photo and it's printed on the case. Choose an image that still looks clear when it's small, since busy pictures can lose detail on a phone-sized surface.
Also check how you'll carry your phone. A crowded floor is an easy place to drop it, so pick a pocket that closes or a small crossbody bag. Many venues limit bag sizes, so read the venue's policy before you leave home.
Way #5 - Finish With Accessories That Tell a Story
Small accessories add personality without making your outfit harder to wear. Pins from past shows, a bandana from a festival or a bracelet a friend gave you all add a bit of history that's yours alone.
Here are a few accessories that work at almost any show:
• Enamel pins on a jacket or bag strap
• A bandana tied at the neck or wrist
• Rings or a simple chain
• A pair of reusable earplugs on a cord
That last one is worth packing every time. According to the NIDCD, long or repeated exposure to sounds at or above 85 dBA can cause hearing loss, and it lists concerts among the risky activities. Earplugs designed for music are made to lower the volume while keeping it clear, and many come in colors that can match your outfit. Keep earplugs in your pocket so you have them when the speakers get loud.
Skip anything that can snag on a crowd, such as long dangling earrings or loose scarves. If it's precious, leave it at home.
Show Up Feeling Like Yourself
The best concert outfit is the one you forget about once the music starts, because it's comfortable and it feels like you. Start with one piece you love, build around it, and pack for the whole night.
Before your next show, pull out the one item in your closet that most feels like you, and build the rest of your outfit around it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear to a concert in Bozeman?
Wear layers you can add or remove, since temperatures can drop fast after sunset, even in summer. Pair them with comfortable shoes you've already worn for a few hours.
How can I make a concert outfit more personal?
Build around one signature piece, such as a favorite jacket or a gothic top, and keep the rest simple. Add small accessories with a story, like pins from past shows or a phone case with a meaningful photo.
Should I wear earplugs to a concert?
Yes, it's a good idea, since the NIDCD lists concerts among the activities that can lead to hearing loss. Earplugs designed for music are made to lower the volume while keeping it clear.
