What to Wear to an Outdoor Concert This Summer
If you’re heading to an outdoor concert or festival this summer, there are plenty of apparel options to keep you cool and comfortable—without sacrificing style. Here are our top picks for concert wear for hot days and evenings.
Maxi Dresses
Cotton summer dresses are a go-to when it comes to outdoor concerts. They come in mid-length and long styles, so you can find one that suits your preference. We love the maxi dress for a summer concert because it’s comfy and has a boho-inspired style that’s right on-trend. Plus, you can wear it with sandals or even your favorite cowboy boots if you’re attending a country music show.
If you’re attending an evening event or one that lasts from day to night, bring along a lightweight covering for your shoulders and arms. A cotton shawl or cardigan in an airy weave fits the bill, and you can fold it up and tuck it in a canvas tote bag if it’s not needed.
One of our favorite dress styles is the tiered maxi. You can find this style in multiple colors, including rainbow hues perfect for Pride month and beyond. If you prefer a neutral color, white and black are two options that look stylish for all seasons—if you go for a dark color, make sure the fabric is light and breathable.
Skirts and Tank Tops
Women’s skirts provide the same benefits as dresses with even more fashion versatility. Midi skirts keep you cool during hot days for outdoor concerts, although you can opt for a maxi skirt in a floaty fabric.
Women’s cotton tank tops are a casual, comfortable accompaniment to any skirt when attending a music event. You can also go for a tank top that contains a small percentage of spandex if you want a close fit that’s not too tight.
Shorts and Tees
The short-and-tee combo is another classic, regardless of what kind of concert you’re attending. You can wear shorts and a T-shirt to everything from a rock concert to jazz in the park. There are jean shorts for a casual look and khaki shorts if you want something dressier. When it comes to T-shirts, you’ll find no shortage of options. There are solid colors, prints, and graphic tees in many neckline styles. Go traditional with a crewneck, or wear a women’s V-neck top to show off your favorite necklace.
Capri Pants and Button-Down Shirts
If you like the feel of shorts but want more coverage, opt for a pair of capris that fall below the knee. Capri pants are a retro classic that never went out of style, whether you wear them with a halter top, tank top, or T-shirt. We like capris with a breezy button-down crafted from soft Supima cotton, which is a type of cotton with a long-staple fiber for impeccable softness and strength. Short-sleeve women’s summer shirts can be worn tucked or untucked. You can even layer this shirt style over a tank or tee for more fashion possibilities.
Wide-Leg Pants and a Fitted Shirt
Another option is wide-leg pants. Whether you go for long pants or a capri length, the wide-leg style is comfortable and cool for outdoor events. To balance out the look of this outfit, opt for a fitted shirt or one with a structured look. If you prefer a flowy look, tunics are great for wearing with any type of bottoms—including wide-leg pants. Many pant styles have full elastic waists for all-day comfort, and some are even equipped with drawstrings for a custom fit.
A Swimsuit and Cover-Up Dress
For concerts at the beach, you can’t go wrong with a swimsuit, cover-up dress, and pair of flip flops. There are one-piece swimsuits with a tugless design that won’t shift if you decide to take a swim, along with tankini tops and bottoms you can combine to create a myriad of different looks. When it comes to cover-up dresses, there are kaftan styles, long dresses, and knee-length options in many summery colors and prints.
Accessories for an Outdoor Summer Concert
Now let’s talk a little about accessories for outdoor summer music events. While it may be tempting to wear a grouping of on-trend gold or silver necklaces in different lengths, consider the heat of the metal against your skin. Hemp or braided cotton necklaces and bracelets are great for summer, as they don’t get as hot in the sun as a metal necklace. Gauzy fashion scarves are another way to accessorize your summer concert look, whether you tie one around your hair or neck.
There are plenty of outfits that you can wear to a summer concert. Always slather on sunscreen, even if you’re wearing sun-protection clothing. When it comes to choosing an outfit, have fun with fashion and try different styles to find the look that’s right for your next event.