What to wear: Outdoor Concert Season

We have officially hit the middle of summer, and the amphitheater concert venues are in full swing. Living in Upstate New York, going to SPAC is one of the highlights of summer. There are always at least a handful of shows that you would want to go to, depending on your personal music taste. In the era of dressing up for concerts, what exactly should you wear to an outdoor concert venue? There is no such thing as dressing up too much for a show, but I've noticed some trends that could come in handy if you're struggling to pick out an outfit, especially since it's not a traditional stadium or arena venue.

The number one rule of outdoor concert attire: make sure you are comfortable. Most of the tickets are for the lawn, which means you will most likely be standing for the duration of the concert. The lawn is the best part of the venue; however, if you are at the front barricade, you are crammed against other people, and there is no way to sit down. This is why thinking about your footwear is probably the most crucial part of your outfit. I would always recommend a closed-toe shoe. There's a high chance you’ll get stepped on (more than once), and it’s just cleaner to have your feet covered, especially in case it rains. While I would usually opt for a sneaker, a big trend I have seen at these venues recently is cowboy boots. While that may have something to do with the genre of the artist, it is also a cute alternative shoe that is perfect for outdoor spaces.

From left to right: Boot Barn, Amazon, DSW

As for the outfit, it’s essential to check the weather forecast before you make your way to the venue. While that may seem self-explanatory, it is something that is constantly overlooked. Since it’s summer, I would recommend lightweight clothing because it is such a crowded space. Shorts or a skirt and a tank top are basic but always good, especially if this is a last-minute plan. If you want to dress on theme for the concert, I recommend going on Pinterest or TikTok and looking at the artist’s aesthetic for inspiration. For example, I recently went to the Megan Moroney concert at CMAC, an amphitheater venue in Canandaigua, N.Y., and the theme of the night was navy blue and cowboy boots. Having an idea of the artist’s aesthetic, whether it be from their album or just inspiration from what other people have worn to their shows, helps in the outfit planning and makes the concert experience that much more exciting.

What I wore to the Megan Moroney concert: https://www.tiktok.com/@sophie.leanna/video/7515577940315278635

Since there are usually rules against bringing a purse into the venue, you want to make sure you can store your necessities in your pockets or on your person. You can bring a clear bag, of course, but that’s not really my personal cup of tea, so it’s crucial to have a workaround. To bring your ID and money into the venue, rather than just having a card holder in your pocket, my biggest suggestion is to get one with a zipper. You can then carry your cash, gloss and any other small items you need. They are small enough to fit in your pocket and not break the rules, and you can even get one that clips onto your pants, making it a useful, hands-free tool.

Outdoor concerts really are a highlight of the summer, especially in Upstate New York. Even if you are not the artist's biggest fan, it is usually an inexpensive way to hang out with your friends and do something different that may not usually be on the list of potential activities. This recently happened, and I went to see The Lumineers at SPAC. Being the day before the 4th of July, I wore a denim skirt and a white lacey top with white Converse; a basic but cute outfit that was somewhat on theme for a group I had just become familiar with. Nothing makes an event more fun than wearing a cute outfit that you plan out, especially in the summer!