Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle
Charlotte Gornall

What happened to just wearing a band T-shirt? The new rules of concert dressing

Bad Bunny, Olivia Dean, and Harry Styles in stylish outfits pose against a purple and pink gridded background

Over the past few years, dressing to see your favourite artists live has moved on from just throwing on a band tee and calling it a day. With ticket prices higher than ever, concerts are special events; as a result, there’s been a noticeable shift towards dressing up. Fans are embracing intricate looks inspired by the live shows, songs, albums and even obscure references only the most hardcore listeners would understand. With this, the question of “what to wear” has never felt more important.

The good news? You don’t need to turn up in a full costume to feel part of that experience. There are subtle ways you can channel your favourite artist’s aesthetic while still wearing something that works beyond the venue doors. Here’s how.

***

What to wear to a concert in 2026

***

Harry Styles

Unlike his Love on Tour sequined jumpsuits, Harry’s Together, Together looks have taken a more corporate turn. But don’t fret, there’s still plenty of colour. From neon-drenched pointelle T-shirts to super-high-waisted trousers, take inspiration from retro tailoring and embrace quirky accessories.

Retro sunnies

£70 at Le Specs £45 at Feel Good Contacts

Disco ball necklace

£95 at Rachel Jackson

Bright pointelle T-shirt

£54 at Cou Cou

High-waist pinstripe trousers

£140 at Octobre Éditions £140 at Sézane

Wide-leg herringbone stripe trousers

£55 at Asos £55 at Topshop

Something to bring the fun that’s not a feather boa

£40 at Free People

Opening night inspired boots

£140 at Adidas

***

CMAT

Few artists have as much fun with fashion as Irish singer CMAT. Her joyful mashup of country aesthetics and vintage pieces is creative, colourful and exciting. For a Dunboyne Diana-inspired look, go heavy on the colour, and most importantly, have fun with it, even if that includes a Jamie Oliver bag charm.

60s-inspired sunnies

£135 at Jimmy Fairly

I Wanna Be a Cowboy, Baby!-approved earrings

£28 at Not On The High Street £26 at Lisa Angel

Euro-Country baby blue T-shirt

£43 at Pellador

Gingham circle skirt

£30 at M&S

Sheer red tights

£9.99 at Calzedonia

Cowboy boots

£78 at Free People

Jamie Oliver bag charm

From £6.45 at Etsy

***

Bad Bunny

Following his unforgettable Super Bowl half-time show, Bad Bunny has cemented himself as one of music’s most exciting dressers. His collaboration with the Spanish brand Zara sums up his sartorial sentiment perfectly with breezy linen suits and colourful shirts.

A suit fit for a Super Bowl half-time show

£79.99 at Zara £149 at Zara

A quirky vintage tie

£4.38 at Vinted

Linen shirt

Men’s, £39.90 at Uniqlo Women’s, £39.90 at Uniqlo

White floral brooch

£80 at Marella

More summer friendly shorts

£35.99 at Zara

The Bad Bunny ballerinas

£100 at Footpatrol £100 at Adidas

***

Olivia Dean

Pop princess Olivia Dean’s audience is often awash with polka dots and sequins, but for a slightly less obvious nod to the singer, look towards some of her many Chanel looks by Matthieu Blazy. Fringe detailing, rich colours and jolly accessories capture her playful attitude perfectly.

Chunky gold earrings

£34.99 at Pilgrim

Blazy-inspired mini dress

£48 at Asos

Pop of colour belt

£100 at Octobre Éditions £100 at Sézane

On-brand pins

£10 at Shop Olivia Dean

Cute but comfy flats

£160 at Rothys

***

Metallica

There are ways to incorporate Metallica into your outfit beyond a band tee (although that is, of course, essential). Leather might seem an obvious choice, but it’s not ideal for a summer concert in a packed venue.

Cool-tone silver jewellery

£89 at John Lewis £89 at Daisy

A gig-friendly layer

Men’s, £75 at Levi’s Women’s, £65 at JD Williams

The low-key band tee

£22 at M&S

Longline denim shorts

£70 at Damson Madder £56 at Urban Outfitters

Dr Martens x Metallica collab boots

£190 at Dr Martens

For more, read the best summer wardrobe updates for women and the best summer fashion updates for men

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.