STYLE GUIDE: CONCERTS
WORDS BY NFC STUDENT, RUBY MACKENZIE
Are you going to your first concert? Maybe you don't want to make the same mistakes you did at the last concert you went to? Here’s some of my own concert outfit dos and don'ts.
No matter the concert, you wanna look cute. But trust me when I say heels are not the right choice. The last concert I went to wearing heels ended with me walking barefoot through the city, with ripped apart slingbacks. And on top of that, your feet will absolutely kill for the next few days. Boots are perfect for a dressy look, otherwise some sneakers will suit you well. Of course, if you do decide to choose the torture of heels, make sure you get gel insoles and tape the back of the shoe so you can still walk tomorrow.
Concerts always get super hot and sweaty, no matter how cold it is outside. The best choice you can make is to wear a short sleeve top. There’s nothing worse than feeling tight sleeves cling to you, especially in the pit where it’s claustrophobic enough already. Choosing a cute singlet or even a t-shirt that’s not too tight will let you dance away without being too wary of the absolute heat wave that the measly airconditioning does nothing to help.
This advice should really only apply to concerts in Winter, but I myself have made this mistake before. Do not take a jacket. I repeat: do not take a jacket! Once you arrive at the concert hall you will have nowhere to put it and more likely than not, it will limit your dancing capacity and be a constant bother all night. If it is super cold, find a more condensed alternative. My go-to is a shrug or light cardigan, which I can then tie around my bag when it gets too hot.
Bags can be tricky at concerts, particularly because there is never any storage spaces available and there are specific bag requirements at different venues. Finding the perfect concert bag is life changing. Most venues will have a bag size limit of an A4 piece of paper or smaller, so no backpacks or duffels. Buy a small, crossbody bag in a neutral colour such as black or white so you can match it with future concert outfits and you won’t have to spend aeons at the bag check. On this note, most concert venues are cash free, meaning bringing cash with you might only end in disaster.
Make sure to keep a selection of warmer and cooler options for bottoms at concerts. Make sure to layer up with coloured tights or stockings if you choose to wear a skirt. Otherwise a classic jean moment, or even an edgy leather pant is comfortable, effortlessly stylish and weather-resistant.
Accessorising is arguably one of the most important parts of a good concert look, but it is important to choose wisely. Here are a few things to avoid: anything that can be easily removed, such as hats and scarves, expensive or easy to remove jewellery. This includes large hoops, rings and expensive bracelets or necklaces that can be yanked off you before you have time to react. Some cute and safe accessories you can use to elevate your outfit include leg warmers, gloves, body chains and anklets. Aside from that, try to keep jewellery minimal and avoid wearing anything you don't want to lose.
These are tried and tested tips and tricks. I hope you find these helpful and feel a little less stressed for your next concert.