What to Wear to a Concert Over 40, 50+
With spring on its way, concert season is kicking into high gear. Is your wardrobe ready to rock and roll? Even if you’ve been to dozens of concerts in your life, it can be stressful trying to figure out what to wear at this age and stage.
You want to look cool but not dated or ridiculous. No worries! I’ve got you covered.
Today, I’m sharing some on-trend concert outfits for mature fashionistas that will make you blend right in—in a good way! Let’s get started.
What to Wear to a Concert over 40
Things to Consider When Choosing the Perfect Concert Outfit
If there’s one outfit that generally works for all concerts, it’s a white T-shirt, a pair of jeans, and one of your favorite leather jackets. This classic concert outfit is timeless and safe but rather plain. So, let’s talk about how we can upgrade that.
First, Let’s take a look at some things to keep in mind when choosing the perfect concert outfit.
Think about the Venue
No matter what type of concert you attend, the venue is the first thing you should think about when planning your best concert outfit.
For outdoor events, are you wondering what to wear to a winter concert or a summer concert? Either way, the weather can change on a dime. Consider this and also the type of ground you will be standing or sitting on. Is it soft grass, hard concrete, or uneven stone?
Indoor events are a little bit easier to plan for, but you never know how close or far away you might be from an air conditioning/heating vent or how crammed you might be to the person next to you.
Layers are typically your best option, no matter the venue. For example, if you wear a jacket, you can slip it on halfway through the concert if you are cold. Or, if you get dancing and things heat up, tie a sweatshirt around your waist. Layers help you be prepared no matter the weather or venue. There’s nothing worse than going to a concert to have fun and not being able to enjoy the music because you are so darn uncomfortable.
A few favorite go-to concert layering pieces are
- Hoodies
- cardigans
- dusters
- utility jackets
- leather jackets
- moto jackets
- bomber jackets
- vests
- wraps/scarf
- relaxed, unstructured jackets
These items can be styled up or down depending on the concert type, but they are great staple pieces to build on.
Consider the Genre of Music
Naturally, the type of concert you’re attending will play a big part in your outfit decisions. Different musical genres create different atmospheres, and your outfit should reflect the vibe.
Rock Concert
For a rock concert, you’ll want to look a little edgy. Think dark colors, neutrals, and simple casual pieces that fit the body. T-shirts, denim, anything suede or leather, especially black leather, reads rocker chic! Satin and sparkle can add a glam rock vibe. Metallic accents like studs, chains, and sparkly belt buckles are also a big part of the look. Basically, you want pieces that are a little rebellious and sexy.
Jeans are a no-brainer to wear to a rock concert. Even slightly distressed or raw-hemmed jeans can look very cool. However, I don’t suggest ripped jeans, though, because they’re just not classy, especially for mature women.
Leggings, especially ones made of faux leather, also look good. Tops and blouses can be paired with them. Graphic tees and band tees are also popular (yes, they are fine for rock concerts over 40).
If you are indoors, avoid heavy sweaters and turtlenecks. They are way too hot. To nail your look, wear a leather motorcycle jacket.
Check out these cool rock concert outfits I have styled.
Country Concert
For a country music concert, the vibe is natural and feminine. You want to add some country flair without looking too sweet and a little girly or like you are wearing a cowboy costume. Try a dress, short or max, with cowboy boots.
Jeans with a lace top or frilly blouse and a belt with a big western buckle are perfect. You can also incorporate floral prints, touches, plaid, and flannel for a modern Western look.
You can find more cowgirl country concert outfits here.
Pop Concert
Pop concerts are really fun to dress for because anything goes. A good rule of thumb is to take your clothing cues from the performer. For example, Beyonce has been performing in a lot of silver sequins lately, and everyone at the concert has been dressing the same way!
Jumpsuits are also a possibility for pop concerts. Bottom line: Be yourself and make your outfit colorful and playful, too!
Hip-hop Concert
The overall vibe is sporty chic – a danceable look. So, wear something light and minimalistic, like fitted tops, joggers, or loose wide-leg jeans.
Rap Concert
Think slouchy, loose, or oversized. Wear athleisurewear, sneakers, sandals, jeans, sporty T-shirts, and fun jackets.
Jazz Concert
For a jazz concert, the vibe is more sophisticated and dressy with a cocktail feel. It has such deep, bold colors and sleek, classy looks. Velvet dresses, silk, sparkles, a touch of glam even if it is a more outdoors casual jazz concert.
More Formal Concerts
More classic concerts require dressier, more elegant outfit ideas. Examples include an opera, classical concert, or music awards ceremony. For this occasion, you reach for a classic dress, sophisticated blazer, sleek ankle boots, low heels, or anything that sparkles.
The best inspiration is to google some celebrity A-listers and see what they usually wear to these events. The tuxedo trend or anything dark is a good fallback.
Your Concert Outfit – The Finishing Touches
Accessories
Once you’ve sorted your outfit’s main pieces, let’s shift our focus to some killer accessories. We’re aiming for pieces that elevate your look, are practical, and won’t weigh you down.
Your Bag
No one wants to carry a big, heavy handbag over their shoulder all night! Leave your oversized tote or boxy lady bag at home and opt for a lightweight, hands-free crossbody bag. It won’t weigh you down, get lost, or be pickpocketed like a bit tote, for example! Be sure to check the venue’s website to see if there are any rules about size and what you can or can’t carry inside it.
Shoes
If your feet hurt, you won’t have a good time. You will likely be doing a lot of walking and climbing concert hall stairs amongst thick crowds. There are better times to wear high heels. Your best is sturdy heeled booties 1-2 inches high at most.
Of course, sneakers or other comfy walking shoes are even better. Be prepared for them to get dirty. Where there are crowds, there is dirt.
Jewelry
Jewelry is a great way to enhance the vibe of your outfit and create a concert-themed look. For example, turquoise jewelry looks beautiful at a country concert, and anything sparkly, colorful, or blingy at a pop concert is fabulous. Leather, beaded, studded, and feather jewelry at rock concerts fits in perfectly!
Cool Sunglasses
What can I say? Cool sunglasses are a must for all rockers and concertgoers, especially if you are outside.
Other Accessories
If you are going to be outdoors, remember an umbrella or rain poncho, a hat, and sunscreen. You will be sorry if you don’t! Sunburn is real, and drizzling rain is miserable.
The Most Important Part! Have Fun
The bottom line is to dress for fun. Take a chance and wear something you wouldn’t normally wear every day to get into the spirit of the concert.
Once you get there, you’ll find women in a wide range of outfits, proving there is no right or wrong way to dress for a concert. So relax, enjoy, and march to the beat of your own drummer. Rock on!
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I’d love to see what you wore if you’ve been to a concert lately. Join my private Facebook group and post a photo there!
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Great tips for dressing stylishly and comfortably for a concert! I love how the focus is on finding outfits that make you feel confident and relaxed.