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.
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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
Harry Styles performing in his Jonathan Anderson-designed custom look. Photograph: Anthony Pham (@anthonypham on Instagram)
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
£45 at Feel Good Contacts£70 at Le Specs
Disco ball necklace
£95 at Rachel Jackson
Bright pointelle T-shirt
£54 at Cou Cou
High-waist pinstripe trousers
£140 at Sézane£140 at Octobre Éditions
Wide-leg herringbone stripe trousers
£55 at Topshop£55 at Asos
Something to bring the fun that’s not a feather boa
£40 at Free People
Opening night inspired boots
£140 at Adidas
CMAT
CMAT in the Euro-Country music video. Photograph: AWAL
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
£26 at Lisa Angel£28 at Not On The High Street
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
Bad Bunny during his Super Bowl half-time show performance. Photograph: San Francisco Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers/Getty Images
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
£149 at Zara£79.99 at Zara
A quirky vintage tie
£4.38 at Vinted
Linen shirt
Women’s, £39.90 at UniqloMen’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 Adidas£100 at Footpatrol
Olivia Dean
Olivia Dean in Chanel at the 2026 Grammy awards, where she won best new artist. Photograph: Gilbert Flores/Billboard/Getty Images
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 Sézane£100 at Octobre Éditions
On-brand pins
£10 at Shop Olivia Dean
Cute but comfy flats
£160 at RothysMetallica, pictured in 1985, are touring in support of their eleventh studio album, 72 Seasons. Photograph: Fin Costello/Redferns
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 Daisy£89 at John Lewis
A gig-friendly layer
Women’s, £65 at JD WilliamsMen’s, £75 at Levi’s
The low-key band tee
£22 at M&S
Longline denim shorts
£56 at Urban Outfitters£70 at Damson Madder
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
