Do you love live music, but struggle with what to wear to a concert? In this article you will find plenty of inspiration for concert outfits for women over 40, which are hip without looking like you are trying too hard to be trendy.
And if you’re not going to a concert any time soon, these outfits are great for many other occasions where you can to look youthful and hip.
Just because you are 40, 50, 60, or any age above that, it doesn’t mean that you lose your love of music. Far from it, you probably have a much more eclectic musical taste now than when you were in your teens or 20s.
However, dressing to go to a concert or live music gig can be one of the trickiest events to put together an outfit for, particularly if there are also likely to be lots of younger people there.
You don’t want to look as if you are trying to dress like women who are decades younger. Nor do you want to look frumpy or “fuddy duddy” when putting together concert outfits.
If you are lucky enough to be going to see your favorite band or act soon, or you are perhaps taking children or grandchildren to see an artist they love, here are some ideas on what to wear.
I’d also love to hear from you about what the last concert was you went to see and what you wore. You can let me know in the comments below this article.
Tips for dressing for a concert
Before getting into specific outfit suggestions, let’s take a look at what to consider when dressing for a concert:
Comfort is key for concert outfits
It goes without saying that you don’t want to be uncomfortable anywhere you go.
But, while you might be able to get away with high heels if you are sitting down to dinner, dancing at a concert may be a different matter.
Of course, if you are comfortable in heels, then go for it, particularly if you will be sitting for part of the night.
Psyche above shows that edgy boots can be perfect for a concert.
Recreate her outfit with this similar denim shirt, skirt, bag and lace-up boots.
Kenneth Cole REACTION side way ankle boot
A crossbody bag
You will likely need to take a bag with you. How else are you going to buy refreshments without your purse?
To keep your hands free, it’s best to opt for a crossbody bag. You can also put this in front of your body if you are worried about security.
Fossil Fiona small crossbody bag
Dress according to your musical tastes
Just as everyone has a different style personality, everyone likes different music.
You won’t want to wear the same outfit for a rock concert, for example, as you might to a country music gig.
However, if in doubt, it’s always a good idea to take inspiration from the rock chick style personality. Don’t know your personality type? Take the style personality quiz.
Melanie @melanie.rae.miller above keeps her look casual while adding on-trend elements with her wide shoulder muscle tee and by slinging her fanny pack across her chest.
Check out this similar sleeveless tee, jeans, sneakers and fanny pack.
Concert outfits – 9 ideas for you to choose from
Now that you’re thinking in general terms about what you would wear to a concert, here are some more specific concert outfit ideas for you:
Concert outfit ideas: A moto jacket and jeans
An obvious one, I know, but sometimes the old ideas are the best ones.
If you’re really stuck on what to wear, then a pair of jeans with a leather jacket is really a no-brainer.
You may find, however, that black leather looks harsh against your skin as you get older.
You could, instead, opt for a softer or brighter shade, which will help you stand out from the crowd.
Or, you could always add a bright red lip to add color if you do want to stick to black.
Fonda @savvysouthernchic above wears a moto jacket with her ripped jeans and booties.
Get her look with this similar tee, moto jacket, jeans, booties and backpack.
BLANKNYC suede moto jacket – LARACE tunic top – AG high waist skinny jeans – Dunes moto boot – Fossil Fiona small crossbody bag
There is more inspiration in this article on the best leather jackets for women over 40.
Rock concert outfit: A band tee
Yes, it’s a cliche, but not all cliches are bad.
If you love a band or artist and you are going to see them, or an artist of the same genre, why not wear a band t-shirt?
If you want to add a touch of the unexpected to your outfit, you could always wear your t-shirt with a skirt rather than as the expected jeans and tee combination.
Urban CoCo open front blazer – Bon Jovi Keep the Faith T-shirt – Kate Kasin pleated skirt – Dunes moto boot – Fossil Fiona small crossbody bag – KLFrogPond long tassel drop earrings
Outfits to wear to a concert: Leggings & a tunic
You obviously want to be comfortable when you attend a concert, and leggings are definitely one of the most comfortable things you can wear.
I’d choose a longer top or tunic if you are choosing leggings. For added interest, I’m sure you know by now that I’m a huge fan of asymmetry.
Be sure to check out all my tips on how to wear leggings.
Sara above chooses a long tunic shirt with animal print leggings.
Recreate her look with this similar tunic dress, leggings, booties and bag.
Karen Millen suede moto biker jacket (similar here) – Esenchel V-Neck swing tunic top – Commando faux leather leggings – Dunes moto boot – Fossil Fiona small crossbody bag – KLFrogPond long tassel drop earrings
A checked shirt
Checks are a country staple as well as having a nod to rock style. So, they should be a good option for concerts of many musical genres.
Ninedaily 3/4 sleeve plaid shirt – AG high waist skinny jeans – Dunes moto boot – Frye zip crossbody bag – KLFrogPond long tassel drop earrings
Anything in leather
Of course, leather is the ubiquitous choice when it comes to a concert. You could opt for a leather moto, a leather skirt, pants, top or dress.
And, of course, you don’t have to choose real leather if you would prefer not to. You could always opt for faux leather and still get a similar look.
Nikki @40notfrumpy above teams her leather blazer with matching boots.
Steal her look with this similar tee, leather jacket, jeans, boots and necklace.
HieasyFit cotton turtleneck top – SweatyRocks wrap midi leather skirt – Aerosoles slip-on loafer – Trendeology leopard crossbody bag – Karine Sultan drop earrings
jumpsuit
If you want to stay comfy during your concert, but you also want to look elegant, you could choose a jumpsuit. Pair with a moto jacket to look a little more casual or choose a blazer for a more formal look.
Karen Millen suede moto biker jacket (similar here) – Open Edit zip knit boilersuit (similar here) – Dunes moto boot – Frye zip crossbody bag – Knotty drop earrings
cozy poncho
Sometimes, concerts can be really warm if you’re indoors with lots of people, but you may also be attending outdoor events. That’s where layering your knits can come in handy to ensure you stay cozy. Opt for a turtleneck and a poncho.
MELIFLUOS DESIGNED IN SPAIN Women’s wrap poncho ruana – KLOTHO turtleneck top – SPANX faux leather jogger pants – Aerosoles slip-on loafer – Frye zip crossbody bag
boyfried jeans
What is your favorite jeans style? You can, of course, wear the jeans that flatter you best. You’ll find inspiration in this article on how to wear jeans for women over 40.
One option is Jennifer Aniston’s favorite – the boyfriend jean. Wear with a blazer or draped jacket and sneakers or booties. Turn up your jeans to show off a little ankle.
Deborah @deborahgates_ above (read her style interview here) wears her jeans with peep toe booties.
Recreate her outfit with this similar sleeveless top, jeans, peep toe shoes, necklace and bracelets.
Anne Klein drape front jacket – Daydreamer graphic tee (similar here) – AG boyfriend slim jeans – Vans low top sneaker – Fossil Fiona small crossbody bag
blazer & utility pants
The key to a stylish outfit can often be mixing casual and more formal, or new with old.
You could opt for a blazer worn over your jeans or utility pants and tee or shirt to add a more put-together feel to your concert outfit.
Urban CoCo open front blazer – Hotouch basic button down shirt – BP. denim utility pants (similar here) – Vans low top sneaker – Trendeology leopard crossbody bag – Knotty drop earrings
There are plenty of ways you could put together all of the clothes, shoes and accessories featured above.
You will see below that you could switch around many of these outfits and they would still work wonderfully.
For instance, you could wear the leather moto jacket with the band tee and skirt. or you could team the checked shirt with the leather pants.
Read our ultimate guide to creating a capsule wardrobe that works best for you.
Your concert capsule outfits all together
Below, you can see all the outfits together in one capsule. You can mix and match the tops and bottoms to get more outfit combinations.
shop some of the items above here:
Below, you can see a previous capsule. While past season, the looks are timeless so should still provide you with plenty of concert-going inspiration.
Continue reading:
- A Style Guide And Capsule Wardrobe For The ROCK Style Personality
- A Style Guide And Capsule Wardrobe For The STREET / URBAN Style Personality
- How To Dress After 40 And Look Hip?
What was the last concert you went to? Which of these is your favorite concert outfits?
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Feature image by Fonda @savvysouthernchic
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Not been to many outdoors recently but in UK recommend waterproof layer. For nightclub style gigs remember can get hot, particularly if you have a hot moment. Last gig I went to though was a small one in a large nightclub, famous for music, loved by students. Wore leggings, buckle boots, long tunic, always jewellery. Be true to yourself, better not to be too grungey when you’re older. I’m 53.
For indoor concerts I found 2 logo t-shirts from a world-famous guitar maker; one black with simple white lettering, and one more elaborate in burgundy with pink, tan & gold. I pair the tees with either camo jegging, distressed denim jeans or black coated denim with a very subtle reptile pattern. I finish with high-top wedge sneakers or ankle booties and tailor my accessories accordingly. Depending on the venue, a denim shirt, cargo jacket, or rolled-sleeve blazer for the top layer.
For a multi-day summer outdoor music festival, I wear simple solid color tees or a tank and kimono, paired with distressed denim bermudas or summer weight cargo capris. Footwear is supportive slip-on sneakers or a “hiking sandal”.
These are all great ideas! … For indoor concerts. 😉 Most of the shows we attend are during summer in South Carolina at outdoor, amphitheater-style venues. It is hot! Even after the sun goes down, it’s still hot and humid. It might even rain. I usually wear shorts and a band tee, with some faux Converse style sneakers. Or I might wear a cute pair of patterned shorts and a plain tee with a long necklace and some jingly bracelets. Some ladies opt for capri pants or cute skirts. Depending on the show, lots of ladies wear tie-dye, gauzy skirts or tops, too. Parking is almost always grass or gravel, and some people prefer lawn seating rather than seats, making high heels impractical. I’d love to see some ideas for warmer weather concert wear! PS, don’t bring a purse! Wear something with pockets or have your partner carry your lipstick and credit card/cash in his pockets. That way you don’t hold up the line at the security check! Many venues in the US now have a clear bag only policy anyways, and those are more trouble than they are worth.
Great tips!