That said, I try to have some basic rules for how I dress, with an emphasis on practicality. Typically, I wear something comfortable but kind of "hip" (according to my tastes) or "funky" (in a good way) to a concert. If it's an outdoor show, cotton is my best friend. Dark colors hide sweat a little bit better than light or medium colors. If it's an indoor concert in a cooler month, I definitely dress up a little bit more, and wear jewelry. But during the summer, sometimes you just have to surrender to the sweat and realize that everyone else around you is going to be a little "funky" (in a bad way) too.
This month's Self Magazine has a feature on "Festival Style" and I was pretty appalled at the BS they were peddling in the guise of "this is what cool people wear!" Below are photos of the spread. They also have an online link that I'm not going to share because it featured way-too-expensive clothing and I don't want to waste your time.
First of all, these outfits cost at least several hundred dollars; probably more. You could be spending that money on more concert tickets!
Second, these women are all celebrities. They're probably hanging out in a VIP area that is air-conditioned and includes places to sit, not standing in a crowd in the heat all day. If you wore leather boots (LEATHER!), or a ton of jewelry, or your big 'ol muumuu or kaftan or whatever, outside in 90 degree heat for 8 hours, you wouldn't look so cute at the end of the day. You'd look like a hot mess. Like everyone else. Also, you do not need to bring a fringe bag, because it will probably be torn up by the end of the day. A light backpack or cross-body bag is all you really need.
Third, these celebrities are only dressed this way because they know they're being photographed. You are not being photographed. In fact, and this is my #1 rule when I'm getting ready for a show: When the lights go down, NO ONE IS LOOKING AT YOU.
A NOTE ON FOOTWEAR
The one thing Self did get right is the footwear - definitely flats, preferably sneakers or comfortable sandals. Not like this person who my friend Roxy recently saw at an outdoor show who thought heels were a wise decision:
Photo courtesy of Roxy Freefall
She knew she'd be standing for at least an hour, maybe longer. Again, no one is looking at your feet. The only way people will be looking at you is if you're in a great deal of pain from standing too long and can barely walk, or if you trip on the stairs in a theater or arena - and then they'll be pointing and laughing, too.
If you have to dress like this to appear to be cool, you probably aren't. You probably don't even know who's playing. You're just there to be seen, and if that's the case, go hang out in your air-conditioned VIP tent and get out of my way.
