16 Concert Outfit Ideas I'm Bookmarking for Beyoncé's Country Era
What's the first concert you have ever attended? My first was Shania Twain's country music concert in the early '00s. Since then, I've been lucky enough to attend shows, festivals, and even album release parties for almost every type of music genre. But what makes attending a folk concert quite fun, in my humble opinion, is that there's a sense of community reflected through the music as much as the clothing. You show up to a Stagecoach festival without context and automatically know that country musicians headline it because of what everyone is wearing—there's an informal dress code for the event. However, if you've never witnessed this phenomenon for yourself, you might not know what to wear to a country concert.
That's totally valid, especially considering that what attendees usually wear to see musicians such as Carrie Underwood and Kacey Musgraves is vastly different from seeing Normani and Olivia Rodrigo on tour. (No shade—I love them all.) Therefore, crafting a cute outfit for a country music show requires a different approach. Luckily for you, I've got you covered. In an effort to prepare you for all the eventual music tours to come from Beyoncé and Lana Del Rey, I've created a comprehensive guide to dressing for the occasion. Ahead, you'll find 16 outfit ideas that can be worn to a country music concert along with styling tips and the key pieces you'll need for the occasion. Whether you've attended multiple folk festivals or are just coming around to the genre, these outfits will prepare you to take it to the floor.
Key piece: Cowboy hat
Styling tip: Honestly, concerts aren't cheap these days. If you've splurged on tickets but can't spend too much on an outfit for the occasion, look no further than a cowboy hat. The mere addition of this accessory can make any ensemble more Western coded.
Had Olivia Pope moved to the countryside in Vermont, she would have been about this cowboy hat.
Key piece: Leather jacket
Styling tip: Lean into the rugged Western aesthetic by opting for leather outerwear. Whether you choose a jacket with an oversize fit or one with embellishments, it's the perfect piece to wear to a country music festival.
Look for a leather jacket with a worn-in effect to embody the rustic aesthetic.
Key piece: Baby-doll dress
Styling tip: You might not own a cabin outside the city, but you can channel the cottagecore fashion aesthetic with your concert outfit. Style a voluminous baby-doll dress with cowboy boots and a statement hat for a folksy look.
Key piece: Western boots
Styling tip: No other footwear is made for walking around a music festival like a pair of Western boots. Whether you pick a pair of traditional cowboy boots or a moto-inspired pair, these shoes will ensure you're two-steppin' in style.
Just when you thought cowboy boots couldn't be cooler, this pair has contrasting yellow stitching.
Don't need another pair of black boots? These also come in brown, FYI.
Key piece: Matching denim separates
Styling tip: It doesn't get more Western coded than a head-to-toe denim ensemble. When in doubt, there's no easier formula to wear to a country music concert than a denim jacket and matching jeans.
Key piece: Oversize shades
Styling tip: No festival 'fit is complete without a pair of sunglasses. If you want your look to be Western coded, wear '70s-inspired frames, such as oversize oval sunglasses and tinted aviators.
Key piece: Small statement bag
Styling tip: Unless your concert's policies clearly state that you must wear a clear bag, why not opt for something cooler? Even a simple Western-inspired ensemble can feel way more stylish with the addition of a statement bag. Just be sure your bag is on the smaller end to comply with venue guidelines.
What makes this bag perfect for a country concert (besides the suede material or fringe)? The adjustable strap. It can be styled on the shoulder or across the body, freeing up your hands for dancing.
Key piece: Something with fringe
Styling tip: There's nothing more synonymous with Western style than something with fringe. During the Old West era, cowgirls regularly wore fringed jackets, skirts, and dresses with this type of embellishment, so it's the perfect item to pull out for a good ole hoedown. Just be sure to make it feel less costumey by pairing it with minimal staples such as tanks, slip skirts, and jeans.
Pro tip: Opt for a faux-suede jacket so that you don't have to worry about it being ruined at a festival by weather, sweat, or spilled drinks.
You'll be the main character in this jacket.
Key piece: Western belt
Styling tip: Again, you don't have to fully embrace the theme with your look in order for it to be fit for a country concert. If you prefer to be a bit more minimal in your approach, simply try styling your staples with a Western-inspired belt. Although small, this accessory will make all the difference.
Key piece: Denim skirt
Styling tip: If you're attending a country music festival during the spring or summer, you'll want to avoid wearing anything made from heavier materials and with restrictive silhouettes, such as skinny jeans or leather pants, because they'll make you sweat. Instead, try a denim skirt at the length you feel most comfortable, as it will give you the ability to move easily throughout the event.
You can shop this denim maxi skirt in seven other washes, including black, white, and olive green.
Key piece: Bandana
Styling tip: What's another easy way to make your ensemble meld with the style aesthetics associated with country music without putting in too much effort? Add a banana. Commonly worn by folk musicians throughout history, the item can instantly make any clothing item feel more Western—even if those items are an old jumpsuit or pair of jeans in the back of your closet.
Consider the styling of this bandana proof that this scarf can make simple staples ready for a stompin' good time.
The print on this Hermès scarf features spurs, stirrups, rein hardware, and riding crops, making it the perfect nod to the iconography associated with the Wild West.
Key piece: Western button-down
Styling tip: If you're willing to commit to embracing the folksy aesthetic beyond adding a few accessories, consider wearing a Western button-down. The style is great for a concert because the traditional elements of the shirt—e.g., snap buttons, front flap pockets, and distinct collars—will nod to the Western look. Its simplicity will make it easy for you to style with items you already own, such as athletic shorts, knee-high boots, and sporty sunglasses.
It doesn't get more Western than a denim button-down.
Please stop scrolling for a second to admire the embroidery on this shirt.
Key piece: Denim shorts
Styling tip: Besides cowboy boots, denim shorts are an item widely associated with country music concerts. Whether in films or at festivals, Daisy Dukes are an inescapable part of the Western fashion aesthetic. However, if you don't want to be a walking cliché or can't do ultra-short cutoffs, consider opting for a longer pair styled with knee-high boots and other modest items.
The length of these shorts will allow you to get down, do-si-do, or do your thing without showing your derrière.
Distressed shorts are basically a part of the starter pack for attending a country music festival.
Key piece: Tank top
Styling tip: Anyone who's been to enough concerts can tell you that simplicity is the key to staying comfortable throughout the event. But that doesn't mean you have to give up on having a cute outfit. Simply wear staples with Western-inspired elements—e.g., a tank top paired with head-to-toe denim. It's a surefire way to be comfortable throughout the concert and still look cute.
Ever since Kendall Jenner wore this to a rodeo, I've been looking for an excuse to wear this tank top—a country music concert seems fitting.
Key piece: Animal-print piece
Styling tip: Embrace the energy of the Wild West by incorporating at least one animal-print piece into your concert ensemble. Since so much of the iconography surrounding cowboys includes snakeskin and cowhide prints, it's the perfect way to nod to the history of ranching. You can make these patterns feel tamer by pairing them with minimal separates (e.g., a leather jacket and T-shirt) or incorporating them through accessories.
A skirt that's bound to get you as much attention as a zebra in the wild.
Key piece: Disco-inspired piece
Styling tip: Although country music festival fashion may typically comprise much more rustic items, that doesn't mean you can't go for something more disco inspired. As Beyoncé has shown throughout her rollouts of Renaissance and Cowboy Carter, metallic items can feel Western with fringe, cowboy boots, and Daisy Dukes. Ultimately, choosing the best outfit for a country concert is all about picking items that will make you want to dance. Nothing will do that like metallic apparel and accessories.
You can make this chain-mail dress a bit more modest by styling it with denim shorts underneath.
This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Jasmine Fox-Suliaman is a fashion editor living in New York City. What began as a hobby (blogging on Tumblr) transformed into a career dedicated to storytelling through various forms of digital media. She started her career at the print publication 303 Magazine, where she wrote stories, helped produce photo shoots, and planned Denver Fashion Week. After moving to Los Angeles, she worked as MyDomaine's social media editor until she was promoted to work across all of Clique's publications (MyDomaine, Byrdie, and Who What Wear) as the community manager. Over the past few years, Jasmine has worked on Who What Wear's editorial team, using her extensive background to champion rising BIPOC designers, weigh in on viral trends, and profile stars such as Janet Mock and Victoria Monét. She is especially interested in exploring how art, fashion, and pop culture intersect online and IRL.
-
7 Fresh Winter Outfits to Wear With All of Your White T-Shirts
Classic.
By Natalie Cantell
-
I'm Obsessed With Loafers—5 Outfits I'll Be Re-Creating With the Preppy Shoes
Loafer looks ahead.
By Grace O'Connell Joshua
-
I Need Some Fresh Office Outfit Ideas—5 Looks That Have My Attention
Clocking in.
By Grace O'Connell Joshua
-
The Dated Pant Trend That's Making a Roaring Comeback
It's wild.
By Jasmine Fox-Suliaman
-
These 2 Effortless Pieces Are the Key to One of the Most Classic Outfit Combos Ever
I bet they're in your closet right now.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
10 French-Girl Black-Pant Outfits That Will Be Part of My Fall Outfit Rotation
Very chic, very wearable.
By Natalie Cantell
-
The Trending Fall Color That Celebs, French Women, and Fashion Editors Are Suddenly Into
Serene and sophisticated.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
Instagram Has Spoken: 8 Ways to Wear Fall's Most Expensive-Looking Color Trend
I can't decide which look I want to re-create first.
By Nikki Chwatt