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There’s nothing quite like attending a country concert in the summer. After all, what’s more quintessentially American than sun-kissed afternoons spent with your friends scarfing down funnel cakes and beer while enjoying the sweet sounds of your favorite country music artist?
Take it from me, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Well… almost. While spending hours baking in the hot sun can be enjoyable in theory, there’s no denying that sweating through your clothes while you’re trying to enjoy a performance is less than ideal. In fact, when it comes to dressing for a country concert during the heat of the summertime, there are several things you should keep in mind if you want to look and feel good throughout the day.
Slouchy tee
With a huge variety of options and the ability to express yourself creatively, the slouchy tee is a no-brainer when you’re trying to decide what to wear to a country concert. To get you started, here are three basic types:
- The classic shirt: Think of this shirt as your go-to wardrobe staple. It’s an essential part of any collection and will probably look good with almost anything in your closet. This is the kind of shirt that can be worn with jeans or khakis, but also works well with dress pants. In terms of color, think “classic”—white, black, blue, grey, yellow—and make sure it’s not too bulky or tight on your shoulders.
- The relaxed fit shirt: Ideal for casual hangouts or meetings at a coffee shop––or even if you plan to go dancing at the concert! An ideal relaxed fit has just enough room around your body for comfort and features loose sleeves that hit just above your elbow but aren’t too long. A relaxed fit can work great for guys who prefer something more breathable than their usual dress shirts in warmer weather or if they have an outdoor concert coming up. Just keep in mind that most styles don’t come with button-down collars (but this could change).
Ripped jeans
Ripped jeans are a staple in any country lover’s wardrobe. They can be worn with nearly anything, and can easily be dressed up or down.
They’re comfy, they’re cool, and they’re classy.
A pair of ripped jeans is an absolute must for any country concert-goer—even if your favorite artist isn’t playing, you know that at least half the crowd will be wearing them!
Cowboy boots
Cowboy boots: Your new go-to footwear. The best part is that they’re not only a great choice for your country concert, but for many other occasions and seasons as well! Whether you’re into all leather or prefer some design detail, there’s a pair to fit your taste. And if singing along with the hottest country songs on the radio isn’t enough of a motivation to get yourself cowboy boots, here are nine more reasons:
- They’re comfortable.
- They’re fashionable.
- They’re practical – they can be worn in snow and rain without getting ruined!
- They’re versatile – with some cowboy boots, you can wear them to work one day, then wear them out dancing the next night!
- They’re affordable – compared to other types of boots (rainboots, etc.) they cost less!
- They’re durable – they last longer than most shoes!
Distressed denim jacket
Denim jackets are more than a durable piece of outerwear. They’re also the foundation of an entire fashion movement, one that doesn’t require you to be part of a band or live in a barn. And if you’re going to wear one to a country concert, it might as well fit into the theme of your outfit. You should go for something distressed, perhaps with patches and embroidery attached to it—it will look like you’ve been wearing it for years already. Don’t worry about not being able to see those patches from a mile away: add some studs and fringe for extra flair! Or, throw on your favorite band tee underneath; no one needs to know what’s going on underneath your jacket anyway (unless you want them to!) A casual graphic tee is another option that gives off the same vibe as a band tee but doesn’t put so much emphasis on music.
Ripped denim shorts + tee shirt
You don’t have to be a rodeo star from Texas to pull off this look. The classic mix of shorts and a tee is an absolute crowd pleaser. For some extra flair, pair your denim with cowboy boots and a hat for the perfect picture-worthy outfit!
For an added touch of femininity, try pairing your denim with a floral top. This style is great if you love that country-style, but want to add some flirty fun to your look as well!
This look is definitely country chic with its denim jacket and shorts combo. Pair it with cowboy boots or sneakers for the perfect concert attire!
Plaid button up shirt
For a concert-goer, the key to dressing for a country music concert is to keep it simple and practical. One of the most important pieces of this attire is your plaid button-up shirt. These shirts are essential for any well-dressed fan of country music; they’re comfortable, they look great with denim shorts or jeans, and they are a stylish yet inexpensive way to add a little country vibe to your outfit.
Although there are many different types of shirts that you can wear to a concert, we highly recommend the plaid button-up shirt because it is comfortable, cheap, and looks great on everyone.
Overalls
You will find the classic overalls are a great option for a country concert—and this look is only getting more popular in the style world. Check out these tips to wear them well and make sure you’ve got the right look:
- Slip into a classic pair of denim overalls and toss on your comfiest t-shirt or plaid button-up underneath.
- Put on your most comfortable cowboy boots.
- Accessorize your look with a denim jacket tied around your waist, over your shoulders, or around the handle of a cute little straw purse holding all your essentials.
- Grab that cowboy hat and head out to enjoy some live country music!
Cut off shorts
Shorts are the most quintessential country concert article of clothing. If you’re wearing a pair of shorts, you’re likely wearing denim shorts. If you’re not wearing denim shorts, you’re probably wearing jean shorts that have distressing to make them look like they were cut off by someone who was kind of bad at cutting off their own jeans.If for some reason denim isn’t your aesthetic, and you don’t want an item in your wardrobe that says “I’m from LA,” then a mini skirt is an acceptable alternative. If this skirt is also denim, even better. An outfit consisting of a crop top or tank top tucked into a mini skirt can be dressed up with booties or dressed down with cowboy boots (cowgirl boots).
An outfit consisting of cut-off shorts can similarly be dressed up or down by pairing it with booties or cowboy boots (cowgirl boots). You might also choose to throw on a graphic tee under your overalls, but if it’s really hot out, leave the shirt behind.
Band tees are also popular because they make it pretty clear what musical artist the wearer will be seeing that night. The more rips and patches on said band tee the better—there’s nothing quite as authentic as appearing distressed like an old concert t-shirt would after being thrown around in a mosh pit for years!
In addition to these tops and bottoms, there are also two layers that could complete your outfit: flannel shirts and jean jackets (or denim jackets). These items represent even more authenticity than dressing like Miley Cyrus circa Wrecking Ball!
Flannel shirt
In the lexicon of country concert fashion, flannel is a “category killer.” A flannel shirt is a long-sleeved button-down shirt that comes in plaid patterns. It’s often paired with faded jeans and worn by cowboys or lumberjacks, two professions known for their hardiness and reliance on traditional values (and one of which has an actual country song about it). Flannels are a good choice for country concerts because they make you look like you could be in the band, or at least know someone in the band—two things that will attract attention from your fellow concertgoers.
If you’re really committed to country concert style, a flannel shirt can be paired with other items mentioned here: cowboy boots, jeans, denim jacket, camo pants, trucker hat. It’s also possible to layer two or more flannels on top of each other if the mood strikes. There are no limits to what you can do!
White sneakers + chelsea boots + denim jacket + ripped jeans + graphic t-shirt
One of the most important things to consider when putting together your country concert outfit is footwear. You’ll be on your feet for a long time, so make sure you wear shoes that are comfortable and easy to walk in. For example, white sneakers are not only comfortable and casual, but will add a pop of color as well! If you want to take it up a notch from sneakers and aren’t interested in wearing heels, chelsea boots are cute too—and they pair perfectly with jeans.
If shoes are an integral part of any outfit, outerwear is just as versatile. A denim jacket is an absolute must for this look; it’s laid back enough for the occasion without being too casual. Pair jeans with a graphic t-shirt or plain shirt underneath—if you do go with a t-shirt, pick something fun with a design on it (tees featuring farm animals or cowboys work well here). Ripped jeans are also perfect; they have a little more edge than regular jeans while still maintaining the laid-back vibe we’re going for here.
In short: white sneakers + chelsea boots + denim jacket + ripped jeans + graphic t-shirt = perfect wardrobe for country concert enthusiasts!
Country concerts are pretty casual
Country concerts are a lot different than the opera or ballet, where dressing up is part of the experience. At a country concert, no one will care if you’re wearing jeans, cowboy boots, and a t-shirt. They’re there for the music. Country music is about having a good time, with lyrics that sympathize with working folks who like to spend their day off just kicking back and relaxing. As such, it’s important to dress in clothes that make you feel comfortable and happy. You want to be able to dance around without worrying about your clothes pulling or slipping into uncomfortable positions. For example, I attended a Toby Keith concert and wore my favorite pair of jean shorts and an old shirt of my dad’s (it was soft!). When Miranda Lambert came on stage I had so much fun that I popped right out of my shirt (don’t worry: all my bits were covered). It was more embarrassing than anything else—I had other shirts at home—but it taught me that next time I’ll wear something more appropriate for dancing around in!
Conclusion
When it comes to figuring out what to wear to a country concert, it’s best to view the event as something with a “come as you are” attitude. The goal is to blend in with the crowd and look like you’re having a good time. You want your outfit to be just nice enough that you can keep up some level of conversation while still being comfortable enough that you can dance all night without any pain or discomfort. This isn’t the kind of concert where you go and sit in seats—you’re going to be standing most of the night!
If you’re still conflicted about what exactly will work best for your individual style, there’s no need for concern because these guidelines allow for a lot of flexibility when it comes down to choosing an outfit. No matter what you choose, just remember that jeans are always great options (as long as they aren’t too tight), shorts could work if they aren’t too short or revealing, cowboy boots are perfectly acceptable but not required and neither is plaid shirt! Whatever feels right for you.
