The Fashion of Concert Culture
Historically, music has always influenced fashion. Punk, goth, and grunge are just a few of the music genres that have manifested into their own distinct styles. Hip-hop inspired the rise of streetwear in the '90s and early 2000s. The rise of rock in the 70s and 80s inspired ‘rebel’ fashion, coining staples like the leather jacket and Doc Marten boots. With music so closely related to fashion, it’s no surprise that modern-day concert culture is as much about the style as it is the sound.
Anyone on social media is aware of concert fit checks that cry a frantic “Help!” for what to wear when seeing Olivia Rodrigo. There are endless videos and entire accounts dedicated to concert fit inspo for specific artists, seasons, or festivals. For example, influencers who go to Lollapalooza, an annual four-day music festival held in Chicago, center much of their content on what they wear each day rather than the music. Their comments are always a plethora of praise, along with differing critiques of the OOTD.
People have complained that turning concerts into a fashion show creates a sort of “coolness contest” that pressures people to unnecessarily dress up to “prove” their “niche” personality. This phenomenon is seen more with underground music shows, smaller artists, or artists who cater to a more alternative brand. On the flip side, those who don’t dress up can be seen as the ultimate “cool,” not putting on an outward display of their interest in the music, believing the people who do take the time to curate a look are the actual posers. This is especially true within grunge scenes, as the entire idea behind the style is to be effortless and prioritize comfort and authenticity over trends— if you are actively trying to be grunge, then you aren’t embodying the core ideas behind the style.
Another part of concert culture fashion that has recently come under fire is rave outfits. The difference is, this style is an example of fashion that doesn’t really exist outside of the music. Rave fits are worn specifically for festivals or shows, and are not a sub-genre of fashion often seen casually on the street like punk or grunge. Raves feature electronic dance music (EDM) and are usually characterized by loud music and light shows. While known for its neon colors and DIY style, rave fashion is seen as scandalous or trashy by many people on the internet. Because of the intense dancing, proximity to others, and possible intake of drugs that spike body temperature, rave outfits tend not to have many layers and are stripped down to layered undergarments, which can be very revealing. Those not familiar with rave culture think that the outfits are skimpy just to be skimpy, but really, it's a matter of safety and practicality needed to properly participate in an EDM show.
Overall, there have been many critiques of concert fashion. A lot of people end up buying pieces that will only be worn once at a concert, promoting overconsumerism. It can also lead to support for fast fashion as people search for a trendy look that is also cheap. This critique is a commonality across all genres of concert fashion. Combating those viewpoints, using concerts as a time to go all out or experiment with your personal style can be a useful tool for self-expression. Also, it can be a chance to connect with people of similar styles or interests, making friends outside your immediate circle.
Overall, as music continues to evolve and develop, we have to wonder what styles will develop or be born as a product.