What to Wear to a Concert for Women Over 40

I was dealing with perimenopausal insomnia, scrolling through Reels on Instagram, when I came across this one from Jennifer Lahmers. Like Lahmers, I was disgusted by the so-called fashion advice she found through Pinterest when searching for advice on what to wear to a concert.

The “Pin” she came across was extremely eye-catching with bold text and a model who looked as though she could possibly be over 40, with a big smile and even bigger mane of wavy blonde hair. It was created by AI.

I went to Wardrobe Oxygen's archives and looked to see if I had ever written about what to wear to a concert and I had… way back in 2012. I had since written about what to wear to a Lizzo concert and what to wear to a music festival, but nothing in the past decade about what to wear in general to a concert, especially if you're a grown-ass woman. My bad, let me remedy the situation.

First, A Little About Me…

For those who don't know me, hi! I'm Alison Gary. I've been writing real-life style advice here at Wardrobe Oxygen since 2005. I've also written for other publications like The Washington Post and Redbook. Before I started my blog, I had a decade under my belt in retail apparel management, training, and visual merchandising as well as stints as personal shopper and personal stylist. And I love live music.

I have been to several music festivals: Bonnaroo, Forcastle, Hopscotch, Firefly, All Things Go, Virgin, Merlefest, Shindig, and even the return of Lilith Fair. I regularly go to concerts, in venues large and small, indoors and outside, field seats and pavilion, GA and VIP, pit and balcony.

I'm 50 years old and live in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, D.C. I'm short, I'm soft, I'm strong, I sing off-key, and am not afraid to dance (and sweat) in public. My advice on what to wear to a concert is based on my experience and my perspective on style, comfort, and joy. I hope it will show you that you don't need to follow any rules to look and feel great as a woman over 40.

My Ethos Regarding Style

I am all about comfort and joy when it comes to what one wears. Folks, we survived a pandemic. And we're surviving whatever the fuck is going on right now in our world. We deserve to feel comfort and joy, and when we do, we become more resilient. Feeling good about ourselves is the best armor.

The appearance of looking 1″ taller, 1″ slimmer, 1″ bustier, or have 1″ longer limbs will not change your station in life. Breaking one or two of those archaic style rules created to make us appear as long, lean, but not too lean, small, but not small there… well breaking them may be the best thing you have ever done for your personal style.

We have earned the right to wear whatever the fuck we want. And we have earned for that to bring us comfort and joy. Comfort can be a silk blouse or a crisp cotton collared shirt, a corset or a caftan. Knowing ourselves is the key to looking great over 40.

What to Wear to a Concert as a Woman Over 40

Function first, then fashion. You need to collect data to determine the most functional and then most fashionable outfit to wear to your concert. Things you need to know:

1. Indoors or out? This determines your outfit. Will it be hot and humid? Get colder once the sun sets? Chance of rain?
2. Seated or GA? This determines your footwear, and how much you bring and plan to carry.
3. Formality of venue. Some venues expect you in sneakers and jeans, others you may find yourself more comfortable glammed up a bit. Add the venue name into a search engine or social media and check out the images to see if it's a place where you're lying in the grass eating a hot dog or sipping champagne under a chandelier.
4. Day or night? Do you need sunscreen? Sunglasses?
5. Length of event. Is this an all-day festival or a few hours in the evening? Do you need to bring medication? Sunscreen to reapply? Maybe some deodorant wipes or a protein bar to refresh?

Next, it's all about the artist and your familiarity with the music.

• If you're a fan, show it. When you're in your 20s, it's corny to wear the band's t-shirt to their concert. When you're over 40, it's a badge of honor. You're no poseur, you saw them in 2002, 2012, and 2022, and you have the merch to prove it. I'm telling you, it looks cool on us grown folk. Just don't have it be a fake concert tee from Target. Legit or leave it at home.
• If you're not as familiar with the band, don't pretend otherwise. Wear what feels comfortable and respect the fans by keeping your phone in your pocket and your conversations to a minimum. Don't be that person.
• It's okay to be on theme, especially if it's a throwback artist. Going to see BSB or NKOTB with a group of friends? Go ahead and all wear matching t-shirts or dress as you did the first time you saw them in concert. Nothing wrong with rocking sequined chaps to see Beyonce, a pink tulle skirt to see Taylor, or beaded bedazzlement to see Dolly. We grown-ass women have earned the right to have fun on our terms and we're now at the age where passion looks cool, not try-hard.
• Function over fashion. It's not stylish to sacrifice your toes, your wallet, or your back to look cute at a concert. Dress for comfort, support, and security and then worry about your style.

Your Top Priority is Footwear

Shoes matter, especially if you're going to be standing for long periods and/or dancing. Gone are the days of heels; it's not just our knees, it's that they're not fashionable anymore. A quick way to look dated is to wear heels to a concert. Pumps, strappy heels, and high-heeled boots will scream I haven't been out to a show since The Capital One Arena used to be The MCI Center.

I highly recommend a pair of shoes that offer cushioning and support:

• Sneakers are acceptable at concerts, though I recommend going with lifestyle sneakers (think Veja, Golden Goose, Tory Burch, Converse, etc.) over athletic sneakers (think Hoka, On Running, the techy styles from Brooks, New Balance, Nike, etc.). They will inevitably get dirty, regardless of whether the show is indoors or out, so consider darker colors or finishes that are easy to clean.
• Boots are always chic, whether they're a pair of well-loved western boots, or a hand-painted pair of Dr. Marten's 1460s.
• A pair of all black boots or shoes with black soles, black stitching, black leather… it doesn't matter the style, they will blend in with the ground. Get the comfort, support, and function you need, and wrap it in an all-black ensemble, and it will fade out of focus.
• Unless it's a venue you know well and you have reserved seats with protection from inclement weather, you should wear closed-toe shoes. Live music attracts drinking, and drinking attracts broken glass, discarded bottle caps, and crushed aluminum cans as well as clumsy enthusiastic dancers.
• When it comes to socks, have them completely hidden or clearly visible. Quarter crew or more, or nothing. If the socks are visible, make them part of your look or at least part of your personality.
• Consider taking insoles or orthotics for a test drive before show night. I love these insoles; my music festival shoes are an old pair of Adidas Superstars with the insole removed and these replaced. I also have them in my gardening boots and my winter boots.

Second Priority is Your Bag and How You Carry Your Essentials

There is no need to bring your daily handbag to a concert, and it's not smart to carry your favorite designer bag. Bring the essentials only, and leave your very important items at home. Concerts are a place where you can easily drop something and have it get lost forever, it can be knocked out of your hand, a drink can be splashed on it, and pickpocketing can occur.

You may be able to get away with just using your pockets, but make sure they're fitted and deep enough to keep items in place even if you sit, use the restroom, dance, or lie on a blanket in a field.

Your bag should be against your body, and hands-free secure. No shoulder bags, and hells to the no no clutches or even wristlets. A crossbody with the strap shortened, or a belt bag worn as a crossbody. No need to get all hardcore like you're a tourist at the Trevi Fountain, but have the bag zip close, and stay close.

• I have this bag from Quince and I like it for concerts. There are two straps, one that is thick and short and one that is long, slim, but adjustable. That short wide strap is perfect for sitting on cupholders on the back of stadium seats, for wonky bathroom stall hooks, and more. The long strap is removable so you can customize with a different kind of strap (fun or functional; I like this one and this one).
• This bag from The Sak is like a hybrid crossbody and belt bag and I like it for concerts. It hugs the body nicely, doesn't look specific to a designer but doesn't look cheap, and The Sak is a pretty ethical company. I have it in black, but there are a lot of cute options.
• This sling bag from Quince is great for travel as well as concerts. Again, it looks nice but doesn't look specific to a designer or trend cycle.
• I have a hip bag I bought two decades ago (this is similar) that is designed for motorcycle riders. It's a nice alternative to a belt bag if you're wearing jeans or clothes with belt loops. My friend has a holster bag similar to this that she loves for concerts and festivals
• Some music venues require clear bags of a certain size. Check the venue website before you go; I recommend getting one you really like and keeping it at the ready for any sporting or music events. Amazon and Target always have cheapy ones for last-minute shopping; I like this sling bag from Wrangler, and find Mark & Graham bags great quality and fun to customize.

Shop Clear Bags for Concerts and Stadium Events:

Pack Your Bag With Care (and only the essentials)

• Ear plugs
• Lip balm
• Eye drops
• A glasses wipe
• Bandana
• Paper fan and/or other fans
• Dentek sticks (grown people teeth will hold onto meals)
• Sunglasses (if it's daytime)
• Whatever lipcolor I'm wearing
• Hand sanitizer (I got this refillable bottle, it never leaks)
• A cardholder instead of my wallet holding ID, credit card, insurance card, business card, and $40-$60 cash
• A travel pack of tissues and/or a Ziploc baggie with some wet wipes (in case there's no TP in the stall or porta potty).

Sometimes I also include one pack minty and one pack fruity gum, a water bag on a carabiner, this little power bank, Megababe, a travel toothbrush and mini tube of toothpaste, deodorant wipes in a Ziploc baggie, Supergoop stick SPF.

Grown Women Know Hearing Protection is Chic

Back in 2016, I went to the Hopscotch Festival in Raleigh, and Erykah Badu was late as usual, so my friend and I left and went to a different stage and ended up being on the rail for Young Thug, right in front of a speaker on the stage. It was amazing. He had just come out with Jeffrey, the energy was high, I was swooning. And then the show ended and my ears were ringing. And they haven't been the same since.

These high-quality reusable hearing protectors come in a little metal container you can attach to your keychain, or the zipper pull of your concert bag. These music-specific earplugs are hella comfortable and make you look like you know your shit when you put them in before the set. These look super cool and you can customize the noise cancellation; I have them in gold, and you can get this cord to connect them so you don't accidentally lose one.

Beauty Tips for Women Over 40 Attending Concerts

If you get sweaty, bring a bandana. And/or a folding fan. And/or a clip-on fan. There's no shame in keeping cool and comfortable. If you get sweaty hair easily, wear your hair slicked back from the get-go; part down the middle, slick back with a product like this, and crown to nape ponytail depending on your desire.

Forego a full face of makeup and just let the focus be brows, lashes, and lips:

• I saw a brow guru a few years ago who shared advice that changed my life. After 40, brunettes should switch from brown to dark taupe brow pencils and color. Even if we dye our hair, the taupe looks way more natural and complements our skin better too. I love this one from Julep; it's more an ash brown than a taupe and I can't rub it off in a sweaty dance frenzy.
• If you haven't tried Thrive Causemetics' Liquid Lash Extensions mascara, you should. A wonderful company regarding ethics and customer care, and this tubing mascara leaves lashes lush and free of smears or smudges, even in a sweaty pit or the swimming pool, yet it comes off easily at the end of the day.
• When I do a red lip for a concert or a sweaty day, I use this liquid lip color from Sephora. It stays put really well without being drying. For shine, I like this gloss from Black Girl Sunscreen; it has SPF so it looks pretty and keeps me protected at daytime festivals or everyday.
• If I want to look fun and festive, I do a glittery liquid liner which will stay in place all night long. These from Urban Decay are awesome; no need to be an artist. Dab the product along the lash line until you get your desired level of pigment and sparkle. It washes away easily at the end of the night.

Sample Outfits for Different Kinds of Concerts

I have shared many photos of myself as an over-40 woman at concerts and music festivals throughout this article, but I do know my personal style may be different from yours. So here are some sample outfits for different kinds of concerts:

Outdoor Pavilion Summer Concert Outfit

Whether you have reserved seats in the pavilion or are hoping to find a nice patch of grass in the lawn, dress for the weather and dress for comfort. Shoes with grip, loose breathable fabrics, a crossbody bag, and a layer for when the sun sets are musts.

Shop the collage: dress (XXS-3X) | earrings | bracelet | tinted lip balm | shawl | crossbody bag | sandals

Outdoor Stadium Summer Concert Outfit

Shoes really matter for a stadium concert, as you likely won't be sitting even if you have seated tickets. It will be warm, it will be hard concrete, and you want to wear something easy to get in and out of for long bathroom lines. It's dark, focus on the top half of your look and this is a time when shorts can look downright chic.

Shop the collage: top (2-26W) | shorts (22-34; I own, they are so great for us grown-ass folk) | earrings (also own) | ring | bracelet | bag | lip & cheek color | boots

Indoor Arena Concert Outfit

Your outfit can be similar to that of an outdoor stadium, except it should have better airflow and the temperature cooler. Seats are usually tighter together, so if you do wear a layering piece, make it easy to get on and off in a small space and keep your bag and accessories smaller and close to the body.

Shop the collage: earrings | necklace stack | bracelet stack | ring stack | jeans (2-16 & petite) | top (XS-XL) | lipcolor | bag | shoes

Do not follow AI advice and wear skinny jeans, a fitted leather jacket and/or a sequin tee and a clutch purse. IMO, wearing a leather jacket to a concert unless it's your vibe or the band's vibe looks very dated in 2025.

Indoor Theater-style Concert Outfit

It can be the Lincoln, it can be Strathmore. And if you're in a metro area, there's a good chance folks will be arriving right after work. A pair of jeans and a black top with black boots is always a safe bet, but you can also take your look up a notch with a casual dress or skirt, a dressier blouse with your jeans, or trousers in place of denim. Keep shoes comfy; even if you have a seat you may be standing much of the night.

Shop the collage: dress (XXS-XXL) | earrings | jacket (0-12) | bag | shoes | lipgloss | eyeliner

Shop the collage: bracelet | earrings | pants (00-24 w/ petite & tall) | top (1X-3X) | belt (XXS-XXL) | bag | shoes

Indoor Rock Club-style Concert Outfit

It's cramped, it's warm, it smells of stale beer and sweat. Dress to be on your feet, and expect to have your feet stepped on, a beer sloshed on you, and being shoved around. This is when I cinch my crossbody higher on my torso, and am not ashamed to whip out the knee brace or orthotics for comfort.

Shop the collage: earrings | bracelet | glasses | pants (00-20 w/ petite & tall) | top (XS-XXL) | belt bag | sneakers

Jeans feel like a default choice, but I love a pair of wide-leg pants in a machine-washable fabric. Usually lighter weight, they move with you when you dance, have give and comfort, but still the pockets and chill vibe. I have these pants and love them with a simple tee or tank and sneakers for going to a show at a place like The Black Cat or 9:30 Club.

Indoor Jazz Club-style Concert Outfit

It's intimate and dark and you're likely seated at a table for two. Whether this is to see a favorite artist or to enjoy a romantic evening, keep shoes flat.

Shop the collage: earrings | ring | earplugs | pants (00-20) | top (XS-XXL) | bag | lipstick | sandals

Consider a dress, jumpsuit, or a blouse with trousers that feels date night but is also comfortable and wrinkle-resistant. Pack some Shout Wipes in your bag to dab on any dribbles from the dinner or drinks.

Date Night Unknown Venue Concert Outfit

When I recently went to Wolf Trap, I saw a woman looking beautiful and uncomfortable in a fitted black sheath dress and black pumps, clutching her wristlet, waiting for her date to exit the restroom. Her date was in shorts, boat shoes, and a linen button-front shirt. It was clear he didn't inform her of where they were going.

Shop the collage: hoops | rings | necklace | jeans (24-35 & petite, tall & lengths) | blouse (XXS-XXL) | belt (XX-XXL) | bag | lipstick | sneakers

If you're unsure of the venue but know you'll be listening to live music, a safe bet is a solid-colored midi-length dress and flats, or a refined top with dark pants, and flat shoes. Show off your personality with makeup and accessories, opt for wrinkle-resistant fabrics, and consider including undergarments and a bag, as you may be on a bar stool, standing all night, or lounging on a blanket.

I hope this guide of what to wear to a concert proves more helpful than the AI crap all over Pinterest and other parts of the internet. Do not think you need to wear a certain look, change your personal style aesthetic, or be uncomfortable to look stylish and cool at a live music event. Choose comfort and joy, and you'll find the coolest people at the concert are those of you who dressed to enjoy themselves on their terms!