What to Wear to a Country Music Concert

Question for you: What’s the first concert you have ever attended? My first was a 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 cords as much as the clothing. Hear me out here: 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 sort of an informal 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, considering that what attendees usually wear to see musicians such as Carrie Underwood or Kacey Musgraves is vastly different from seeing Normani or 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 Ray, 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.

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Key piece: Leather jacket

Styling Tip: Lean into the rugged Western aesthetic by opting for leather outerwear. Whether you choose a jacket with an oversized fit or one with embellishments, it’s the perfect piece to wear to a country music festival.

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Key piece: Babydoll 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 than a pair of western boots. No matter if you pick a pair of traditional cowboy boots or a moto-inspired pair, these shoes will ensure you’re two-steppin’ in style.

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: Oversized shades

Styling Tip: No festival ‘fit is complete without a pair of sunglasses. However, if you want your look to be western-coded, wear 70s-inspired frames, such as oversized oval sunglasses or tinted aviators.

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Key piece: Small statement bag

Styling Tip: Unless your concert’s guidance policies clearly state that you must wear a clear bag, why not opt for something cooler? Even the most 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 concert guidelines.

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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 costume-y by pairing it with minimal staples (such as tanks, slip skirts, or jeans).

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 (such as a white t-shirt and wide-leg pants) with a Western-inspired belt. Although small, this accessory will make all the difference.

Key piece: Denim skirt

Styling Tip: Attending a country music festival during the spring or summer? If so, you’ll want to avoid wearing anything made from heavier materials or with restrictive silhouettes, such as skinny jeans or leather pants, because they’ll make you sweat. Instead, try opting for a denim skirt (at any length you feel most comfortable), as it will give you the ability to move easily throughout the event.

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.

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.

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Key piece: Denim shorts

Styling Tip: Besides cowboy boots, denim shorts are another 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 cut-offs, consider opting for a longer pair styled with knee-high boots and other modest items (such as a leather jacket).

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; quite the contrary. 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.

Key piece: Animal print pieces

Styling Tip: One way you can embrace the energy of the “wild wild west” is by incorporating at least one animal print piece into your concert ensemble. Since so much of the iconography surrounding cowboys incorporates 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.

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Key piece: Disco-inspired pieces

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 rollout of the albums for Renaissance and Cowboy Carter, metallic items can feel western-coded with fringe, cowboy boots, or daisy dukes. Ultimately, choosing the best outfit for a country concert is all about picking items that will make you want to dance. Frankly, nothing will do that, like metallic apparel or accessories.