Over the past couple years, choosing an outfit for a concert has become an elaborate and vital part to the experience as a whole. Fans of artists like Harry Styles and Taylor Swift have made major headlines for using concerts as opportunities to pay homage to certain lyrics, moments or aesthetics relevant to the singers. When did dressing up for a concert become such an affair?
Coming out of a COVID-Centered Time
As the world took precautions at the height of Covid-19, getting together in public spaces was put on hold unless deemed absolutely necessary. The arts and entertainment industry took a huge hit as creators struggled to adapt to a world where their audience wasn’t allowed to be in the same space as them. Singers took the time to reschedule entire tours, with no promise that fans would still be into their work the same as before.
Despite the fear that the music industry may have taken an irreversible hit, fans have taken it upon themselves to come back swinging. Notably, with Harry Styles’ 2021 Love On Tour, fans took the ability to see the pop star live and used it as their personal runway.
More recently, Taylor Swift fans have taken the media by storm by donning intricate ensembles for her Era’s Tour.
Why Dress Up?
Choosing an elaborate outfit allows the fan to extend their experience. People often talk about “post-concert depression”, which is feeling a wave of sadness after being done with watching a performance. This usually happens from waiting weeks and months to see a concert, then attending it, having a great time and only to realize that time is over. Taking the time to plan an outfit is a way to feel more invested in the time that comes before the concert. During the concert, feeling confident is a positive way to feel connected to your surroundings.
Dressing up also allows most fans to express themselves creatively in a way that is rarely acceptable in most professions. The person underneath the feathers, silk, gems, platform shoes, silly hats, boas, long skirts and other accessories likely doesn’t dress the way they do at a concert on a daily basis.
Being dressed up at a concert is also communal. Fans who get to the venue hours before the show starts can take the time to walk around the space and interact with other fans. This community can help ease the anxiety of being in a big public space and also foster a sense of belonging. Getting to be in an environment that is supportive of personal creative acts is something truly special.
Do you like dressing up for concerts? What concerts have you attended recently? Tag us on Instagram or Twitter @VALLEYmag
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