With Dubai Music Week kicking off this weekend, it’s a good time for some style tips on concert dressing, because it isn’t as easy as it may look. Achieving that effortless balance between intentionally dishevelled yet somehow glamorous fan-girl is no simple task, and the last thing you want is to show up late for a long-anticipated evening because you couldn’t decide between your ripped jeans or suede skirt.
If you’ve been to concerts or music festivals in different countries, be warned: wild fan-girl fashion (the type where you leave your house looking one way and then slash up your clothing in the bathroom with your girlfriends before the concert) doesn’t fly here. Yes, even for music festivals, there’s somewhat of a dress code to adhere to. So, no, don’t wear your underwear as outerwear or show off Jason Derulo’s name painted all over your body in lipstick. That just might get you kicked out of the venue and leave you in tears over wasting money on tickets.
But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have fun with your fandom. If you’re heading to Dubai Music Week for Ellie Goulding, why not channel her signature style? Her recent stage outfits have ranged from mesh varsity bomber jackets with leopard spots to leather shorts and light, airy kimono-sleeve tops. She keeps it casual, but her concert ensembles embody an edgy vibe, because her basic pairings come with a subtle dose of theatrics.
If Thirty Seconds to Mars are more your thing, then try a rock ’n’ roll wonder meets fashion-girl look. If you’re like me, you may have a pile of graphic T-shirts in your wardrobe, worn sometimes while cleaning the house or sleeping. Pick out one of these for the concert, because there’s nothing that screams “fan girl” louder than an old graphic tee – if it sports a band logo, even better. Personally, I’ll be rocking one of these with a statement necklace. Don’t fall into the mindset that because it’s a concert, you need to portray a tough image – one which lacks jewellery. Have fun with your look and throw on as many chokers and chains as you like.
Now you’ve settled on a T-shirt and have sorted the top half of your outfit, the hard part is done – there are an infinite number of ways to dress it up. Wear it over leather leggings or ripped skinny jeans, or tuck it into a pleated maxi skirt or distressed boyfriend jeans, and accessorise away with killer shoes and any small purse.
Keep your footwear comfortable – I’m talking easy-to-wear gladiator sandals, if not Keds, Nikes and Vans slip-ons – but don’t make the mistake of wearing your stylish white sneaks, because if you’re heading to an outdoor concert here, by the end of the night, they’ll likely resemble a pukey shade of dusty, desert sand.
Lugging around a bulky shoulder bag may be your biggest regret of the night, if you choose to carry a tote or medium- to large-sized handbag. Your phone, cash and perhaps a lipstick or two are all you need, so simply sling a small cross-body bag across your outfit. Don’t get sucked into taking a bigger bag just for your water bottle – you’re better off holding that in your hand.
Finally, don’t bother getting a fancy blow-dry for Dubai Music Week. Picture the crowd: a sweaty throng of hyped-up fans packed together like sardines. Your lush locks will go flat within the first hour, I guarantee it. Instead, try a nonchalant half-bun, top knot or fishtail braid.
Nail the fan-girl look and you might just get Derulo to serenade you with one of his hits, but your outfit really needs to be on-point for that.
hlodi@thenational.ae
