I’m With the Band
Image Courtesy: Indiewire
After securing tickets to your favorite artist’s concert, the first question that naturally comes to mind is, “What should I wear?” Music has proven to be a compelling force time after time. Its influence over our actions instills a need to capture a piece of the melodic world within our physical expression.
As we know, matching the aesthetic of live entertainers is not a new phenomenon. Fans have been crafting poignant outfit ideas since the days of Beatlemania, fan culture influenced by the Beatles in preparation for the chance to go backstage. Hoping to look their best while appealing to the performer's sense of style, a phase of fashion transformation ensues. Counterculture movements and social shifts paved the way for concertgoers to dress more freely during this time. From flared jeans and leather jackets reflecting classic rock to eccentric sparkle on par with disco fever, the sartorial choices of fans stemmed from the variety of colors and shades woven into the music. When self-expression was strictly controlled, performance venues provided a refuge for people to break through formalities, enabling them to make a statement and intertwine their passions and individuality.
With the emergence of Taylor Swift’s Era’s Tour, the dress code for concerts became a greater escapade than ever before. A night of entertainment becomes a night of dress-up. More and more singers like Chappell Roan are becoming adventurous with this concept of costume, creating set themes for certain cities as a chance for the audience to feel unified with one another and the entertainer. For example, in the 2010s, icons like Lady Gaga and Britney Spears brought about niche dress codes. Gaga’s ‘little monsters’ were encouraged to dip into the most unconventional and avant-garde fashion choices, focusing on the drama while valuing the lack of censorship. With numerous looks to choose from, Britney fans honored her devotion to popstar glamor, going for the perfect combination of sexy yet flexible. In any span, performers exemplify the bits and pieces of relevant fashion currents that further sway their live audiences.
Image Courtesy: CA Times
TikTok trends have begun to demonstrate the clear distinction of the groupie’s “I’m with the band” look from artist to artist. The sheer amount of content produced today by users sharing concert outfit inspiration is almost too much to handle. Appearing on brand amidst the cohesive crowd is no longer a suggestion but a requirement. Even social gatherings have been themed to match the vibe of musicians or bands. And people will understand the assignment. The pursuit of specificity to be similar to the celebrity at hand has taken a new avenue with social media. Now accepting greater responsibility, your outfit is not only something you and your friends can show off for the night – it influences the fans who stand beside you.
Image Courtesy: Hello Darling
Even at extravagant musical expeditions like the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, it's agreed upon that everyone in attendance must capture that Bohemian, twinkly, forever young essence through crocheted tops and lots of glitter.
Looking beyond the fun, in attempting to recreate these looks we experiment with our style. From the 1980s onward, punk rock and emo music prompted a subcultural revelation for listeners looking to enhance their self-expression. The intense themes of angst and heartbreak inspired this pool of nonconformists, urging them to add DIY twists to their looks. Highlighting expression of personality and darkness, the emergence of emo fashion demonstrates an instance where the “fit” made it out of the concert and became part of daily wear.
Details that reference our love for an artist have saturated our appearance, little by little. Lyrics especially have meaning to the listener and have made their way onto our t-shirts, crewnecks, and jewelry. In the smallest of efforts, we continue to attach bits of ourselves to the art we admire, making it a part of our physical identity.
The heights of fandom have only grown with the increasing sense of community accompanied by a joint sense of style. It has brought us closer to our idols and what they stand for, by offering them a chance to permeate who we are and how we present ourselves. Their artistry goes on to impact more than our minds. We recall the days of ‘dress up’ as we snag our favorite garments to keep and wear when the music’s over.
Strike Out,
Writer: Jacqueline Galvano
Editor: Dani Hernandez
Graphic Designer: Cole Martucci
Tallahassee