Fandoms are communities based on a common emotion, identity, or passion. In the last few years, such communities have found ways to express their devotion beyond playlists and posters, and have formed a very up-and-coming trend: concert fashion.
The era where you rock up to a concert in a simple tee and a pair of jeans is in the past. Current fans of modern music are dressing strategically to their concerts. Wearing outfits that resonate with the tone, message or artistic element of their favorite stars is the aim.
Regardless of whether you are going to a pop concert or a rap show, you will find the audience will be dressed for the part. For rap shows you will see in influx of streetwear style like urban skinny jeans and oversized American football jerseys.
And in such a transition, an entirely new cultural moment is being established.
Fashion-forward fandoms
Nowadays, at almost any big concert, the fan base comes to impress and feel a part of the group. Every music type and performer evoke a specific kind of expression, and these appearances have evolved into a non-verbal form of communication among spectators.
And here is how that works out in fandoms:
- Pop music listeners, fans of artists such as Taylor Swift or Tate McRae, are inspired to attend performances and award ceremonies in pastel colors, with glittery makeup and themed costumes that allude to lyrics, periods, or even jokes shared in their vlogs. A set of matching accessories and friendship bracelets will complete the image.
- Rap and hip-hop fans: Streetwear is in the lead. Colorful jackets, souped-up accessories, and urban skinny jeans are a must. These fans exude self-confidence through their fashion, and it resonates with the raw energy of the performance.
- The crowd belonging to Pitbull: The appearance? Famous and funny. An allusion to his persona is then made in bold caps, Miami suits, and sunglasses, which only goes to show that fashion can indeed be as much fun as it is fan-driven.
Visual codes enable one to belong somewhere easily. Clothes serve not only to make people look nice, but they are also group indicators.
Why it’s more than just dressing up
Why has the fashion-first fandom strategy emerged as popular?
- An emotional match: a clothing style that complements the artist’s vibe allows fans to easily relate to the performer on an emotional level.
- Superior communities: When fans dress in a certain uniformity, the bonding and the feeling of belonging are improved.
- Visibility: Concert clothing becomes part of the show on social media platforms, including TikTok and Instagram. Fans often record the night to be associated with the movement.
From fans to fashion influencers
What started in the concert arena is now affecting streetwear. Fans are now donning costumes to party in the evening, creating trends that resonate in the digital environment and extend into the broader fashion world.
On TikTok, outfit reveals before shows are becoming a small fashion show, with the fans displaying the outfits they created based on their favorite artists.
Instagram and Pinterest are cluttered with tags and groupings of a particular tour or artist, such as the now-classic outfits of the Taylor Swift Eras Tour. Such appearances translate to being defined as fashion types that are accepted by a larger mass, removing the boundary between fan style and fashion personality.
Such a trend even gets the attention of fashion brands. Others are republishing the works based on the trends set by fans, acknowledging the creative influence that such an audience possesses.
Fans can no longer be regarded as a mere component of the culture; they are actively contributing to it.
Conclusion
The concept of concert dressing is no longer about dressing up to attend a party but has become a cultural indicator of one’s style. In all genres, fans are suddenly designing their looks to reflect their allegiance and ingenuity in their idol music.
Every fan has their fashion: in pop, it’s sequins; in rap, it’s streetwear; in country, it’s boots. These costumes help create memorable moods during performances and blur the boundary between the crowd and the event.
Ultimately, the conclusion is obvious: fandoms related to music do not simply follow the music, but have it tattooed on their sleeves. Literally.