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Why I appreciate people who dress up for concerts
By Meg | January 25, 2008
I frequently complain that there aren’t many places where you can go dressed up and not feel overdressed. Where I live, it’s hard to just find a place free of flip flops and Crocs. Yeah, I have nearly 20 pairs of flip flops, but there are a lot of places that I would never dream of wearing them like to someone’s graduation, wedding, or funeral — though I’ve seen it happen. And no, the wedding didn’t have a beach theme.
It should come as no surprise, then, that it’s hard to get people to dress up for a concert or other performance.
I wouldn’t even go so far as to say that casual attire is unacceptable at most concerts, and I’m not suggesting that anyone should wear a formal gown to a rock concert. However, as a musician I know what goes into a performance. Therefore, I appreciate it when members of the audience dress up. It tells me that they consider the event to be ’special’ to them. And concerts should be special! They are the culmination of weeks and probably months of rehearsals, not to mention years of training. It’s a celebration of hard work, talent, and perseverance. So when I see people who dress up just a bit more than the others around them, I think, “They get it!”
How dressed up do you have to be? It depends on the type of music, the location, the time, the local culture, etc. However, I’d rather be overdressed than underdressed, so I try to predict what most people will wear and wear something just a bit nicer. With that in mind, here are a few guidelines:
- If you’re going to the opening night of an opera performance, then go all out. When else do you get the opportunity?
- For most evening concerts, a knee-length dress would be very appropriate. Or wear a nice blouse with a skirt or slacks.
- For day concerts, business casual is appropriate.
Of course, your attendance is more important than what you wear. So please don’t let wardrobe issues stop you from showing your support for the performers.
Tags: Etiquette, Fashion, Special Occasions, Style
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January 25th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
As an “Arts Administrator,” I find myself constantly struggling with fashion at performances. On one had, I don’t want those who have may have a smaller income to feel that an event is a “high art” and that someone of their status isn’t welcome. But on the other hand, if one can, I feel that they should dress up to the best of their abilities to show their respect for the art and the event.
When I went up to Chicago to see Wicked, I was surprised by the number of people in the “good seats” (costing $75 or higher per seat) wearing torn jeans and dirty snow boots or flip flops. It isn’t as though they’re in a discounted seat, or that they can’t afford to jazz themself up a bit. To me, their outfits signalled a disrespect for the event.
It’s really a conundrum I face on a regular basis.
January 25th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
That’s exactly it, Ashe! It certainly is a matter of respect, but so many people just wear the bare minimum they can get away with in the name of ‘comfort’. They don’t seem to understand how disrespectful it is! Yet it’s not easy just to tell them so because we still want them to come.
And it’s not just physical comfort. For some emotional reason, many people rather be underdressed than overdressed or even just dressed appropriately — which is something that I really don’t get. I think I have the topic of an upcoming post.
January 25th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
It’s funny, because when I host an arts event, I always strive for Discomfort + Class over comfort. While comfort is a matter, I will wear a pair of heels that may be a less padded in the ball, because it makes my artists & guests feel more important & respected. The nice thing about functions such as these is that they never last long, and there are plenty of opportunities for sitting, alleviating much of the discomfort.