Make concerts your runway for standout style
The right concert outfit showcases your personal style while helping you sync with the vibe and energy of the event
Dhaka's concert culture has grown over the years, moving beyond underground shows and university gigs. With the rise of popular local bands, international artists, and festivals like Coke Studio, Folk Fest, and Sufi Fest, concerts in Dhaka are no longer just about the music—they are about the energy that comes with it.
Mushfika Rahman, a regular concert-goer, not only loves attending shows but also enjoys the process of putting together the perfect outfit for each one.
She believes that when choosing an outfit, you must consider whether the concert is indoors or outdoors, whether it starts in the daytime or evening, and how long it will run. Since concerts rarely start or end on time, it's up to the audience to plan accordingly.
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"For band shows like Artcell or Nemesis, I prefer a chic top and jeans. At traditional venues like Jatra, most attendees wear sharis. Open concerts during occasions like Boishakh or Falgun also see a majority in sharis, while closed concerts tend to have various Western outfits," shared Rahman, Senior Lecturer and Chairperson-In-Charge, International Standard University.
It's also important to check if bags are allowed. When it comes to carrying essentials, a crossbody bag or fanny pack is the best option for convenience. If you are going for a deshi look, make sure that apart from complementing your outfit, your footwear also supports your feet until the last song.
"I like to approach each event as a chance to blend my personal style with current trends while keeping comfort at the forefront. When planning a concert outfit—say, for a stadium show featuring R&B, hip hop, or pop artists—I start by drawing inspiration from the artist's vibe and the theme of the album they're promoting," said Anusha Zarin Zaman, Model and Social Media Manager at Forcefield, Canada.
When she was choosing an outfit for 'The Weeknd's After Hours Till Dawn' concert, she knew she wanted to embrace a darker palette reflecting the album's cover art, so she leaned into hues of black, red, and blue.
"I paired that with my signature style: a cut-out or cropped top teamed with cargo pants or relaxed, baggy jeans, finished off with sturdy boots or chunky sneakers and accessorised with a fanny pack or waist bag," Zaman shared.
Many people attended the Coldplay and Eras tours in 2023-2024. Just as you wouldn't wear the same outfit to a Sodium Bati concert as you would to a Miles show, each concert calls for a different aesthetic.
"For events like Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, the aesthetic shifts completely. In such cases, gravitated towards a sparkling, playful look using sequins and pastel shades like pink and white. I would pair a white sequin shirt with high-top sneakers (or chunky boot-style shoes), long socks, and a cropped, backless top that combined white and silver elements," Zaman said.
She further explained, "When it comes to raves or festivals, I adjust my approach based on the music genre and event vibe. For techno or house raves, I opt for a more edgy and daring look—think dark colours, cut-out tops, and statement pieces like knee-high boots and fanny packs for convenience."
"Sunglasses are essential, too, as they add that cool, futuristic edge while ensuring practicality during long nights of dancing. My goal is always to strike a balance between edgy, sexy, and comfortable enough to keep dancing until dawn."
Zaman also likes to experiment with a range of ideas that keep her style fresh and adaptable to each event. When incorporating metallic accents and holographic details into her rave outfits for a futuristic twist, or opt for neon pieces that pop against darker backdrops during EDM shows.
She has also played with vintage band tees layered under mesh or leather jackets for a retro yet edgy vibe at alternative concerts. Additionally, mixing in statement accessories—like layered necklaces, bold rings, or oversized sunglasses—can transform a simple outfit into something memorable.
Aishwarya Aysha, an international student in the USA who frequently travels between Dhaka and New York, enjoys both local and international concerts.
"As someone who can never stick to one particular aesthetic and loves experimenting and trying every style out there, I would say choosing outfits for concerts comes pretty naturally to me. But yes there are some key points that I always look into. Firstly whose concert am I going to and what album concert is this, what is the artist focusing on. I go through Pinterest and collect so many inspirations but I always end up choosing something of my own and always add a personal touch to it," Ayshe shared.
"For example, I went to Doja Cat's Scarlet Tour. That entire album was very intimate, bold and goth-themed. Since it was a last-minute concert for me, I had to work with things I already had. I picked an earth-tone v-neck top and leather pants with leather boots. I tried to symbolise the spider and her bold album as much as possible," she added.
When Anuv Jain performed in Dhaka in 2023, Aysha and her friends chose soft, feminine looks to match the mood of his setlist. Many in the crowd wore light, flowy outfits in pastel shades, complementing the mellow tone of his songs.
Subtle makeup and simple accessories were popular choices, keeping the look effortless yet put together. This 'dress-up game' adds an extra layer of excitement for those who love both music and fashion.
