From bedazzled fringe to beaded bracelets, pop albums and tours have begun to gain token accessories, cementing their legacy.
“I think that concerts are more than just the music. Folks like to dress up, one to show their style that maybe they don’t get to show off on a daily basis, but also to connect with other concertgoers,” shared Hannah Peterson in an email. Peterson is the head of security at the Wonder Ballroom, a popular Portland concert venue.
Working at the Wonder Ballroom since 2016, Peterson has seen countless shows and crowds, with no shortage of those willing to commit to an artist’s vision.
“Recently, we had Paris Paloma perform. A lot of the crowd dressed up in Renaissance-esque garb; capes, peasant dresses, etc. I remember chatting with this group of teenagers, who were all dressed as fairies, and they all presented little trinkets they had gotten while in line. So, it goes past the outfits and adds to a culture the fans are creating together,” said Peterson.
Pop concerts are no longer simply a viewing event. Participation with the aesthetic of a musical work is encouraged, connecting fans at each stop along an artist’s tour.
In October of 2024, a mob of neon flocked to the Moda Center to see Charli xcx and Troye Sivan perform. One particular student was in the midst. Sam Paskin, an Oregon State junior, rocked an acid green fishnet top and a dye job just as bright on his freshly bleached buzz cut.
“When an artist is able to create such an iconic era or look for their art, and the art is also, like, good? It deserves to be appreciated and shown that it is inspiring, enlightening, and thought provoking,” said Paskin on what drove him to create a look built around a one-night event.
While the hallways of concert venues bustle with skirts swishing and heels clacking against the floors, the true chaos lies in the construction of the concert outfit that takes place before reaching the venue.
“I just think it’s really funny how, for every concert, no matter how prepared you are about an outfit there will always be an outfit crashout. Every single time, people will be running around and trading clothing, and I think that’s part of the fun,” said Ellie Vangorder, recalling the personal moments that become key memories.
As a fan of Gracie Abrams and Lizzy McAlpine, these shows are filled with layered, flowy attire. Resulting in jewelry pieces and belt options being passed between friends until they find their perfect placement beforehand. Each detail is handled with care.
“Half of a concert [experience] is what you’re wearing,” said Vangorder.
Lily Martin, a senior and Reneé Rapp devotee, shared that she handmade a tank top inspired by the Bite Me tour merch for Rapp’s recent show at the Moda Center on Oct. 13. Taking excess fabric from Martin’s hemmed pants and iron fabric tape, the pair of stars were fashioned alternately across her chest, crafting a unique look.
“I think it brings the fans together because I feel like all the fans come from everywhere, especially at a big concert like that. You see somebody’s outfit and you’re like, omg I love it so much. It’s so fun that you’re wearing something similar to me and that we had a similar idea,” said Martin, when asked why clothing choice was something she made intentionally.
Musical artists have always taken the time to configure intricate visuals and aesthetics for their work. Yet now fans are able to connect with one another through clothing across an entire national tour.
Rooted in a place of admiration and community, the strive to craft the perfect concert has spread across the internet. Yet off screen it does not fall flat, it crosses the divide.
As Hannah Peterson puts it, “I get to watch folks who don’t know each other connect over the music they came to see, but also their own ways of expressing themselves.”
