Looking for outfit inspiration for what to wear to a jazz concert? These stylish jazz concert outfit ideas will ensure you’re dressed for an evening of fun.
Can you wear typical concert attire for what to wear to a jazz concert? Jazz music has a more swanky vibe than other genres, so upscale attire is definitely appropriate for an evening concert indoors. Ultimately though, it depends upon the concert venue and the time of day.
In this post, you’ll learn some perfect jazz concert outfit ideas that you can wear to your next jazz event to look super stylish and cool without feeling under or overdressed.
This post is all about what to wear to a jazz concert.
What To Wear TO A Jazz Concert Woman
Jazz Concert Outfit Ideas
Let’s begin with jazz concert outfit ideas for formal venues, where the concert is a fully-seated show. A formal jazz concert is held at a grand venue such as a concert hall or performing arts center with a large seating area, such as Carnegie Hall in New York City. The jazz concert aesthetic is tasteful and sophisticated at these venues.
Formal Jazz Concert Outfits
Formal jazz concerts are upscale, dress-to-impress events. Attire is similar to what you’d wear to a music recital. An evening gown is perfect for any formal jazz event, even if it’s an intimate concert at a formal venue. Your gown can be midi-length to floor-length. Always check with the venue if you’re unsure.
A silk or satin evening gown is incredibly chic and timeless for your event and one that you can own for a lifetime. Style with a pair of thin strappy heels and a boutique clutch for an elegant and understated look.
Upscale Jazz Concert outfits
Cocktail attire is also a less formal option for an upscale jazz concert. In this case, a dress no shorter than mid-thigh is appropriate. Avoid mini dresses as you’ll be sitting down for a long period of time. An LBD with statement accessories is a great choice, but don’t be afraid to go for a bolder dress, jumpsuit, or skirt set.
A mini bag or stylish clutch is the perfect size for both a formal or upscale jazz concert. Keep your outfit interesting by mixing different materials, fabrics, and finishes. Skip the super-high stilettos and opt for a 4-inch heel or lower. Any of these going out looks can double as an elegant date night outfit and a nice dinner beforehand.
If it’s cold outside, wear a coat that’s long enough to cover your dress and wear it into the venue. Always keep things tasteful for what to wear to a jazz concert when you’re attending a classy venue.
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What To Wear To A Jazz Show
Next, we venture into a casual jazz concert at a music venue that has both a seating section and a general admission (or standing area) in the front. A casual jazz concert is held at a typical concert venue such as the Tower Theatre near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. These venues can be as large as an indoor stadium or much smaller, depending on the band or music act.
Because it’s jazz music, you can go bold with your outfit and experiment with colors, prints, and styles. Jazz music has personality, so you’ll want to feel like your most carefree version of yourself for what to wear to a jazz show, especially if you’re dancing. Don’t be afraid to dress in costume or like a certain style personality, especially if your jazz show is around a holiday.
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Standing Or Dancing Jazz Show
If you’ll be in the standing section or plan to dance, a stylish and comfortable outfit is key. Many music venues seem to pack the audience in like a box of sardines, so avoid bulky sweaters and anything too warm.
Try a slip dress or an linen jumsuit with a pair of strappy flat sandals. Small crossbody bags will leave you hands free. Style pants with a silk blouse or a baby tee and pair of woven mules. Swap stilettos with a pair of wedges with a cute mini dress.
Throw a blazer or leather jacket on for a complete look.
Smaller hats are also a great accessory to style with when you’re in the GA section. If you have long hair and plan to dance, bring a scrunchie to tie it back when you get too hot.
Seated Jazz Show
If you’re in the seated section, you’ll want to wear something that’s comfortable to sit in for a few hours. Avoid overly tight pants and low-rise pants that squeeze your mid-section or cause fashion faux pas when sitting. Mini dresses and super short skirts might be too revealing when sitting, so keep that in mind.
A romper or dress with minimal sandals, an oversized clutch and statement earrings is very chic. Or go for a slinky pair of trousers and a beautiful statement top. Monochrome and tonal outfits are very stylish and easy to dress up with flashy accessories for a night out as well.
You have your best choice in footwear with seated tickets, so pull out your favorite heels or wild boots and have fun! Seats also mean you can carry a bigger purse or clutch if necessary. Avoid wearing big hats that may block someone’s view. Concert etiquette is important when considering what to wear to a jazz show, even at the most casual of venues.
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Jazz Club Outfit Ideas
A jazz club is typically in a more intimate venue with limited seating. Jazz clubs may have high-top tables, reserved seating, or be in a tiny standing room. Either way, this is one of the best ways to see jazz because you’re close enough to the musicians to experience the energy and emotion that goes into playing the music. Jazz club outfit ideas vary depending on whether the jazz club is upscale, such as Herb Alpert’s Vibrato Grill Jazz in Los Angeles, or a basement-level dive.
If you and your party decide to hop from one jazz club to the next, make sure your outfit is appropriate for at least an upscale bar dress code (e.g. sneakers might not be allowed at certain clubs).
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The same handbag recommendations exist for jazz clubs where you’ll be standing: small crossbody bags. Clutches and other small handbags are suitable for jazz clubs where you’ll be seated.
Upscale Jazz Club Outfits
For any jazz club that requires reserved seating or tickets in advance, you’ll want to dress appropriately for a night out. A cocktail dress or an elegant matching set is perfect for an upscale jazz club, as is an evening gown. Both cocktail attire and business casual attire are good choices too.
What To Wear To A Jazz Club In NYC
Try deep colors with bold accessories for what to wear to a jazz club in NYC. Opt for smart casual clothes or fun going-out clothes, same as if you were heading to a bar. If it’s chilly outside, bring a coat or jacket you don’t mind holding in case the venue doesn’t offer a coat check and you’re standing the entire time.
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What To Wear To A Jazz Club In New Orleans
The weather is definitely warmer for what to wear to a jazz club in New Orleans. Opt for lightweight materials and definitely wear your dancing shoes. It’s not uncommon for a New Orleans jazz club to operate out of what looks to be someone’s house, where you’re packed into the prior living room with a crockpot of free barbecue in the back.
Opt for something loose and unrestricted in case you’re dealing with the heat and humidity.
What To Wear To A Jazz Concert Outside
Outdoor shows are more relaxed in terms of what to wear to a jazz concert. You’re dressing for the weather as much as dressing for the jazz event.
Music festivals such as JazzFest in New Orleans have a free dress code: wear what you want. If the weather’s hot you’ll want to wear comfortable, unrestrictive clothing. Wide-brim hats are your best friend at an outdoor jazz concert during the day.
You can never go wrong with a long flowy skirt and a chic racerback tank. However, a dress is a great day-to-night option that also keeps you cool.
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If you’re attending an evening jazz concert at any outdoor concert venue such as Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado, casual attire is fine. A jacket or cardigan might be appropriate if the evenings cool down, especially in locations with low humidity. Outdoor jazz concerts at venues with lawn seating definitely require more casual clothing and shoes that won’t dig into the grass.
I LOVE live music. Have you been to any good jazz clubs? Comment below and let me know where you’ve been and how it was?!
This post was all about what to wear to a jazz concert
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