Stylers, Swifties and Barbiecore? Well Barbie, we’re just getting started.
Something is afoot in fashion of late, and for the first time since straight leg jeans were cancelled, I’m not mad about it. I’m not talking about cut-outs, the return of the visible g-banger or cargo pants at work –
Perhaps done with the drabby tracksuits we wore for approximately 4567 days on repeat in lockdown, news of concerts, movie premieres, trips and stage shows have us not just dressing nicely, but totally getting in theme.
While theme dressing is nothing new – from pearls and cone bras to see Madonna to rocking an (admittedly, Hufflepuff) robe to see
On TikTok, the phrase ‘concert outfits’ has already had 26 billion views in the last year, while a search for ‘Eras tour outfit ideas’ has over 36 million results on Google.
So, what’s with the resurgence of theme dressing? Please allow me to present my Hard News Analysis.
We Never Go Out of Style
our earlier this year, gone was the 'jeans and a nice top' aesthetic to the concerts of yore. Instead, Stylers decided to get in on the action, attending in their best Harry... Style (thank you, I’ll be here all week).
The singer and actor, noted for his flamboyant, unisex style of flared pants, bold prints, sequined fabrics and feather boas, inspired a legion of fans into his very own Stylers.
trended on Instagram and TikTok during the musician's visit, with concert goers proudly showing off their creative contraptions, from homemade sequin jumpsuits and decorated cowboy hats, to vintage paisley flares and bold fringe accessories.
Look What You Made Me Do
I’m A Barbie Girl
What’s with the dress ups?
– dressing in theme is a creative form of expression. It allows fans to not only feel connected to the performer or event they are going to see, but to feel part of a group or community again, especially after so long apart during the lockdown years while rocking a spectacular, stand-out outfit.
Plus, there's something so fun about that teen feeling of truly just loving an artist or band so wholly and completely. Think the streets lined for The Beatles, crying at the thought of meeting Hanson, or me lining up for nine hours for Robbie Williams tickets, and another nine hours to be front row because I truly,
stylist and photographer Rosanna Elettra says she believes it is a mix of wanting to feel a part of the tour, a connection to the star or event, and part of a community.
“After extended periods of social isolation and the rising cost of living, fans are looking to maximise their experience, and dressing up in homage to their favourite artists is part of this experience. They want to feel part of the tour and then share it online with other fans,” she told the publication.
The stand out colours and vibrant hues aren’t just fun to look at in front of a stage or when posing for a picture at a movie theatre – there’s a psychology behind colour and how it affects our mood. The idea of ‘dopamine dressing’ – wearing bright, colourful or patterned clothing that sparks joy - really took off after the pandemic, in a way for people to use fashion to facilitate feelings of joy, happiness, and individualism in their every day lives.
Celebrate good times
Fashion, like song, cinema, writing, and design is an artform, and if the latest trend of sparkles, glitter and celebration of individual creativity puts a smile on your dial, then that’s all that matters!