Some meticulously plan their outfits every evening before bed, while others fly by the seat of their pants and pick their daily duds moments before dashing out the door. I respect both methods of outfit selection; however, there are some occasions that require even the most spontaneous of us to do a little preliminary planning.
One such occasion is a concert. Getting dressed for one is akin to solving a math problem. Admittedly, math is not my forte, but I feel that I can solve this particular equation and help you look and feel spectacular at this year’s Juice Jam Music Festival.
The first step in solving this fashion problem is following a simple acronym that you may have already learned: PEMDAS. I have reformulated this mathematical acronym to fit our fashion purposes, and below, I explain the new, appropriate “operations” that should be performed.
(Drew Osumi | Staff Photographer)
“P” stands for “prioritize.” When picking out a concert outfit, it is imperative that you prioritize whether you want to look insanely stylish or would rather aim for functionality.
For example, you may want to wear a pair of pants or leggings that don’t have pockets. While these pants may look awesome, they are not going to afford you any storage space. You will either have to hold your belongings for the duration of the concert or bring a bag or purse, which will probably be searched before you enter the venue. This delay means more time in line and less time where you want to be. Ergo, pockets are a must.
Footwear is an aspect of your outfit that requires you to prioritize whether you want to be stylish or comfortable. I find that the best concert shoe for both men and women is a sneaker. Yes, flip-flops are easy to throw on, and heels and boots dress up an outfit, but these choices can lead to smashed toes or blisters. The safest choice is to slip into your best pair of sneakers, be they old school Chucks or a new pair of Supergas.
Also, I recommend bringing a hoodie or a jean jacket that you can easily tie around your waist, given that Syracuse weather is fickle, and odds are it will either get cold or rainy at some point.
(Drew Osumi | Staff Photographer)
“E” stands for “equip.” It is important to equip yourself with the essentials (i.e., your cell phone, concert ticket, keys, cash for the day and other must-have items). In order to hold all of these items, your pockets cannot be shallow.
(Drew Osumi | Staff Photographer)
“M” stands for “map.” It is a good idea to map out your plan for the day of the concert. Are you just going to the concert, or are you going out afterward and perhaps not returning home until the wee hours of the morning? If you plan on doing something later on, bring a nice cardigan or jacket to dress up your concert outfit and to effortlessly complete your evening look.
(Drew Osumi | Staff Photographer)
“D” stands for “diversity.” It is important to keep practicality and pocket size in mind, but it is also fun to mark the occasion of your concert attendance by wearing something you don’t wear every day. You could dig an old concert T-shirt from the back of your closet, or even customize a plain shirt that you don’t wear often by writing a favorite band’s lyrics on it.
(Drew Osumi | Staff Photographer)
“A” stands for “accessorize.” By all means, wear some funky chains or load up on bangles, but whatever baubles you don, make sure that you will not be heartbroken if you lose them. Jewelry has an uncanny habit of going missing at concerts, so bear that in mind. Also, a favorite cap or beanie and some shades can top off your concert look nicely.
(Drew Osumi | Staff Photographer)
Lastly, “S” stands for “streamline.” While it is tempting to go all-out for concerts and slap on some leather hot pants and a feather boa, it is good to remember that comfort is key.
So remember, follow PEMDAS and know that sneakers, pants with deep pockets, a shirt you can move in that has a dash of pizzazz, a jacket and some light jewelry are all you need to have a sweet time at this year’s Juice Jam.
(Drew Osumi | Staff Photographer)
Jenna Belmonte is a magazine, newspaper and online journalism graduate student. Her fashion column appears every Monday in Pulp. She can be reached at jmbelmon@syr.edu.
Maggie Tierney, a junior public relations major, is wearing a white crop top (Tobi), orange shorts (J. Crew) and a gold watch (New York & Company). Anthony Wright, a senior television, radio and film and Spanish dual major, is wearing an Americana tank (H&M), jean shorts (H&M) and a snapback (Goorin Brothers).
