How to Dress for the Concert: “Concert Black” Guide

by Akari Inoue, 12th Grade Violinist and Orchestra Council President

Hi everyone!

With our performance coming up, I want to make sure we all look polished, confident, and stage-ready. Our ensemble’s dress code is Concert Black, which helps us present as a unified group so the focus stays on the music we create together.

Here’s everything you need to know...

What Is Concert Black? Concert Black is simple, elegant, and professional.

Here's the official list:

· Black dress shirt or blouse with 3/4 to full-length sleeves

· Black dress pants or skirt (knee-length or lower)

· Black dress (knee-length or lower, 3/4 to full-length sleeves)

· Black dress shoes (and black socks if needed)

· Black long tie (optional)

· Black suit jacket (optional)

· Religious head coverings: plain black

The key: nothing flashy, shiny, patterned, or colorful. Matte, clean, and simple is ideal.

Some outfit Options/ideas:

TOPS

• Uniqlo – Rayon Blouse or Smart Dress Shirt ($39.90)

• H&M – Long-Sleeve Satin-Finish Blouse (in black) V-Neck Blouse

• Amazon Essentials – Women’s or Men’s Long-Sleeve Button-Down

BOTTOMS

• Uniqlo Smart Ankle Pants – super comfortable, very clean look

• H&M Straight Dress Pants Straight-Leg Pants

• Target - Women's Cutwork Midi A-Line Skirt

DRESSES

• Nordstromrack - Nina Leonard Tie-Waist Sweater Dress

• Gap- Recycled Chiffon-Trim Midi Dress ($34.99)

• Amazon - WNEEDU Women's 3/4 Sleeve Casual Loose Long Maxi Dresses with Pocket

SHOES

Look for closed-toe, comfortable black dress shoes since we stand a lot.

• Payless / Target – classic flats Women's Claire Knit Washable Ballet Flats ($19.99)

• DSW – Crown Vintage Coltenn Oxford Crown Vintage Coltenn Oxford

• Banana Republic – Vegan Leather Maryjane Ballet Flat Vegan Leather

ACCESSORIES (Optional)

• Black tie – Amazon Basics

• Black suit jackets from H&M

• Head coverings – any plain black scarf, wrap, or hijab (no patterns or shimmer) Modefa Premium Jersey Islamic Hijab Headscarf Wrap Shawl - (Black) - Walmart.com

Final Tips Before Concert Day

1. Try everything on at least a week before the concert.

2. Make sure clothing is wrinkle-free and lint-free

3. Avoid shiny jewelry.

4. If in doubt… choose the simpler option. Simple always looks better on stage.