Outfit: Outdoor Country Concert

“Perfect song on the radio
Sing along ’cause it’s one we know
It’s a smile, it’s a kiss
It’s a sip of wine, it’s summertime
Sweet summertime”

~Kenny Chesney~

So you got tickets to see that great country singer this summer.  You want to look good but aren’t sure what to wear.  You’ll be outside and its a really casual situation, but since you’ve recently upgraded your style, you don’t want to settle for jeans, a t-shirt, and flip-flops.  Here’s a casual outfit that hits all the right notes of style without looking out of place or getting too fancy.

First, remember that this isn’t cosplay.  Just because the music is country does not mean this is an excuse to dress like a cowboy.  Maybe you could wear the cowboy hat. Or the boots if you already wear them. Not both. Especially not both and the huge belt buckle.

American Eagle Outfitters Classic Plaid Button-Down Shirt ($20).  Button up shirts are not dress shirts.  This plaid shirt is bright and casual and a little bit country without looking like a costume.  Roll up those sleeves, unbutton the top 2 buttons, and, if you are slim, leave it untucked.

J.Crew Factory 7″ Broken-in Reade Shorts ($35).  It gets hot standing out in the sun and jeans would be uncomfortable even though they would look good with the other elements of this look.  Opt for shorts instead.  Skip the cargo shorts and the 10″ long guys’ shorts that end up looking like capris.  These 7″ shorts should hit above your knee and keep you cool.

Adidas ZX 700 Runner Sneakers ($75).  I know cowboy boots can be sexy.  But they are not comfortable, especially when you are going to be spending a lot of time on your feet.  Sandals keep your feet cooler, but sneakers are still the best option here.  They are comfortable, casual, and you don’t have to worry about losing them if you have a bit too much fun.

Ayliss Woven Belt ($7).  I’m a firm believer in belts with all outfits.  They add that finishing touch and make you look like a grownup.  Woven belts are the most casual option. This white version has a leather accent near the bucket which compliments the bracelet.

LUENX Aviator Sunglasses($18).  A concert is not the place for high-end, high priced sunglasses.  There’s a good chance they will get dropped and stepped on or lost, so this cheap pair of aviators are just the ticket.

The Bone Art Place Small Matau Necklace ($25).  This bone necklace looks great with those top 2 buttons undone.  You could skip it, but accessories are often the pieces that make an outfit look put together.

Lucky Brand Cali Bear Hat ($28).  Consider swapping out the stereotypical cowboy hat with a baseball cap instead.  It’s more versatile and keeps your outfit from becoming a costume.

Bawston and Tucker Aroostook Cologne ($16).  You may end the night smelling like a brewery, but start it off right with this great cologne.  The description of “fresh, citrusy, earthy” is spot on.  This cologne smells like summer.  Dab a little behind each ear and on your chest and prepare yourself for exclamations of how damn good you smell.

BraceletStreetUSA Leather Bracelet ($9).  We swap out our usual watch for a bracelet here as this is the perfect place to ignore time altogether and really be present.  This stacked look bracelet looks a little bohemian and a little rugged.  The leather is the same color as on our belt.  The blue is a different blue than either the shorts and the sneakers because we want the items in our outfit to complement each other, not to match each other.

Lifeproof FRE Phone Case ($36).  Spending time outdoors is a good reason to protect that $700 computer you carry with you everywhere.  There’s a good chance of dropping your phone in the dirt or mud when you are trying to take a picture after a few drinks or of the guy next to you spilling his beer all down your front, including your pocket and your phone.  This case is incredibly protective, light, and not too bulky.  As the saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”.

Handzies Travel Wipes ($12).  I can see you rolling your eyes.  Hand wipes?  Seriously?  Well, yes.  Have you ever used a porta-potty?  Those things are nasty.  Most people think about hand sanitizer first, but these are (a) easier to keep in your back pocket, and (2) a lot less messy.  And you’ll for sure score some gallant gentleman points from your girl when you can offer her one.