What to Wear to a Gig, a Session and a Music Industry Meeting

Musicians and crew get asked to be in a lot of different places: a club on Friday, a wedding on Saturday, a studio on Monday, and a meeting with a label, sponsor or agency on Wednesday. Each one comes with its own unwritten dress code.

Get it right and nobody notices. Get it wrong and it's the first thing people remember. Here's how to dress for each.

The club or bar gig

This is where you have the most freedom, and the most opportunity to make your look part of the show. Dress like the act you are. Rock, jazz, country and indie crowds all expect something a little different.

• Dress a step above the audience. You should look like you're the one on stage.
• Coordinate with your bandmates so you look like a unit.
• Choose breathable fabrics. Stages are hot under the lights.
• Wear shoes you can stand in for hours and that work with your pedals or drum kit.

Weddings, private parties and corporate events

Here, you're part of someone else's event. The goal is to look polished and fit the occasion, not to stand out from it.

• Ask the client about the dress code in advance, and follow it.
• When in doubt, go darker and dressier. Black or navy always works.
• Keep it clean, pressed and well-fitted.
• Leave the band T-shirts at home unless you've been asked to wear them.

Festivals and outdoor shows

Weather is the boss. A great look means nothing if you're freezing or overheating.

• Dress in layers you can add or remove.
• Bring a hat and sunscreen for daytime sets.
• Pack a rain layer, just in case.
• Choose footwear that can handle grass, mud and uneven stages.

Studio sessions

Comfort is the priority. You may be sitting, standing or playing the same part over and over for hours.

• Wear comfortable, quiet clothing. Noisy jackets, jangly bracelets and squeaky shoes can end up on the recording.
• Dress in layers. Studios can swing from warm to cold.
• Still look put together. Sessions often lead to photos, videos and future calls.

Crew calls

For crew, the standard in most venues is simple: blacks. Dark clothing keeps you out of sight on stage and looks professional.

• Black T-shirt or long-sleeve shirt, black pants
• Sturdy, closed-toe shoes or work boots
• Nothing loose or dangling that can catch on equipment
• Work gloves and a belt for tools

Music industry meetings

Meetings with labels, agents, sponsors, venue owners or potential clients are business meetings, and you should look the part. But this industry rarely expects a suit and tie.

• Smart casual works almost everywhere: a golf shirt or button-down shirt with dress slacks or dark, well-fitted pants.
• A jacket is a good idea for more formal meetings.
• Clean, simple shoes finish the look.
• Keep a touch of your personal style. You're still a creative professional.

Trade shows and industry events

You'll be on your feet all day, meeting people you may want to work with. Dress for business, but choose comfort.

• The same smart casual you'd wear to a meeting
• The most comfortable dress shoes you own
• Something with pockets for business cards, your phone and a pen

The bottom line

Dressing well in this business isn't about expensive clothes. It's about showing up looking like you understood the room, respected the occasion and took the job seriously.

Know where you're going. Then dress like you belong there.