The Hottest Summer Looks on Tour

Ariana Grande, Yungblud, Miley Cyrus, Billie Elish and more

Image Above: Billie Eilish; Cover Story Image: Ariana Grande

BY: Andy Shoulders

Some of the year’s hottest fashion isn’t just found on the runways and red carpets. Singers, rappers, and other recording artists alike are bringing some serious sartorial swag to their concerts and tours as well. Let’s take a look at a few of them.

1. Ariana Grande

We can always count on Ariana Grande to tread that fine line between girly and sexy. For Grande’s “Sweetener” tour, stylist Law Roach took the tried and true Grande formula – long ponytail, A-line skirt, over-the-knee boot – and refreshed & elevated the concept. Several pieces were designed by Michael Ngo, including the Disney-insipred pink two-piece design, as well as a range of warrior princess armor-like pieces. Most notable, however, is the two-piece plaid look inspired by Alicia Silverstone’s Cher Horowitz character in “Clueless.”

2. Janelle Monae

For Janelle Monae’s set at this year’s Coachella, stylist Alexandra Mandelkorn wanted to infuse Monae’s numerous costume changes with deeper meaning. Mandelkorn explained that the varied-ness of Monae’s ensembles was meant to be reflective of her alter egos’ adventures that stretch across time and space. The military-inspired theme of Monae’s set was crafted to evoke the idea of leading a revolution. Mandelkorn elaborated further: “She’s like some starship commander from an amazing Afrofuture planet. Having the militaristic elements but someone who is preaching love is a dynamic we don’t often see.” The same can be said for her “Dirty Computer” tour, with a continuation of the military theme and female sexual empowerment (i.e. those AMAZING vagina pants!).

3. Yungblud

Yungblud, born Dominic Richard Harrison, has expressed himself through his music as a “socially conscious artist unafraid of delivering genre-bending protest songs.” Some of his tracks lean toward hip-hop, while others have a strong rock vibe, but they’re all rooted in the ethos of punk. So, too, is his fashion. With influences like Marilyn Manson, Lady Gaga, and David Bowie, it’s easy to see that Yungblud likes to be memorable on stage with his style, with a penchant for identifiable “branding.” Just keep an eye out for his visible statement socks.

4. Miley Cyrus

The “Bangerz”-era in-your-face Miley has definitely grown up. While the theatrics we’ve come to expect from her still remain, they’ve been softened somewhat. It’s the execution that’s changed. Rather than shock-factor pasties and sky-high hemlines, we now see more interesting silhouettes, precision cutouts and sharp separates. What’s coming through more and more in her concerts is a return to form, but in an elevated way. We’re seeing a more rock-n-roll & countrified Miley, with that blond shag and slicked-down bangs. Here’s hoping this current style evolution is here to stay.

5. Tyler the Creator

Tyler the Creator’s fashion choices have always kept us guessing, to say the least. His latest style evolution, and subsequent tour wardrobe, sees him as one part Bowie and one part Elvis impersonator, with an array of candy-colored suits and a slightly off-putting blond wig that’s been dubbed “Andy Warhol meets Boris Johnson.” Tyler has always toyed with ideas of masculinity, and his current exploration of love and heartbreak can be seen in his softer, more adventurous silhouettes that are rooted in androgyny, but still with the famous offbeat Tyler trademarks we’ve come to expect.

6. Pink

Pink’s “Beautiful Trauma” tour is in full swing, and his been recognized as one of the best tours of 2018-2019. The show is full of Pink’s signature acrobatics, and the costumes all make sure to dazzle. A black sequined catsuit, metallic space-age jumpsuit, and a circus-inspired cape were just some of the frenetically frequent costume changes that would even make Cher dizzy. Rare is the artist who can genuinely match spectacle to actual talent, and Pink is, and has always been, absolutely that artist.

Check out more of our photos below of the latest concert and tour style, and who knows, maybe they’ll inspire you to go on a fashion tour of your own.

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