How to Style Epaulettes for a Music Festival or Concert

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Unleash Your Inner Rockstar: A Definitive Guide to Styling Epaulettes for Music Festivals & Concerts

Music festivals and concerts are more than just events; they’re a chance to express your unique style, to stand out from the crowd, and to embody the energy of the music. While many gravitate towards fringe, sequins, or band tees, there’s a powerful, often overlooked accessory that can elevate your look from ordinary to iconic: the epaulette. More than just a military decoration, epaulettes are a symbol of strength, authority, and unapologetic style. When styled correctly, they become a focal point, commanding attention and reflecting the bold, rebellious spirit of live music.

This guide isn’t about the history of epaulettes; it’s a practical, actionable blueprint for integrating them into your festival or concert wardrobe. We’ll explore how to choose the right style, attach them securely, and build a complete outfit that feels both authentic and unforgettable.

The Epaulette Spectrum: Choosing Your Vibe

Before you can style them, you need to choose them. Epaulettes aren’t a monolith; they come in a vast array of styles, each with a distinct personality. The key is to match the epaulette to your personal style and the genre of music you’re seeing.

The Embellished & Bold

These are your statement pieces. Think heavy beading, intricate chain work, metallic fringe, or a mix of colorful feathers. They’re designed to be the star of the show.

  • Who they’re for: The maximalist, the glam rock enthusiast, the EDM festival-goer who loves to sparkle.

  • Concrete examples:

    • Crystal & Chain: A pair of epaulettes with cascading silver chains and embedded iridescent crystals. Perfect for a techno festival where the lights will catch every facet.

    • Feather & Bead: Shoulder pieces with layered black rooster feathers and rows of dark, shimmering beads. Ideal for a goth or industrial rock concert, adding a touch of dark drama.

    • Sequined Ombré: Epaulettes with a dense covering of sequins that transition from deep blue to vibrant pink. A fantastic choice for a pop concert or a vibrant desert festival.

The Structured & Minimalist

This style focuses on clean lines and sophisticated materials. They often feature a single, high-quality element without excessive adornment.

  • Who they’re for: The indie rock fan, the fashion-forward minimalist, anyone who wants a subtle nod to military-inspired style without the flash.

  • Concrete examples:

    • Simple Studs: A leather or vegan leather strap adorned with a single row of pyramid or conical studs. Excellent for a punk rock show or a small, intimate gig.

    • Brass Hardware: A set of heavy-duty, antiqued brass hardware pieces attached directly to the shoulder of a jacket. This gives a vintage, almost steampunk feel.

    • Woven Fabric: Epaulettes made from a strong, woven material like canvas or denim, with a simple, contrasting piping. Pairs well with a classic band tee and jeans.

The DIY & Eclectic

These are epaulettes you create or customize yourself. They’re a way to inject pure, unadulterated personality into your outfit.

  • Who they’re for: The artist, the one-of-a-kind dresser, the person who believes fashion is about self-expression above all else.

  • Concrete examples:

    • Safety Pin Riot: A pair of plain fabric epaulettes completely covered in various sizes and colors of safety pins, with some dangling from chains. Perfect for a DIY punk show.

    • Found Objects: Epaulettes made from old bottle caps, guitar picks, or even miniature toy soldiers glued onto a sturdy base. This is all about creativity and personal storytelling.

    • Fringe Frenzy: Taking a pair of simple fabric epaulettes and sewing on multiple layers of colorful, extra-long yarn or suede fringe. The movement of the fringe will be a show in itself.

The Foundation: How to Attach Epaulettes Securely

The most incredible epaulettes are useless if they fall off in the mosh pit. Secure attachment is non-negotiable. Forget flimsy safety pins; you need methods that can withstand jumping, dancing, and high-fives.

Method 1: The Button & Loop System (For Jackets & Shirts)

This is the most classic and secure method, ideal for structured garments.

  1. Preparation: Locate the small loop or strap already present on the shoulder seam of your jacket. If your garment doesn’t have one, you can sew one on using a durable thread and a small piece of matching fabric.

  2. Epaulette Selection: Choose an epaulette that has a buttonhole on its underside or can be modified to have one.

  3. Attachment: Thread the epaulette’s buttonhole through the loop on the garment’s shoulder. Secure it by buttoning it in place. If the epaulette doesn’t have a button, you can sew one directly onto the garment’s loop, ensuring it’s hidden.

  • Concrete examples: A black denim jacket with a studded epaulette. The epaulette is attached via a sturdy, hidden button. This allows for easy removal and swapping with other styles.

Method 2: The Pin-Back System (For Any Garment)

This is the most versatile option and works on everything from a t-shirt to a leather jacket.

  1. Preparation: Purchase or select epaulettes that have a strong pin-back clasp on the reverse side, similar to a large safety pin. Look for double-pin backs for extra security.

  2. Placement: Position the epaulette on the shoulder seam, about 1-2 inches from the collar.

  3. Attachment: Push the pin through the fabric and secure the clasp on the inside. For heavier epaulettes, you may want to reinforce the fabric from the inside with a small patch of felt or stiff material to prevent it from sagging or tearing.

  • Concrete examples: Attaching a pair of feathered epaulettes to the shoulders of a simple, black muscle tee. The pin-back system makes it easy to add a dynamic element to an otherwise basic outfit.

Method 3: The Fabric Glue/Sew-On System (For Permanent Fixtures)

This is for those who are committed to a specific epaulette and garment pairing. It’s the most secure but least flexible method.

  1. Preparation: Ensure your garment is clean and the epaulettes are ready to be attached.

  2. Placement: Lay the garment flat and carefully position the epaulettes on the shoulder seams, ensuring they are symmetrical.

  3. Attachment: Use a strong fabric glue or a needle and thread to sew the epaulettes directly onto the garment. For glue, apply a thin, even layer to the back of the epaulette and press it firmly into place. For sewing, use a strong thread and a simple whip stitch around the edges of the epaulette’s base.

  • Concrete examples: Permanently sewing a pair of embroidered epaulettes onto a vintage military-style jacket for a completely custom, one-of-a-kind piece.

Building the Outfit: From Epaulette to Ensemble

An epaulette is an accent, not a complete outfit. The real skill is in building a cohesive look around it. The goal is balance: you want the epaulettes to stand out without clashing with the rest of your clothes.

The Top: The Canvas for Your Art

The garment you attach your epaulettes to is crucial. It sets the tone for the entire outfit.

  • Leather/Denim Jacket: The quintessential choice. Epaulettes add a level of detail and dimension to a classic piece.
    • Actionable Advice: Pair a heavily studded or chained epaulette with a distressed denim jacket for a grunge look. Or, attach a more minimalist, polished brass epaulette to a sleek black leather jacket for a rock-and-roll vibe.
  • Simple T-Shirt or Tank Top: This is the ultimate high-low pairing. A basic tee becomes a canvas for an elaborate epaulette.
    • Actionable Advice: Take a plain white t-shirt and attach a pair of vibrant, feathered epaulettes. The contrast between the simple shirt and the dramatic accessory is striking and modern.
  • Military-Style Jacket: This is a nod to the epaulette’s origins. It creates a bold, uniform-inspired look.
    • Actionable Advice: Choose a military jacket in a color like olive green or camouflage and add a pair of gold or silver chain epaulettes. The metallic shine will contrast beautifully with the muted fabric.
  • Corset or Bustier: For a high-fashion, dramatic festival look, attach epaulettes to the straps of a corset.
    • Actionable Advice: Find a black leather corset and attach a pair of black epaulettes with a waterfall of silver chains. This creates a powerful, armored aesthetic.

The Bottoms: Grounding the Look

Your bottoms should complement, not compete with, the drama on your shoulders.

  • Classic Jeans: The most reliable choice. A pair of well-fitting jeans, whether skinny, wide-leg, or distressed, will always work.
    • Actionable Advice: With a bold epaulette-adorned jacket, pair it with simple black skinny jeans. This keeps the focus on the upper half of your outfit.
  • Leather Pants or Shorts: This creates a full rockstar look.
    • Actionable Advice: If your epaulettes are on a denim jacket, pair it with black leather shorts and fishnet stockings for a punk-inspired concert outfit.
  • Trousers: A tailored or cargo pant can elevate the military-inspired look.
    • Actionable Advice: Wear a military jacket with brass epaulettes over a simple shirt, and pair it with olive green cargo pants for a rugged, stylish look.

The Accessories: The Finishing Touches

Accessories are where you can add more personality and tie the whole look together.

  • Hats: A hat can balance the look and add another layer of style.
    • Actionable Advice: A wide-brimmed fedora or a simple beanie works well with epaulettes. A fedora adds a touch of bohemian flair, while a beanie reinforces a grunge or street style aesthetic.
  • Footwear: Choose shoes that are comfortable for standing and dancing, but also fit the vibe.
    • Actionable Advice: Dr. Martens or combat boots are a perfect match for any epaulette-centric outfit, reinforcing the edgy, strong aesthetic. If you’re going for a more bohemian look, a pair of chunky platform boots or even western-style boots would work.
  • Bags: Opt for a small bag that won’t get in the way.
    • Actionable Advice: A fanny pack or a small crossbody bag keeps your essentials safe while you dance without adding bulk or distracting from your shoulder pieces.
  • Jewelry: Keep it minimal to let the epaulettes shine.
    • Actionable Advice: A few simple rings or a subtle necklace are fine, but avoid large, statement necklaces or earrings that will compete for attention with your shoulders.

Curating the Final Look: Genre-Specific Styling

The type of music you’re seeing should inform your choices. What works at a high-energy EDM festival might feel out of place at a folk concert.

For the Electronic Music Festival (EDM, Techno, House)

  • Vibe: High energy, vibrant, futuristic, often a touch of fantasy.

  • Epaulette Choice: Bright, iridescent, or metallic epaulettes with lots of movement. Think fiber optics, cascading chains, or sequins that catch the light.

  • Outfit Idea:

    • Top: A black mesh or sheer top.

    • Epaulettes: Iridescent sequin epaulettes with long, silver chain fringe.

    • Bottoms: Black leather shorts with fishnet stockings.

    • Footwear: Chunky platform boots.

    • Accessories: A face full of glitter, reflective sunglasses, and a small fanny pack.

For the Rock Concert (Indie, Classic Rock, Punk)

  • Vibe: Edgy, rebellious, vintage, effortless cool.

  • Epaulette Choice: Studded leather, distressed brass hardware, or a DIY look with safety pins and patches.

  • Outfit Idea:

    • Top: A vintage band tee, or a simple black muscle tee.

    • Epaulettes: A pair of black leather epaulettes with pyramid studs attached via a pin-back system.

    • Bottoms: Distressed black skinny jeans.

    • Footwear: Well-worn Dr. Martens or combat boots.

    • Accessories: A chunky silver ring or two, and a simple beanie.

For the Folk or Americana Concert

  • Vibe: Bohemian, earthy, relaxed, with a touch of ruggedness.

  • Epaulette Choice: Epaulettes made of woven fabric, leather with fringe, or natural materials like macrame and feathers.

  • Outfit Idea:

    • Top: A flowy, bohemian blouse or a simple, fitted henley.

    • Epaulettes: Brown leather epaulettes with long, cascading suede fringe.

    • Bottoms: A pair of high-waisted, wide-leg jeans.

    • Footwear: Western-style ankle boots.

    • Accessories: A wide-brimmed felt hat, and a simple bolo tie.

For the Pop Concert

  • Vibe: Fun, bold, glamorous, and polished.

  • Epaulette Choice: Brightly colored, sequined, or crystal-embellished epaulettes.

  • Outfit Idea:

    • Top: A cropped sequin top or a structured blazer over a simple camisole.

    • Epaulettes: A pair of epaulettes covered in large, multifaceted crystals that catch the light.

    • Bottoms: A high-waisted metallic skirt.

    • Footwear: Heeled ankle boots or chunky sneakers.

    • Accessories: A pair of oversized hoop earrings, and a small clutch bag.

The Final Touch: Confidence is Your Best Accessory

Ultimately, the most important part of styling epaulettes for a music festival or concert is owning the look. Epaulettes are a bold fashion choice; they’re not for the shy. They are a statement that says, “I am here, and I am ready to rock.” When you step out in your carefully crafted outfit, walk with the confidence of the rockstar you are. Your style is a reflection of your personality and your passion for music. Let your shoulders speak volumes.