A Guide to Modernizing Your Concert Black Dress Code

For ensemble directors, adopting a 'concert black' dress code promotes professionalism and accessibility. This guide outlines how to create a concert black dress code that accommodates musicians' individual preferences and needs while maintaining a polished appearance.

As the Principal Flutist of the Utah Symphony, I perform over 100 concerts annually and have worn formal concert black attire professionally for more than 20 years. Over this time, I have seen firsthand how dress codes impact musicians' performance, comfort, and confidence. Modernizing and simplifying dress codes can foster a more accessible environment where musicians feel confident and perform at their best.

Here’s how to develop a straightforward concert black dress code that balances the needs of all performers, whether you're looking to simplify your current policy or shift from traditional uniforms to a more modern and flexible concert black style—while still ensuring a polished look for your ensemble.

The Historical Context of Concert Attire

Concert dress codes have long reflected classical music’s aristocratic origins, with tailcoats and formal gowns serving as symbols of tradition. While these customs upheld uniformity, they often overlooked practicality and accessibility.

In the modern era, many ensembles are challenging these norms. Top orchestras such as the Philadelphia Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and San Francisco Symphony have adopted all-black dress codes, shifting the focus from rigid formalwear to comfort and individuality. This evolution recognizes the physical demands of performing and the need for attire that supports freedom of movement, while also allowing room for personal needs and preferences.

Why Choose Concert Black?

Before drafting a dress code, it’s essential to reflect on the values and mission of your ensemble. Consider the following questions:

• Does our attire align with our values? Many organizations are embracing values like sustainability, equity, and accessibility. Ensure that your dress code reflects your ensemble’s core principles and mission statement.
• What message does our attire send to the audience? Does it reflect professionalism, respect for the art form, and alignment with current societal norms? Does it allow for individuality and accessibility?
• Are there barriers within our dress code? Traditional gendered dress codes and formal attire, such as evening gowns and white tie, can feel restrictive—especially for younger musicians and newer audiences. Can the dress code be adjusted to help musicians feel more confident and perform at their best? Is everyone required to invest in the same uniform? White tie and tails or a single uniform dress can be financially burdensome with limited use outside performances. Does the purchase of separates increase versatility and value?

Writing a Flexible Dress Code

To meet the diverse needs of your ensemble, it's important to draft a dress code that is clear yet adaptable. Below is a suggested framework, intentionally simple to foster flexibility:

Formal Concert Black Dress Code:

1. Attire must be black, formal, and modest.
2. All clothing and shoes must be clean and unwrinkled.
3. Arms must be covered to at least the elbow, and legs must be covered to the ankle.
4. Black socks, hosiery, or similar should be worn with black dress shoes.
5. Jewelry, hairstyles, and clothing should not be distracting.
6. Formal clothing, such as tux jackets, suit jackets, ties, and floor-length skirts, are encouraged but not required.

Optional: A joint committee of musicians and management (or students and teachers) will be the sole arbiters of subjective parameters of the dress code, such as the interpretation of “formal,” “modest,” or “distracting.”

By emphasizing simplicity, this dress code trusts musicians to use their judgment while maintaining a polished and cohesive ensemble appearance. 

Addressing Common Concerns

Some ensembles may feel that the lack of specificity in such a dress code is too vague. To address this, a joint committee could be elected annually to help interpret and enforce the code fairly. This committee could include:

• Members of management (or teachers), appointed by management/teachers.
• Musicians (or students), elected by musicians/students.

The committee could also use a set of guiding principles when enforcing the dress code, such as:

• Always assume good intent.
• Apply the ensemble’s mission and values as a guidepost.
• Treat all genders equally.
• Allow for reasonable accommodations on a case-by-case basis.
• Adapt the dress code as social norms and organizational culture evolve.

For some ensembles, especially student ensembles, visual examples of acceptable and unacceptable attire can further clarify expectations along with a list of what is not permitted. For example:

Not Permitted:

• Polo shirts, T-shirts, 5-pocket style pants and jeans
• Skin-tight leggings, strappy sandals, or sneakers
• Faded, off-black, or non black clothing
• Casual or loungewear

 

Like these infographics? Get printable versions of these, as well as an infographic for a Semi-Formal Concert Black Dress Code, and more here. 

 

Navigating Change and Encouraging Patience

As with any policy update, it’s natural to encounter challenges during the transition. To ensure a smooth implementation:

• Communicate the rationale behind the changes, emphasizing how they align with your ensemble’s mission and values.
• Provide a period for feedback and thoughtful input, allowing musicians to voice concerns and contribute to the dress code’s evolution.
• Emphasize the guiding principles for enforcement (see above)

Final Thoughts

Change is never easy, but it is often necessary to align with evolving values and expectations. By adopting a flexible and fair concert black dress code, you can:

• Enhance your ensemble’s professional appearance.
• Foster a sense of belonging and confidence among musicians.
• Encourage connection and accessibility for both performers and audiences.

Ultimately, the goal is to create an environment where musicians can focus on their artistry while feeling comfortable and supported. Through thoughtful policy updates, you’re not just modernizing your dress code—you’re creating a culture of accessibility and respect that resonates with today’s audiences and performers alike.

Ready to take your concert black to the next level?

At Blackstrad, we’re redefining concert attire for today’s musicians with a curated selection of modern, minimalist, and performance-ready designs.

Our in-house line, Blackstrad by Mercedes Smith, is crafted specifically for musicians looking for machine washable concert attire that meets the demands of performing. Each piece is designed with lightweight fabrics to keep you comfortable and confident under the spotlight.

Beyond our own line, Blackstrad offers a handpicked range of clothing from brands that adhere to standard concert black dress code requirements—ideal for both professional and emerging artists. Every brand we carry upholds high standards for design, comfort, and musician-friendly functionality.

From modern tux pants to long-sleeve black blouses, every item at Blackstrad is carefully chosen and crafted with performance in mind, so you can look amazing, feel unstoppable, and take the stage with confidence.

We offer 30% off for groups that order 20+ items and wholesale pricing for groups pre-ordering in bulk. Pre-order lead times are 8-12 weeks from order to delivery. If you pre-order you can have any size you want, petite, tall, plus, you name it!

Read our exceptional reviews here and follow us on instagram @blackstradconcertattire and subscribe here for discounts and updates!