What To Wear to a Rave
Haley Snow
Table of Contents
Picture this, my friends: the year is 2023 and we can officially party again. If you’re like me and have been dreaming about cocktails, beats, and neon lights, you might also be wondering, “What should I be wearing when I’m raving again?”
Well, we’re here to answer this question. We’ll tell you exactly what to wear to a rave, so you can party all you want in style.
A rave is a perfect opportunity to go wild, especially regarding your wardrobe. When dressing for a rave, like any event, your outfit should reflect your surroundings. So think about wearing bright colors, unexpected print combinations, fun, deliriously wild, intoxicating outfits.
A rave is your chance to explore your alter-ego and go unapologetically buckwild (think Carrie Bradshaw in And Just Like That…). However, unless you’re a weekly columnist with an inexplicable and endless budget for couture, I recommend leaving your most beloved pieces hanging safely in your closet.
Raves can get messy. There are drinks spilling, champagne bottles popping, and the occasional cloud of bubbles or foam descending on you and your friends. These are silk’s mortal enemies. So, don’t wear your best clothes to a rave.
Instead, opt for something wearable and washable, preferably with pockets, because nobody wants their handbag eternally covered in glitter.
What is a Rave?
What is a rave, you ask? Well, it’s essentially Vegas, Ibiza, and Miami rolled into a single extravagant evening. It’s a crazed, neon-tinted, EDM-infused, dance until you-drop, massive party.
There’s no denying the connection between raves and drug culture—specifically the psychedelic drug Ecstasy and its close chemical cousin, Molly. This connection between drugs and EDM is what caused the US government to outlaw raves in 1994.
Yet, raves are legal in Canada and can be attended safely without the use of illegal intoxicants. The experience itself is intended to manufacture a sense of euphoria.
A massive group of like-minded people all letting themselves go, embracing the music and collective energies, is the true essence of a rave.
This is what makes a rave a great opportunity to explore the outer limits of your style, without fear of getting the side-eye from the woman in the navy pantsuit at the next table. So when thinking about what to wear to a rave you can really let loose, and be a little adventurous with your style.
History of Raves
The origin of raves is contested amongst those who have attempted to trace their lineage. Some say the first raves occurred in the UK in the 1950s; others strongly suggest that they began in Ibiza in the 1980s. The subculture of raves in the ‘50s UK was defined simply as “wild, bohemian parties” attended by large groups of like-minded youths.
A definition this vague makes us wonder whether or not these were actually ‘raves’ or simply wild bohemian parties. However, the heart of the rave as we understand it today beats only to EDM (electronic dance music), and there’s nothing bohemian about it.
It would make sense to anyone even mildly aware of the culture of the ‘80s, that these neon-strobed, electric dance parties likely originated during this decade.
The ’80s were an era fueled by electronica music, extravagance, lots of colors, and big, wild hair. The last point has no direct connection to rave culture, but to mention the ‘80s and not at least touch on the hairstyles would be cultural blasphemy.
This decade also brought an air of indulgence and self-gratification, the undeniable rise of cocaine, and MDMA (otherwise known as Ecstasy or Molly).
The ’80s were in stark contrast to the muted tones, chill vibe, and marijuana use prevalent during the ’70s. The ’80s were shiny, futuristic, and energized, which is the perfect environment for a rave.
The most common belief among amateur rave historians—I say amateur because I’m pretty sure that ‘Rave History’ isn’t a course offered at any university—is that true ‘rave culture’ began in 1987 when four friends from the UK took a trip to Ibiza.
All of the DJs were reportedly under the influence of Ecstasy when they discovered the allure of repetitive electronic beats at a club aptly (and somewhat alarmingly) named ‘Amnesia.’
The club is still in operation today, making Ibiza among the top rave destinations in the world. These four friends (Paul Oakenfold, Johnny Walker, Nicky Holloway, and Danny Rampling) brought the ‘rave experience’ home with them and went on to create an entire subculture, which spread throughout the UK, the USA, Canada, and the globe.
The rave has undergone many transitions since then, but it inspired an entire genre of music—now dominated by DJs like David Guetta, DeadMau5, Calvin Harris, and the late, great Avicii.
The last one is the subject of Mike Posner’s 2016 hit, “I took a pill in Ibiza,” which is a song that describes the ups and downs of rave drug culture. Interestingly, the original folksy version hit new heights after it was remixed by Norwegian EDM DJ group SeeB.
When planning what to wear to a rave, there are a couple of things to keep in mind.
What to Wear to a Rave
So, you’re going to a rave. First of all, make good choices and don’t do drugs. Now that I’ve done my maternal duty, let’s talk about fashion. Deciding what to wear to a rave can be really fun.
Like I previously mentioned, a rave is the perfect setting to go wild outfit-wise. Also, like any event you attend, your outfit should be a reflection of your personal style as well as your setting.
As a personal lover of layers and oversized, billowing black garments (think The Row/modern-day Mary-Kate and Ashley), it hurts me to say that a rave is not the time or place for such things. Firstly, at a rave, you’re going to be swimming in a sea of excited, dancing bodies and you’re going to get hot.
Here’s an analogy: dancing at a rave is more cardio than a spin class, so keep that in mind. Also, you’re going to want free hands. So choose an outfit with pockets for your essentials or, even better, give a nod to the rave’s ‘80s roots and rock a fanny pack.
As far as footwear goes, wear something cute but comfortable. You’ll be dancing a lot. Oftentimes dancing at a rave is just jumping up and down in unison with hundreds of other people, so adding a Dr. Scholls gel insert to your shoes wouldn’t hurt either.
If you want to be ready to dance the night away, make sure your rave outfit hits all these marks.
- Hip and fashion forward
- Comfortable and cool
- Pockets for your belongings
- Comfy, flat shoes
- Color!
Outfit Ideas for a Rave
When putting together your rave outfit, there are lots of options. But if you’re still wondering what to wear to a rave, no worries. We’ve collected lots of rave outfit ideas to give you some outfit inspiration.
- This is rave wear extrordonaire. Both these outfits hit all of the ‘what to wear to a rave’ marks we listed above.
The rise of athleisure is rave wear’s best friend. You can look sexy, feel comfortable, and have all of the practical benefits of exercise clothing.
Your outfit can feature zip-closure pockets, high-support sports bras (for all that jumping), and you can wear sneakers without sacrificing style.
As an added bonus, this look pairs well with a chic high ponytail, which is the ideal hairstyle for any kind of sweaty situation.
2. Here’s another show stopper. It has the feeling of athleisure but the reflective fabric takes the entire look to a new level. It’s definitely an outfit that reflects the rave setting (pun intended).
This outfit has the comfort and practicality of a pant, but when paired with the bra top it also packs some serious sex appeal.
However, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend a bra top as rave wear to our bustier readers, only because the bouncing and dancing may leave an opportunity for a wardrobe malfunction.
But, if you’re not concerned about the potential for a pop-out, then go for it! Throwing a fitted mesh or fishnet top over this ensemble can also help lessen the risk of your girls making an escape.
3. The jumpsuit may be a ‘70s staple and the rave may be from the ‘80s, but this sequin jumpsuit is what 2020’s rave dreams are made of. Colorful, sexy, and wild, the only downfall of this piece (like with any jumpsuit) comes when you need to use the ladies’ room. In my opinion, it’s a small price to pay to look this fabulous.
Add a comfortable pair of heels and a black, leather fanny pack around your waist and you’re good to go (maybe just bring a close girlfriend with you if you need to use the washroom).
4. Here’s another great example of sequined rave wear. This mini dress is both fun and sexy. The addition of the faux-fur capelet is unexpected and wild, though perhaps slightly impractical.
However, if you’re willing to take the risk of losing it when you inevitably take it off from overheating on the dance floor, then I highly recommend it.
The faux-fur capelet adds a touch of reckless and frivolous glamor, and there’s no better place to glam up than at a rave.
Also, a micro mini dress like this offers the opportunity to wear an over-the-knee boot. This is a great option because you can choose one with little-to-no heel and still feel like a total babe.
5. This outfit is an expert and stunning example of print play. The combination of different colors and textures here is so much fun and would be the perfect ensemble to showcase at a rave.
While undoubtedly and fabulously wild, this outfit works because of the congruent thread of rainbow colors that run from head to toe.
The shoes, while likely heavy and possibly uncomfortable, ground the outfit. And frankly, the potential discomfort seems worth it to me.
6. Now I’ll admit that this outfit expresses more Coachella vibes than rave vibes, but I had to include it because this is exactly what I would wear to a rave. If you’re like me and you like some volume, wearing a sheer dress like this is a great option.
It has a little sparkle, you’re technically fully covered, but the sheerness of the overlay allows you to stay cool and sexy while you’re raving on the dance floor.
Yes, I know, it’s all black. Like I mentioned before, a rave is a great opportunity to bust out some color. But if you absolutely love an all-black wardrobe, this ensemble is a great way to both be yourself and play into the wildness of rave wear.
7. Here’s another one for you gals who refuse to infuse color into your wardrobe (no judgment—I am one among you). The combination of fitted bicycle shorts, a triangle bra, and a sheer, loose-fitting T-shirt dress is one that’ll keep you cool in every sense of the word.
The sparkly, celestial print on this particular overlay adds some whimsy, which is something that’s always welcomed in the world of rave wear. Pair this outfit with a platform combat boot, or some all-black sneakers and you’re good to go.
8. Here we have a different variant of the above look. It’s another totally monochromatic outfit with a sheer, T-shirt style dress and matching underpinnings, yet the result is something different entirely.
This all-white look will help you stand out in a crowd, and the sports bra (as opposed to a triangle bralette) will offer more support.
Also, the addition of the chain-link belt will give your waistline definition without sacrificing the mod style of the boxy T-shirt dress.
9. Here is a beautiful example of the sporty, neon, barely-there aesthetic that defines rave wear. This look has comfortable shoes, glamorous makeup and the ability to pull your hair back (in the most chic way possible) when you get too hot in the crowd.
This combination is one that will leave you feeling and looking fine long into the night.
10. If you naturally lean away from edgy, glamorous, or sporty looks and prefer a cuter outfit, this two-piece is a great option for you. This outfit is the ‘Baby Spice’ of rave wear.
It’s still sexy and very cool, but the heart print and side ties add a hint of girliness that might just be your cup of tea.
Pairing the outfit with a white boot is unexpected and fun, but you could also opt for a red heel or a dainty white flat.
11. Here’s a rave outfit that’s so cool that it defies all of the rules. Will you sweat a lot because it’s made of leather? Yes. Will you have any chest support for all of the bouncing? No.
But will you look and feel amazing because you’re essentially wearing a yin/yang, perfectly balanced and beautiful outfit? Absolutely, yes. If rave culture has taught us anything, it’s that sometimes breaking the rules is necessary. And this outfit is the perfect example of this.
How to Style your Rave Outfit
When styling yourself for a rave, it’s important to blend three components—practicality, setting, and the outer boundaries of your personal style. A rave is a time to tell that part of you that says “this is too much” to shut up.
Add extra accessories, layer things you wouldn’t normally layer together, and wear colors you’ve kept hidden in the recesses of your closet. When thinking about what to wear to a rave, the most important thing is to have fun.
Yet, since the first component I mentioned was practicality, here are a few things to keep in mind when styling your rave wear. When planning what to wear to a rave, follow these tips:
- Leave the handbag at home: Find an outfit with pockets or throw on a tiny crossbody or fanny pack. Bring only the essentials, you’ll be too busy dancing to keep an eye on your bag.
- Wear comfortable shoes: There are always exceptions and if you’re one to choose both pain and beauty, more power to you. But wearing a pair of pretty flats or hip sneakers ensures you can dance the night away comfortably (without getting blisters).
- Don’t wear too many layers: Firstly, you’re going to overheat. Secondly, if you can’t be scantily clad in a sea of dancing bodies, when can you?
If you follow these tips, deciding what to wear to a rave should be much more straightforward and easy.
Final Thoughts
Raves have a colorful, somewhat wild history. Like any realm of subculture, there are potential dangers, so you should be careful when attending a rave.
Yet, going to a rave is also an opportunity to express oneself freely—through music, dance, and fashion. So, when deciding what to wear to a rave you have lots of freedom.
At a rave, you can wear what you want, do what you want (within reason), and surround yourself with people that appreciate your individuality. That’s the beauty of a rave, so I suggest embracing it.
And while you still may have questions about raves (especially if you’ve never been to one), what to wear to a rave shouldn’t be one of them anymore. But if you need a little inspiration for your rave outfit, you can always refer back to this article.
We can feel your burning fashion questions from here. Quench them with some of our other articles:
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