There are certain items that will be forever classics in the world of rock ‘n’ roll. To me, these items include some good denim and, well, a lot of black. I bring up these concert-going outfit essentials in preparation for NXNE (my favourite week of the year), which officially kicked off this week.

It can be hard to dress stylishly when heading out to watch shows all night, especially if you take pride in your clothing. I’ll admit, there have been more than a few times in my life when I’ve been brought to tears after one of my treasured pieces was accidentally destroyed. To avoid this, I now make a point of putting together outfits that I feel good in, but are comprised of pieces that can withstand sweaty mosh pits, beer spills and the inevitable rips and tears.

Two of the shows I’m looking forward to seeing most this week are Mac DeMarco from Montreal and Friends from Brooklyn. Considering that both have a glam twist to their image, there is absolutely no way I would show up looking anything less than amazing.

This is my ideal look for nighttime show hopping during NXNE. The Alexander McQueen-esque jacket I’m wearing belongs to one of my best friends who currently lives in Amsterdam. She showed up to my house wearing it for a dinner party and told me a long story about how she fought over it with a friend at a little second-hand store until finally she won. Then she forgot it at my house and flew back the next day, so I guess it is me who really won in the end.

One of the biggest challenges I find is the issue of “the bag.” Every woman has a variety of shoulder bags, but which one is going to be right for watching shows from early evening to early morning? I’ve found that the small crossover purse, specifically my vintage YSL, is my bag of choice during NXNE. If it fits your pass, lipstick, cash, cards and keys — what else could a girl need?

What I Wore: black and gold embellished jacket, vintage. Black sleeveless shirt, Obakki. Shredded denim shorts, vintage Levi’s. Purse by YSL. Wedge booties by Joie.

(post as seen on PostCity.com, all images by Jude Star, hair by Ronnie at SheShe beauty)