After a sell-out first run, Lily Allen has officially kicked off the second leg of her West End Girl tour at arenas around the UK. Having missed out on tickets the first time, I was delighted to secure them for her Newcastle tour date, the first stop on round two of her theatre-inspired show.
If you have also managed to get tickets, you are likely already planning your outfit. With its burlesque-inspired theatre-style performance, there is no shortage of ideas for your look. For inspiration, I have rounded up some standout pieces spotted in the crowd during her first performance.
Polka Dots
This is an obvious choice, thanks to the iconic polka dot puffer jacket featured on the West End Girl album cover, as well as many of Lily's merchandise items featuring a polka dot print. While there are many ways to wear them, from accessories to outerwear, a polka dot mini dress was the top pick for the crowd. A Cotton On Shift Mini Dress in Remi Polka Dot, priced at £30 from ASOS, is perfect for the tour. It has a relaxed shape that lets you dance freely and features large black polka dots on a white background for that West End Girl feel.
Baby Blue
Another trend heavily inspired by the album art, baby blue was the colour of the night at her concert. While you can opt for a head-to-toe look, a subtle nod to it works well. A Cotton Asym Ruched Top in Blue Stripe from ASOS, priced at £28, gives you exactly that. Made from 100% cotton, it is breathable to keep you cool in the crowd. It features a twisted off-the-shoulder neckline and ruching details around the waist for a flattering fit.
Capri Trousers
Gone are the days when jeans and a nice top were the default outfit for gigs. Fashion girls are bringing a hint of Euro summer to the West End Girl shows with capri trousers, which give any outfit an instant 00s feel. Black Capri Trousers from Nobody's Child, priced at £75, come in black, gingham, and a green polka dot print, offering plenty of options perfect for the show. Wear them with trainers or flip-flops for a breezy, gig-ready look.
Underwear as Outerwear
Due to the burlesque feel of Lily's performances, it is no surprise that the crowd is embracing the underwear as outerwear trend. From slinky bodysuits to silky shorts, these pieces are worn with jeans or oversized T-shirts to make them more wearable. The Verona Satin Push Up Bodysuit from Bluebella, priced at £60, checks every box. It has a lingerie feel while being full coverage and wearable, featuring body-sculpting boned seams, moulded curved cups, and a low back, with a combination of satin and stretch mesh.
Sheer Fabrics
Sheer materials and lacy fabrics tied into the lingerie theme with the crowd. One of the easiest ways to wear them is with a lace maxi skirt. You can wear it alone or layer it over shorts, a mini skirt, or an oversized T-shirt for extra coverage. The All Saints Arran Lace Ankle Length Skirt is now on sale, reduced from £99 to £59, and comes in both black and white. It is completely sheer with an ankle-length silhouette that is lightweight and easy to layer.
