What to Pack For Beyoncé's "Cowboy Carter" Tour
The Insoles That Saved My Feet at the Beyoncé Concert — and 9 Other Items to Pack
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Whether you're traveling to Paris, Atlanta, or New Orleans, a Beyoncé concert is an opportunity not to be missed. Like many pop supernovas before her, including her mentor Prince, the Houston-born superstar gives a different show each night. At any given tour stop, you can expect to see totally unique outfits, a new song incorporated into the setlist, or even a location-specific dance trend. It's become such lore among fans that they'll cite on social media what she changed each night, from a revised prop to a surprise guest appearance.
This means it's worth it to see multiple shows — and if you can, you may even want to hit the road to see her in a new destination. I was able to see three stops on the "Cowboy Carter" Tour — two in New Jersey, where I'm from, and one in Atlanta — and each night brought a totally different yet equally magical experience. But there's an art to seeing a show while traveling to a new city, which includes knowing exactly what to pack for a Beyoncé concert.
For my last concert stop, in Atlanta, I traveled with Marriott Bonvoy and found myself immersed in a "Cowboy Carter"-themed oasis. I stayed at the W Hotel in downtown Atlanta, which transformed for the occasion. Among other things, it featured a lobby with Cécred hair products and Cé Lumière perfume, and a SirDavis happy hour replete with a cowboy-hat covered step and repeat. From my stay at the hotel to my Glam Squad makeover before the show, it was one of those quintessential Marriott Bonvoy moments, in which members can redeem points for memorable experiences. And it gave me plenty of opportunities to embrace the Western-themed dress code, taking my cue from Beyoncé's own wardrobe during this era.
Image Source: PS Photography / Jessica Andrews
My outfit featured red-and-brown-printed cowboy boots, a fringed skirt, and a Western button-down shirt from Stetson paired with a red cowboy hat from Boot Barn. The colors were a nod to Beyoncé's masterful reclamation of Americana fashion. More practically, I packed a compact clothing steamer and a portable charger (for capturing content, of course). I also threw in some insoles from Boot Barn to spare my feet since I knew I'd be dancing all night; if you're going to learn the choreography and cosplay a Beyoncé backup dancer all night, you need to be comfortable.
For beauty products, I brought my favorite ice roller and undereye patches for the morning after the concert. And I packed lip gloss from The Lip Bar for touch-ups after getting my makeup done by Glam Squad the day of the show. Lastly, I brought a clear bag that complies with the Mercedes-Benz stadium requirements: a transparent Melissa x Telfar mini bag.
Keep scrolling for everything to pack if you're traveling to see one of Beyoncé's "Cowboy Carter" concerts.
Best Travel Tips For the "Cowboy Carter" Tour
My No. 1 piece of travel advice for the "Cowboy Carter" Tour is to choose a hotel that is close enough to the concert venue so that your return trip isn't a headache. The W Hotel in downtown Atlanta is a mere six minutes from the Mercedes-Benz stadium where Beyoncé performed, ensuring a short, easy commute.
Since Marriott Bonvoy is the concert's official hotel partner, the W Hotel had lots of "Cowboy Carter"-inspired activations, like a SirDavis happy hour with a DJ who played Beyoncé's music. That really added to the fun of my getting-ready experience, and it felt great to be around other Beyoncé fans sharing their excitement for the show.
That said, when it was time to recover the next morning from a night of dancing, I was grateful for the hotel's amenities: room service, a gorgeous rooftop pool, and a spa with an array of treatments available including a calming, aromatherapeutic massage. When planning your travel to a concert, don't forget about the day after; you can work some self-care practices into your schedule to end the experience on a restorative note.
Undereye Patches
Grace & Stella Restoring Eye Masks ($10)
When it's time for recovery the day after a night of dancing, singing, and screaming until your voice is hoarse, I reach for these viral Grace & Stella undereye patches. They bring me right back to life with a combination of sea moss, hyaluronic acid, and retinol. I put them on while eating a quick breakfast in the hotel room, and my eyes appear less puffy and more vibrant in just 20 minutes. Our editor raved about the bestselling beauty buy in his review of the Grace & Stella Restoring Eye Masks.
Editor Quote: "What I love most about Grace & Stella's undereye patches is how effortlessly they elevate my skincare routine while delivering real results. From the moment I apply them, the cooling sensation feels like a mini spa treatment, instantly soothing and de-puffing my tired eyes. The patches stay perfectly in place, allowing me to multitask without worrying about them slipping. After just 15 minutes, my undereye area looks visibly brighter, more hydrated, and refreshed — like I actually got eight hours of sleep! Plus, the patches make me feel luxurious thanks to their vibrant color." — Larry Stansbury, contributing editor
A Portable Charger
iWalk USB-C Portable Charger ($27, originally $30)
At any Beyoncé show, I vacillate between dancing my heart out and filming video to replay again and again. So obviously I can't attend without a portable charger in tow. This iWalk on-the-go charger is so convenient: it's pocket-sized and cordless, and has a powerful battery, charging your phone from zero to 50 percent in just 30 minutes. Our editor shared why it's a must-buy in her review of iWalk's Portable Charger.
Editor Quote: "The iWalk portable charger lets me simultaneously use my phone while it is fueling it up without taking up much space in my handbag, which I can't say for other options on the market. I appreciate this feature the most because I rely on Google Maps to get me around the city, and GPS takes up a good amount of battery. With this sleek and slim portable charger, I can extend my phone's battery life for at least a few more hours." — Anvita Reddy, former assistant shopping editor
Apple AirTags
Apple AirTag ($23, originally $29)
I have Apple AirTags for all my essentials (from my luggage to my keys), and they give me such peace of mind while traveling. Even when my checked luggage was left behind at the connecting airport on a recent trip, I was able to tell its exact location before the gate agent could. I can't recommend AirTags enough: just drop one in your carry-on or checked bag and you can track its movement from your phone or computer. See how useful the tech gadget is in our editor's Apple AirTags review.
Editor Quote: "These devices are best for people who travel a lot, or who are always misplacing things like their keys or wallet. They're also best for people with Apple devices, as they pair automatically with your iPhone." — India Yaffe, former associate shopping editor
Themed Press-On Nails
BClawed Star Spangled Bang I Nails ($30)
The "Cowboy Carter" theme can extend to your nails, too; plenty of creative press-on nail shops on Etsy offer ready-made designs featuring emblems from Beyoncé's Western-inspired era. This BClawed mani is my fave, from the Americana colors to the "Bang" symbol from the superstar's Christmas halftime show.
Comfortable Insoles
Boot Barn Shyanne Round Toe Xero Gravity Insoles ($30)
When I mentioned how painful most cowboy boots are, our director of audience development, Kaitlin Hatton, recommended these Boot Barn insoles — and I'm so glad she did. They feature memory-foam cushioning that comforts your foot with every step, inserts that absorb shock, and an antimicrobial sock layer that's moisture-wicking and odor-resistant. They saved my feet after a night of dancing at the concert.
A Travel-Size Steamer
HiLife Steamer ($30, originally $46)
After shopping for clothes that fit the concert dress code, it's important to me to look polished and put together, so I always like to steam my outfit beforehand. This steamer provides about 15 minutes of continuous steaming to ensure your look is wrinkle-free, and it's small enough to fit in your carry-on. Check out our review of the HiLife Steamer for more details.
Editor Quote: "The steamer works wonders on most materials, and clothes you'd have a hard time ironing like sequin dresses or pearl-encrusted tops. I also like that it's lightweight, making it easy to hold and pack in your duffel bag or carry-on." — Shelcy Joseph, former contributing editor
An Ice Roller
The Skinny Confidential Hot Mess Ice Roller ($79)
Since I have indoor allergies (read: dust), my face can get puffy from congestion after nights spent at hotels. This is why I swear by ice rollers — and The Skinny Confidential's Hot Mess tool is, by far, my favorite. I put it in the hotel fridge so it's nice and cool by the next morning, and it helps reduce inflammation while also soothing my skin. Read our editor's review of The Skinny Confidential's Hot Mess Ice Roller to see why it's worth the investment.
Editor Quote: "I can roll my face and neck continuously for about 25 to 30 minutes before the cold feeling starts to disappear . . . The ice roller is also quite durable. In true hot-mess fashion, I've dropped the Hot Mess Roller many times, and the roller just pops back into place without a dent or scratch." — AR
A Western-Inspired Outfit
Stetson Embroidered Retro Western Shirt ($115). Stetson Suede Fringed Skirt ($360). Stetson Erin Cowboy Boots ($360).
I told myself if I was going to put together a Western-themed outfit for the "Cowboy Carter" Tour, it had to be a look that I'd wear again and again. This outfit from Stetson is a chic take on the cowboy trend, and each item is prime for a repeat wear, from the fringed skirt, which will be in heavy rotation come fall, to the cowboy boots, which I'll definitely be packing for my next music festival. But on "Cowboy Carter" night, it all worked together seamlessly, and I got so many compliments on the unique printed boots, the skirt's fun, playful movement, and the top's bold red color. Plus, I was super comfortable — a win win!
A Cowboy Hat
Wrangler Rhinestone Wool Cowboy Hat ($130)
I knew I wanted to wear a red cowboy hat to my last "Cowboy Carter" Tour experience, and this Wrangler style was exactly what I had in mind. With its bright color, rhinestone band, and unique curved brim, it stood out in the best way. Even better? It features a fabric sweatband to keep your head perspiration-free while dancing to Beyoncé all night.
A Clear Bag
Melissa x Telfar Small Jelly Shopper in Clear ($150)
One of my favorite Telfar collaborations, the Melissa x Telfar collection features a mini shopper that's the perfect concert bag. It fits stadium requirements at just 5.625" x 7.25" — and is big enough to hold all my essentials, from lip gloss to my portable charger.
Jessica C. Andrews (she/her) is an award-winning editor and writer who currently works as the senior style director of PS, overseeing beauty, fashion, shopping, and identity content. With more than 15 years of experience, her areas of expertise include fashion, shopping, and travel. Prior to joining PS, Jessica held senior roles at Teen Vogue, Refinery29, and Bustle and contributed to The New York Times, Elle, Vanity Fair, and Essence. She's appeared on "Good Morning America," NBC, and Fox 5 New York and spoken on various panels about fashion, hair, and Black culture.
