LIFE

It's the summer of Taylor Swift. You've spent countless mornings checking what the surprise song was last night or who received the "22" hat at the end of the stage. You've dreamt about getting the *beloved* blue crewneck. You've watched the livestream where she surprised the crowd by announcing Speak Now (Taylor's Version). 

You've done a lot of anticipating, but if the time has *finally* come for you to see Taylor Swift IRL, these are a few essentials you'll want to bring to the concert to have the best experience possible.

BUT if you haven't yet gotten your hands on tickets, that's the most important essential to attend to: We can also help you out with that. We're giving away two free tickets to The Eras Tour! Check out all the deets here!

Body glitter

As Taylor once said, "make the whole place shimmer!" In life, there aren't very many occasions where it's appropriate to be shining like a human disco ball (or in true Taylor fashion, a "mirrorball"). The Eras Tour is the *perfect* opportunity to go glam. This body glitter spray is tried and true, effectively sparkly and surprisingly washable. 

Kweeen Silver Glitter Spray, $13

Friendship bracelets

Trading friendship bracelets has become a staple at The Eras Tour. It's a sure way to chat with fellow Swifties and leave with a few goodies.

Making the bracelets is also half the fun—and an amaze way to bond with the friends or family members accompanying you to the concert. You could even make a party out of it. 

Whether your beads reference niche lyrics or classic Taylor motifs, making the bracelets is a way to creatively express your love for T-Swift. Need more friendship bracelet inspo? Check out this post.

@katherinezaino MAKE THE FRIENDSHIP BRACELETS!!! #SwiftTok #swiftie #taylorswift ♬ You're On Your Own, Kid - Taylor Swift

Change of shoes 

I know we all love to get perfect pictures of our carefully, thoughtfully and fashionably curated concert outfits. However, at The Eras Tour, you'll want to (to quote Taylor Swift again) "capture it, remember it"—and then change your shoes.

Pro tip: If you're planning on wearing boots or heels, bring a pair of sneakers or foldable flats to switch into after pics. Taylor's set is long, and you're going to want to have peak stamina. I'm still completely baffled as to how Taylor performs in heels, but since we're not all as superhuman as she is, plan ahead. You could even toss a pair of fuzzy socks in your bag if you need to save space.

@elliethumann

Camera 

If you can, one of my biggest recommendations for The Eras Tour is to bring a camera, specifically a digital camera for impressively clear quality. It will guarantee you a stellar Eras Tour Instagram photo dump. Just make sure to read up on your stadium's policies about them first. (Oh, and if you're new to digital cameras, check out this post!)

@lexxhidalgo

The most magical moment of my life

♬ original sound - Lexi Hidalgo

Sunscreen + snacks

Standing in merch lines or watching the opening acts in an outdoor stadium during the height of summer heat and sun make sunscreen a certified Eras Tour essential. You should also stash some water and food in your car to replenish yourself after the concert (during the long wait times you'll experience leaving the parking lot).

Bottom line? Listen to your body throughout the whole day, and be cognizant of staying healthy and hydrated. 

@nataliezacek

Poncho

This one's for the Swifties who took Taylor's "meet me in the pouring rain" literally. Whether you're spending your afternoons leading up to the concert blasting the many Taylor songs that mention rain in the hopes of experiencing one of her coveted rain shows or you're dreading getting drenched, a summer storm is always a possibility. Keep tabs on the weather forecast for the weekend of your show because if there's a sign of "Midnight Rain" (or 9 p.m. rain), a waterproof poncho is also an essential. 

13

Swifties are well aware that Taylor's favorite number is 13. Taylor has sported a 13 on her hand many a time, and lots of Swifties follow suit at her concerts. There are totally ways to DIY your 13, but if you're looking for ease, maybe give a temporary tattoo a try. 

Plenty of Swifties help perfect each other's 13s in the merch line and while waiting for the show to start. Maybe that's a love language of its own.

Etsy, $4

Clear bag

It goes without saying, but you can't forget to bring your personal items to The Eras Tour! You'll need your phone (which has your tickets), money and maybe even tissues if "my tears ricochet" gets too real. You'll also need something to carry all of those items. Be sure to read up on your stadium's exact policies, but a clear bag is perfect for holding anything you may need while in the stadium. 

@katherinezaino GO CHECK IT OUT!! @evergreenembroidery and check out her giveaway coming up:))) #swifttok #taylorswift #swiftie ♬ Paris x welcome to new york - tswiftmusic

Can't get enough of The Eras Tour? Check out these posts:
🪩 Taylor Swift just said she's the happiest she's ever been-- let's talk about it
🪩 Our fave fashion looks from The Eras Tour opening night
🪩 WORLD EXCLUSIVE! "Taylor Swift defended me during her concert!" How one Swiftie's experience with a security guard went viral

Tag @girlslifemag in your "What's in my Eras Tour bag?" videos on TikTok for a chance to get featured!

Top image: @stephbohrer
Slider image: @nataliezacek

by Kayla Conroy | 6/15/2023