Street Chic: David Byrne Concert in Prospect Park

What happens when David Byrne throws a free concert in Prospect Park to open the season of Celebrate Brooklyn, a summer of music, dance, spoken word, and film at the band shell? Approximately ten thousand people show up to see an amazing show. The concert, which was free because, as Byrne joked, “Given the cost of concert tickets these days, the poor hedge fund guys and investment bankers can no longer afford them. So made sense to do a free show, as the tour has been going incredibly well and we can afford it.”

Not only was there valet parking for bicycles, Byrne himself biked to the concert. (He lives in DUMBO.) Because of huge monitors and speakers set up in the surrounding fields, even fans squeezed out of the band shell could see the show.

The wait was suspenseful, but fortunately, we had people watching to entertain us in the meantime. Here are some of the best outfits on the scene – and some good clues to what to wear at outdoor shows this summer. Plus! A brief video of Byrne shimmying to vintage tunes “Crosseyed and Painless” and “Once in a Lifetime.”

This woman’s mash-up of a nautical tee, plaid kilt and lace stockings was very MJ.

Maxi dresses aren’t new, but they bring the right boho vibe – plus a dose of practicality – to concert wear. It keeps your legs warm in cool weather, but if the weather heats up, it’s much airier than jeans. Plus, graphic patterns are pretty forgiving if you end up sitting on the ground.

This outfit is quintessential Brooklyn. The zany graphic tee, the oversize round glasses. The sense of humor here – and down-to-earth choice of a basic cotton tote – keeps it from looking pretentious.

This kid is way cooler than any kid in my old school. Kudos to either him or his parents for putting such a perfect look together – vintage Weezer tee, Vans hightops, retro Andy Gibb haircut, and bitchin’ skateboard.

This is it: the outdoor concert uniform of 2009: short denim shorts, layered tees/sweaters, and gladiator sandals.

And then there’s the standard New York quandary – what do you wear to a show if you’re coming straight from work? This guy was dressed conservatively enough for an office but stylishly enough for a concert.

This look is all about layers – tissue tee plus several long necklaces plus a scarf wound just so. The distresssed jeans and (more) gladiator sandals add the finishing hippie touch. Whatever you wear to outdoor concerts, think layers! You’ll need them.

Here’s an alternate take on the denim shorts plus tee on her – note that she pairs it with flat ankle boots – a huge trend for summer. And no wonder – these too are extremely practical, faring well in rain, sun, and on the grass. On him, you’ve gotta love the vintage OP shirt.

Here’s another example of how to go to a concert straight from work. Sure, he’s wearing a suit, but the graphic cap and  tie add a cool twist.

Look for more of these illustrated or graffiti’d tees. They have a Basquiat-esque cool that will take the style well into fall; I’ve also seen it on handbags. Also note: low-key cotton tote and hightops.

Another vintage graphic tee, this time with a sailboat (Sunfish?) design. Also note: he seems to be wearing a pair of LL Bean Bluchers! Major ’80s flashback. But hey, so was a lot of the music.