How to Dress for Solo and Ensemble

I get it. A lot of people are confused when it comes to what to wear or solo and ensemble, so I wanted to share tips. These are guidelines, not set-in-stone rules. These guidelines are in place assuming your director or teacher doesn't have something specific in mind regarding appearance.

1. At minimum, please be hygienic. This means brushing your hair, wearing deodorant, washing your face, and wearing clothes that don't have any noticeable stains or holes. You will seem more professional if you at least make an effort to clean yourself up. 
2. Take your instrument into account. You wouldn't want to wear something floor-length if your instrument comes in a rolling case. Wind musicians should not wear very restrictive clothing. If your instrument has multiple large parts (Percussionists, I'm looking at you.), wear clothes that allow for the movement required to unload large instruments.
3. Take the nature of solo and ensemble into account. You will be (under the assumption that you are ambulatory), on your feet more than you think. If you wear shoes, make sure you can spend about two hours straight in them while being fairly active. 
4. Keep it simply simple. While an accessory can elevate an outfit, your adjudicator is here to listen to your music. With that said, solo and ensemble is not the best time or place for a full-on Decora coordinate. Wear black and white and go for conservatively-styled clothing. In other words, something similar to concert attire makes a good solo and ensemble look.
5. It's not that kind of festival. This mainly applies to high school age females because this is where I see it the most. Please make sure that your dress or skirt is at least fingertip length and that your chest is covered to some degree. If you need to keep adjusting your dress so you don't show your undergarments, it's probably not a good idea to wear it. In the case of wearing white shirts, keep in mind that white shirts tend to be kind of transparent. Wear a camisole underneath if you feel it is necessary.
6. Do not show up in a T-shirt and jeans. I get that not everyone wants to get dressed to the nines to perform their piece, but do not show up in a T-shirt and jeans. This is very unprofessional. At least wear dress slacks or a nice skirt. I have seen some semi-casually dressed people at solo and ensemble and they still looked professional. 
7. Be comfortable. Go for it if you feel like dressing to the nines. If you don't, wear your concert clothes. If you want an example, here you go:

 

Want the look?

1. Blouse: American Rag
2. Jacket: Old Navy
3. Skirt: Merona 
4. Shoes: Merona