Lady Gaga has been varying degrees of “so back” since the Mayhem era began. From the opening dark pop synths on "Disease," to the "Abracadabra" music video hard-coded into the 2025 Grammys broadcast, to the fully realized stage vision at Coachella Gagachella. Cosmo’s resident Little Monster, Samantha Olson, was on the ground for the first performance and aptly described it as Born This Way-meets-Phantom of the Opera. That is our starting point for MAYHEM Ball outfits.
“When I made my way to the desert for Gaga’s first official ‘Mayhem’ show at Coachella, I saw a sea of Little Monsters in their best all-black looks to give off the gothic vibe Gaga had pivoted to during the era’s beginnings” said Olson. “Other fans wore staples from Gaga’s past eras—I’m talking bedazzled sunglasses á la ‘The Fame,’ as well as scarves and tube tops made from ‘Telephone’ caution tape. Of course, there were people decked out in vintage merch, too, with ‘Born This Way’ tees and ‘Joanne’ hats in the mix.”
Gaga's repertoire is full of endless inspiration, so let your imagination run wild when planning your concert outfit. Just two things to keep in mind:
- Don’t be afraid to get crafty or costumey. If there's ever a time for drama, this is it. I'm talking capes, gloves, wigs, and props. (Mayhem is going to be the soundtrack to Halloween 2025, anyway...)
- These outfit ideas are for women, men, and queer people who fall somewhere in the middle—aka: literally everyone. This is a chance to step outside of your comfort zone and "serve for the gods!"
Gothic Dreams
Lady Gaga has mastered the art of all-black-everything. The Mayhem era has brought us numerous monochromatic ensembles paying homage to the “Gothic dreams” that inspired the album. Make her proud and infuse your Gothic look with classic Gaga codes like spikes, leather, and cross iconography. At Coachella, she even carried a black rose bouquet thrown on stage by a fan during "Vanish Into You," inspiring other fans to bring black bouquets to her shows. I’m calling it: This will be the defining look of the MAYHEM Ball.
"I personally went for an all-black frayed denim look with lots of silver hardware in the form of buckles and accessories," said Olson, about her Coachella outfit. "I saw other fans rock a similar vibe." She also recommends this bell sleeve top, which she wore when meeting Gaga IRL (jealous!).
Gothic Dreams
Current Mood F is For Fairies Handkerchief Dress
Mistress of Mayhem
"Like a poem said by a lady in red," Gaga sings on the "Abracadabra" bridge, referring to her dark-sided alter ego, the Mistress of Mayhem. The "notorious being" appears throughout the era’s visuals, and even harkens back to her iconic red lace look from the 2009 VMAs. Stick with similar Gothic/Romantic/Victorian details like lace and ruffles and bows.
Or, go the opposite direction in pure angelic white, symbolizing triumph over the inner saboteur, as seen at the end of the "Abracadabra" video or in Gaga's "Bad Romance" Matières Fécales look from the Coachella finale. You could also get creative and incorporate an element of duality in your look, playing with red, white, and black color-blocking.
Mistress of Mayhem
Major Details
No Gaga-worthy outfit is complete without accessories. I don’t make the rules! Complete your goth look with a dramatic pair of opera gloves, or lean Born This Way-punk with studded belts, gloves, and chokers. For shoes, I'm already mentally preparing to bust out my platform boots—a purchase that was inspired by Gaga in the first place (ILY, ankles). If you own Dr. Martens, it’s their time to shine.
On the face, I’m planning to attempt a “Judas”-style winged black eyeliner with Gaga's signature red lip, courtesy of Haus Labs. I'll also be watching to see what new makeup looks Gaga's longtime makeup artist Sarah Tanno cooks up for the tour.
Details! Details! Details!
100% Cotton Bandanas (10-Pack)
Card-Carrying Little Monster
We’ve established that there will be vintage Gaga eras present at the MAYHEM Ball. "Telephone," in particular, stood out as I watched the Coachella footage, and Olson agreed it was a prominent theme in the crowd, so go crazy with caution tape. (FWIW, Beyonce wraps her Cowboy Carter Tour in Las Vegas days after Gaga's kickoff show, which begs the question: "Telephone" pt. 2??).
Embrace the mid-aughts glory of The Fame with oversized flat top sunglasses. Sun-worshipers thriving in this summer's heat could unleash their inner Venus with a seashell bra and "garden panty" DIY. Or, experiment with masculine and feminine energy with a blazer or corset—both signature Gaga silhouettes.
Card-Carrying Little Monster
Lady Gaga Merch
There is no shame in the last-minute game. If you’re seeing one of the earlier dates and *just* remembered to plan your outfit, go with some classic LG merch. Flex your Little Monster status with a shirt from your favorite bygone era (#JusticeForARTPOP), which are available on her Amazon storefront for virtually immediate delivery. She also just dropped a The MAYHEM Ball collection on her website which gives an chance to shop the tour merch, but FYI: Those don’t ship until August 29. Set off your T-shirt with your choice of punk accessories and a statement shoe, and you're ready to dance!
Lady Gaga Merch
Heath Owens (he/they) is the Deputy Editor for Hearst Magazines' central commerce editorial team, where he leads content strategy and production. He specializes in product testing and sales and deals coverage, with the ultimate goal of helping readers shop smarter. When he’s not at his desk or running around New York City to preview the latest product launches, he’s probably catching up on the Real Housewives of Everywhere™ and tending to his plant children, or, as of late, training for a marathon.
