While many people dress down for Riverbend, there are those who view the nine-day series of outdoor concerts as an occasion to dress in style.

Cheryl Wade dressed up for the Bessie Smith Strut. Wearing an empire-waist, bright-red dress over black leggings, the 42-year-old convenience-store clerk said she likes looking sexy.

“I like to dress cute when I go out, and this is the first time I’ve been to the Bessie Smith Strut in 12 years because I’ve had to work,” she said. “I wanted to dress up and feel good about myself. I don’t think clothes necessarily define a person, but they sure can make you happy.”

Amos Kirk, dressed in a colorful T-shirt and animal-print shorts, said he chose his fashions because they were vibrant and cool.

“I work for Fed Ex, so most of the time I’m wearing a uniform,” he said. “Tonight (at the Bessie Smith Strut) I wanted to wear something that looked cool and felt cool.”

City of Chattanooga employee Crystal Bland, who retired from the military several years ago, dressed “funky” for the strut.

“I love being stylish,” she said about her colorful dress she purchased in Mexico. “I enjoy the festival, and I like looking good. If you look good, you feel good, no matter what the weather. But you can look good in hot weather, just make sure your clothes are loose-fitting. It makes it easier for you to be loose and fancy-free.”

Terri Holley, owner of Embellish, a women’s upscale shoe store on the North Shore, chose a loose-fitting tunic worn over capris, with designer shoes to wear to Riverbend’s opening night at Ross’s Landing.

Ms. Holley, who is known for her impeccable fashion sense, said she chose something stylish yet comfortable and cool.

Tina Harvey-Crawford, media relations director at Chattanooga Nature Center, wore a trendy, lightweight plaid dress, belted at the waist, with a ruffled hem.

“It’s mostly comfortable, and it keeps me cool,” she said about her fashion selection.

It was Anthony Alexander’s hair that made a fashion statement at Riverbend.

Clad in jeans and a Dukes of Hazzard T-shirt, the 25-year-old Lookout Mountain, Ga., resident drew attention with his spiked mohawk haircut.

“I’ve been wearing it like this for a year and a half,” said Mr. Alexander, an auto-body technician. “I wear it like this because it’s different.”

His T-shirt was a reflection of two passions.

“I’m a fan of the TV show and the movie,” he said about the Dukes of Hazzard. “I have my own General Lee/Charger that I’m restoring.”