How to Dress for the Club

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

After a long week of deadlines, meetings, classes and stress, you might be ready for a fun night out at the club. But how do you walk into the spot with confidence? Though there are some basic tips everyone can follow, there are specific things men and women can think about when dressing for the club.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Getting Dressed if You are a Man

PDF download Download Article
  1. Take a shower, shave, and apply hair gel or your hair styling trick of choice. Though the club can get sweaty and hot, it’s best to start the night off with a clean look.
  2. If you’re heading to a more laid back club, loosen up your collar or opt for jeans instead of slacks. But if you’re heading to a more upscale club, dress more formally. When in doubt, do an online search of the club to read up on their expected dress code. Outfit ideas include:
    • A nice, well tailored button down collared shirt. Avoid golf shirts or generic corporate looking shirts (blue stripes, checks, ‘boardroom blue’). And don’t forget to tuck in your shirt! [1]
    • Jeans that fit. Baggy jeans are so 90s, and not in a good way. Opt for a nice pair of jeans that fit you well and hug, rather than hang, on you.
    • A pair of loafers or oxfords. Look for shoes made of polished leather, but avoid pointy toes or square toed shoes, as these styles aren’t considered stylish.
    • Avoid athletic wear or athletic shoes. Though not all clubs have very formal dress codes, most clubs will not allow anyone wearing athletic shoes or athletic wear to get past the doormen. So, leave the gym wear at home.
    Advertisement
  3. Though black is usually seen as the safe and sophisticated option, clubs are usually covered in black light bulbs that can show off dandruff, lint, etc on black. [2]
    • Blue and dark gray are good alternatives to black, and hide sweat lines well.
  4. It’s a good idea to wear a coat that can survive the hot atmosphere of the club, like a lightweight blazer or a thin leather jacket, so you can skip the long coat check line. [3]
    5. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Getting Dressed if You are a Woman

PDF download Download Article
  1. While every woman may have their own hair routine, some women may want to spend time deciding on a hairstyle.
    • Maybe you have a go to hairstyle like a high ponytail or loose curls, or want to change it up and try a new hairstyle like a messy braid or straightened hair. Whatever you decide to do, make sure you hair looks healthy, shiny and put together.
    • Don’t forget to apply anti-frizz products to your hair to prepare your hair for the humidity of a packed club and ensure you look good throughout the night.
  2. Focus on enhancing the aspects of your look that you love, and bringing out your best features. But avoid putting on too much makeup as this can hide your true beauty, rather than emphasize it.
    • Before you begin, clean and moisturize your skin before applying makeup. Wash or wipe your face skin and apply a moisturizer to create a better canvas for your makeup.
    • Begin with foundation and concealer. Depending on how much foundation you usually use, decide if you want to apply a bit more on for your night out, and dab concealer on anything on your face you want to cover up or mask. Make sure to check the mirror constantly and to keep blending uneven areas with a sponge or brush. Blush and bronzer are also a great way to add some depth and color once you’ve applied your foundation. Keep the blush color above the nose to avoid making your face look sagging.
    • Next, focus on your eyes. Decide if you’re going for a certain look, like cat eye or smoky eye, or if you’re more into a natural, simple look with minimal eyeliner and mascara. Don’t forget to apply waterproof mascara so you don’t end up with makeup on your face while you’re dancing with your girls.
    • There are several eye makeup tutorials online for almost any look you can think of. [4]
    • Move on to your lips. Choose a bold shade if you kept your eye make up simple or go for a more subtle shade if your eye makeup is already bold or bright. Use lip liner or a lip pencil to keep your lipstick in place, or opt for a shiny lip gloss. [5]
    • Though it may be tempting to match your makeup with the rest of your outfit, this can end up looking too matchy matchy and tacky. When in doubt, go a makeup look that compliments, rather than matches, your outfit.
  3. If you are going to a venue that is known for its cool downtown crowd, skip the business suit and very formal get up. But if you’re going to a venue known for a more upscale crowd, maybe a more dressy outfit is a good idea.
    • Tailor your look to the venue, as this will ensure the doorman lets you in and you feel confident walking into the venue.
  4. Think about the parts of the body you like or feel proud of and don’t mind showing off. Choose an outfit based on the parts of your body you aren’t afraid to flaunt and show some skin based on your comfort level. Remember ladies, you are dressing for yourself, before anyone else. Outfit ideas include:
    • A crop top or blouse and a skirt
    • A form fitting dress
    • A pair of nice dress pants and a dressy top
    • Jeans can be uncomfortable if you tend to sweat in the club, so avoid them. [6]
    • If you have a hard time walking in sky high heels, wear your favorite pair of heeled boots or low heels instead. As well, it’s best to avoid running shoes as they usually aren’t considered formal enough for entry into most clubs. [7]
  5. Keep your looks classy with a pair of hoops or silver studs, or a statement necklace. Try to avoid layering on too many necklaces or bracelets as this can make your outfit look like more of a costume. [8]
  6. Most clubs tend to be crowded and packed, so avoid bringing a gigantic bag full of all your makeup, shoes, etc. Instead, go for a small purse that can fit your wallet, phone and lipstick or gloss.
  7. Depending on your climate, this can be a challenge, as you don't want to have to stand in the dreaded coat check line, but you also don't want to freeze your butt off. If you live in a warmer climate, this won't be an issue. But if you live in a colder climate, go for a leather jacket you won't sweat too much in or layer up your coat with a thin sweater.
    • You can also get creative and choose an outfit that will keep you warm, but also ensure you look good, also known as "sexy winter clubwear".
    8. Advertisement

Quiz Pack: We’ve handpicked these quizzes just for you.

You’ve read the article, now get personalized advice with wikiHow Quizzes. Each quiz is carefully researched and even endorsed by experts. Have fun and get the expert advice you need!
1
What Is My Style Quiz
2
What Is My Aesthetic Quiz
3
What Should I Wear Today Quiz

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Is it necessary to wear revealing clothes in a club?
    Community Answer
    No, it is not necessary. Be creative and wear what you want! There are no rules about how you must dress for going to the club (unless there is a dress code).
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 5 Helpful 21
  • Question
    Can I wear slip-on Vans to a club?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you could. You could pair them with a big jacket and a cute dress, or wear a form-fitting long dress and a sweater around your waist.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 9
  • Question
    Can I wear Converse instead of heels?
    Community Answer
    Yes, definitely. Just don't wear those 'secret socks', as they are uncool. Heels in a club are no fun to dance in and look too rigid. Flat shoes in a club make you look like the cool girl who doesn't have to try too hard.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 2
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • It’s important to note that you don’t necessarily need to be a man to dress like a man and you don’t necessarily need to be a woman to dress like a woman. So, do what works for you and most of all, dress in a way that makes you feel good and ready to have a good time at the club.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Tie the Back of a Waistcoat (with Styling and Fit Tips)
      How to
      Wear a Cummerbund
      How to
      Wear a Cravat
      How Much Does a Suit Cost? Basic, Mid-Level, and High-End Suits
      How to
      Dress For Church Services
      How to
      Dress for the Theatre
      How to
      Dress For a Funeral
      How to
      Dress for a Ball
      What to Wear to a Bar Mitzvah
      How to
      Dress Semi‐Formal As a Teen
      How to
      Pin on a Boutonniere or Corsage Perfectly
      How to
      Measure for a Tux
      How to
      Dress for a Quinceañera as a Guest
      How to
      Dress for a Gala
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ http://www.clubplanet.com/Articles/1962/Dos-and-Donts-How-to-Dress-For-a-Night-Out
      2. ↑ http://www.esquire.com/blogs/mens-fashion/what-to-wear-to-the-club-men
      3. ↑ http://www.esquire.com/blogs/mens-fashion/what-to-wear-to-the-club-men
      4. ↑ http://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/how-to/a6345/sexy-eye-makeup-looks/
      5. ↑ http://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/how-to/a8946/natalie-portman-red-lips/
      6. ↑ http://www.clubplanet.com/Articles/1962/Dos-and-Donts-How-to-Dress-For-a-Night-Out
      7. ↑ http://www.clubplanet.com/Articles/1962/Dos-and-Donts-How-to-Dress-For-a-Night-Out
      8. ↑ http://www.clubplanet.com/Articles/1962/Dos-and-Donts-How-to-Dress-For-a-Night-Out

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To dress for a night at the club, choose comfortable clothing that shows off what you’re most proud of, like a form-fitting dress or clean, tailored slacks. For guys, skip the golf shirts and baggy pants for more stylish options, like a tailored, button-down shirt and fitted jeans. For girls, go with clothes that make you feel confident, like a cute crop top or a pair of heeled boots. Finally, personalize your look with accessories like a nice watch, bracelet or necklace. To learn more about how to dress for the club, like how to tailor your look to a specific venue, read on!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 298,353 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement