What to Wear in Vegas – A Style Guide

Written by Stephanie Patterson

Stephanie Patterson

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“What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas,” this quote perfectly highlights how Sin City can bring out the wild side of people. However, sometimes people might take the uninhibited and over the top glamour of the city too literally, making some wacky fashion choices. 

While you want comfort during the day, you want to look as sharp as you can during the night. For men, especially, clothing can be a bit tricky since not many fashion blogs list ways in which a man can understand the nuances of Vegas fashion.

Las Vegas is a place that caters to all sorts of people but, to stand out from the crowd requires meticulous planning after careful consideration when it comes to getting the clothing trend right. If you are wondering what to wear in Vegas, you are in the right place. In this article, we’ve touched bases from the correct items of clothing to accessories to what to wear depending on occasions – we got you covered.

What to wear in Vegas: decoding the outfit essentials

The City of Sin has destinations for shopping, fine dining as well as an exciting nightlife. Whether you go to the Strip, the Bellagio, Grand Canyon, or the Cirque du Soleil – there’s a dress code that you should follow.

While the dress code is not black and white, it makes sense to dress appropriately. To help you understand Vegas fashion better, we are going to divide the list into two halves:

1. Las Vegas Clothing Essentials
2. Las Vegas Accessories Essentials

Las Vegas clothing essentials

If we were to give you a brief explanation, you need to have a variety when it comes to clothes. So, you should have formal wear (a suit) and swimwear (shorts) as well as casual wear. Make sure to bring:

• Button-down Shirts
• Casual T-shirts Or Tees
• Jeans and Dress Pants
• Shorts
• Jacket or Blazer
• Suits

Button-down shirts

A button-down shirt is versatile enough that you can look stylish and casual, as well as formal. Pay attention to the material of the shirt as well to make sure your skin breathes. Vegas is about the fitting, so skip the baggy shirts for office and wear something more tailored and fitted.

Always have your shirt is well-ironed so that there are no creases giving you a sloppy look.

We would also like to point out that a button-down shirt is different from a button-up shirt. The former has a collar that can be fastened to the front of the shirt with buttons. On the other hand, the latter shirt, as the name suggests, can be buttoned up from the very front.

Casual t-shirts 

Casual t-shirts can be perfect for strolling around the Strip or for shopping. You can go for prints or a solid color, whichever may be your style.

Avoid wearing graphic tees with cartoons or obscene language. Instead, opt for striped T-shirts. You can also experiment with Aztec or floral prints if you’re up for it.

Jeans and dress pants

Contrary to popular belief, you can wear jeans to a lot of places in Las Vegas. In fact, even ripped jeans are allowed, but the jeans shouldn’t resemble tattered clothes. Just stick to a rip or two. As for the colors of the jeans, you can wear dark and light colors depending on the venue.

You can also wear dress pants or chinos for a business casual look when you visit a casino or night clubs. Again, try to stick to darker colors. You can go with lighter shades but only during the daytime when you’re exploring the city. It’ll look more appropriate this way.

Shorts or swim trunks

Sweatpants and shorts are definitely not appropriate are stepping into a nightclub or fine dining. However, if you’re going to a pool party, you can either wear shorts or swim trunks. And trust us, there are a lot of pool parties that you can attend.

Jacket or blazer

There are a few establishments in the city with strict rules, and failing to meet them may not get you entry inside. A blazer or jacket is good for two things. Firstly, it gives the impression that you tried to adopt a formal look in respect of the establishment. Secondly, fitted jackets or blazers can help you look cool, adding to your stylish look. It will also make you look distinctive from other people since most of them will be dressed in either smart casuals our business casual attire.

You can also experiment with the jacket or blazer material or the pattern that you wear. The City of Sin has respect for fashion, and if you’re up for it, try a little texture or a bold shade to make a style statement.

What to wear in Vegas: Suits

While it is true that dressing to the nines days are over, you still need a suit for times when you want to catch a Las Vegas show. 

While the daytime shows a more relaxed, the evening shows are mostly formal. Most of the time, evening shows feature a list of celebrities, which is why people tend to dress up. While women adorn their cocktail finery, men can wear suits or double-breasted blazers.

If you feel that a suit might be too much for you, you can always stick to wearing a blazer. Also, make sure that the suit is tailored to perfection since nothing looks worse than an ill-fitting suit.

Also, try not to wear black suits when you are in Vegas unless you want to be mistaken for the staff. Go for other color options like charcoal, slate grey, or even white. For example, you can always team up a light grey suit with brown shoes for evergreen and classy statement.

What accessories to wear in Las Vegas?

Accessories are also an essential part of your style. No matter how old you are, what you do, what you wear – owning and wearing the right accessories can instantly add the needed elements to set you apart from the crowd. We have compiled a list of essentials that you should add to your bag pronto.

• Dress Shoes
• Sneakers
• Belt
• Socks
• Beanie
• Wallet
• Watch
• Boxer Briefs
• Pocket Square

Dress shoes

Many clubs have explicit rules when it comes to footwear. A majority of them have made loafers or dress shoes mandatory. If you’re not sure how to style yourself, you can simply google your favorite movie star or athlete to see what they wear up with their suit.

If we were to give you a quick tip, we’d tell you to pack black shoes and brown shoes. While a blue shirt with brown shoes would look great, it is blue pants with black shoes that make a better pairing. Remember, it is all in the details.

Things to avoid include sandals, work boots, and boat shoes.

Sneakers

Now that we’ve mentioned about dress shoes, it only makes sense to talk about sneakers as well. Many formal establishments will not allow you entry if you have sneakers on. Yet, wearing sneakers is the best option when you go out from midday exploring. What better time to rock those Jordans other than in Vegas?

You can also choose fromBoldSocietyShoes‘ amazing sneaker collection that is both versatile and uber cool.

Belt

Pack a black and brown belt, preferably leather, that you can pair with your chinos, jeans, or shorts. Don’t forget to match your shoes with your belt to avoid looking careless.

Beanie

Since Las Vegas is in a desert, you can get considerably colder during the evening. This gives you the perfect opportunity to wear a beanie to get those extra brownie points in the fashion department.

A lot of people often wonder how to wear a beanie correctly when it’s actually quite simple. Since there are so many beanie styles available in the market, you have to find one that suits your taste and preferences. Try to cover the whole head and ears if you’re going for the classic look. If your hair has a lot of body, try to wear a baggy beanie instead.

Wallet

Whether you are wondering what to wear in Vegas, carrying a quality wallet remains a must-have for every occasion. There are different types of wallets in the market, so you need to take into account what would be suitable as per your needs.

We will also advise you to splurge when it comes to your wallet, if you can, by going for either a leather wallet or branded wallet.

Watch

It’s often said that every self-respecting man should own a watch and we agree entirely.

A watch is an essential accessory that immediately adds a touch of luxury to your look. Whether you select a bracelet watch or the good old leather strap watch – this particular accessory should already be on your wrist, and if you want to carry another, in your suitcase.

Boxer briefs

When you’re buying boxer briefs, always choose darker colors. Period. Not only does it look stylish, but it also is quite an essential part of your innerwear.

Pocket square

A pocket square can be an overlooked item, but it is such an understated piece that can instantly make you look elegant.

Whether you wear a blazer or a suit, a white pocket square can be that perfect finishing touch for any attire. You can also play around with pocket square styling and colors to add more elements.

The perfect socks to wear in Vegas

When we say socks, we don’t mean those run of the mill white dress socks. Don’t be afraid to mix and match prints and patterns expressing your personality through your socks. You can get stripes, polka dots, or novelty socks – nearly everything is in at the moment! Also, socks can make for a great style statement, as well.

Try to opt for warmer versions to feel comfortable. You can even check outSoxy to find a permanent solution for all your dress socks woes.

What to wear in Vegas – think of your itinerary

Las Vegas used to be a place where the sophisticated and classy partied wearing suits and well-tailored formal wear. Of course, now you will see plenty of people just in baggy cargo shorts with graphic T-shirts. Being comfortable and confident is now the new vogue.

Keeping this in mind, you have to strike that perfect balance between chic flair and modern comfort. To make things easier for you, we have compiled clothing combinations that you should wear depending on the occasion.

• Spending the day at the casino
• Exploring the City of Sin during the day
• Hanging out at the pool party
• Enjoying fine dining in the evening
• Nighttime dinner and watching the iconic vegas shows
• Spending the night at a Vegas club or casino

We will discuss each of the points mentioned above in more detail below to help you get an idea of the ideal outfit building when it comes to enjoying Vegas.

Spending the day at the casino in Las Vegas

If you plan on visiting the casino during the day, your aim should be to look comfortable yet aware of your surroundings. What we mean is that your clothing can play an integral role in amplifying your aura, so take measures to not resemble a clueless tourist who is ready to gamble everything that he owns.

The brief here is casual, cool, and crisp. Think darker colors that fit your form well. You can actually wear your jeans and pair them with a button-down shirt that can help break the monochromatic color scheme.

During the day, the dress code is more relaxed in a casino, and everyone does stick to it. Don’t end up wearing your business formals during this time of the day. Business casual, sans tie, might work as well.

Exploring Vegas during the day

When traveling, it is only natural to spend the day strolling freely and exploring the city and what it has to offer. During the day, the Nevada sun shines bright, so stick to khaki chinos, white sneakers, and a striped T-shirt. Think of a Mediterranean summer look for exploring Vegas.

You can also play around with different shirt hues teaming pink shirt with brown shoes and brown chinos. Wear a black-tinted aviator to complete the look. Even when you’re not in a nightclub or a formal establishment, skip wearing shorts or ratty tees.

Hanging out at a pool party in Las Vegas

Speaking of shorts, we come to our next Vegas occasion—pool parties.

Pool parties are quite the norm in Las Vegas. Say you’re planning to visit during May. You might have thought about what to wear in Vegas at that time of year. May in the city is already hot, which makes spending time by the pool sound even more appealing. Pack enough swimwear depending on how long you plan to stay. Wear swim trunks with casual shirts to make a stylish entry even when others are coming for just a dip in the pool and socializing. Here are a few tips to help you get the pool party looks to the T.

1. Don’t wear full sleeve shirts. You’ll end up being the odd one out. Opt for a white linen material that is short-sleeved. Even better if it’s a slim-fit shirt.
2. Do not wear flip-flops. For that ‘chill’ vibe, you can put on a pair of canvas espadrilles or casual loafers.
3. Go for newer-looking swim trunks or shorts. Make sure there are no holes or marks on it.
4. Get waterproof sunglasses that complement the outfit you choose. Take time to clean the frames of your sunglasses. Having fingerprints on your reflectors is not a cool look.
5. Style your hair using either a pomade or hair cream to make your hair look as groomed as possible even after it gets damp.

Enjoying fine dining in the evening in Las Vegas

As mentioned before, it can get a little chilly during the late evening or night in the city. If you plan on fine dining outdoors, it will be better to layer your clothing. Team up a sweater and a tee with jeans. Color-coordinate your outfit for looking as gentlemanly you can.

Your Guide to Color-coordinating Your Outfits for Fine Dining in Vegas

Nighttime dinner and watching the iconic Vegas shows

To put it simply, this is where the suit comes in. Whether you go for Absinthe or Penn and Teller—they’re all synonyms with glamour and glitter.

You can’t dress up for the nightclub and then watch a Vegas show. That’s the ultimate faux pas. People tend to really dress up when they come to watch these fancy shows. While you don’t need to wear a three-piece suit, stick to wearing a two-piece that fits you like a second skin. You can also team up a double-breasted blazer with dress pants. Opting for a white shirt in both cases can never go wrong too.

Wear dress shoes on your feet, and don’t forget to add a pocket square to match the poshness of Vegas at night.

Spending the night at a Vegas club or casino

During the night time, the dress code for casinos and nightclubs become more formal. Wear a suit and turn the formality down a notch by replacing the dress shoes with sneakers.

Here’s a list of Las Vegas Nightclub Dos and Don’ts at Your Fingertips.

You also have to keep in mind the clothing that is rarely allowed in Las Vegas nightclubs. They include the following:

1. Athletic attire
2. Sandals
3. Shorts
4. Cut-offs
5. Baggy jeans
6. Loose-fitting T-shirt
7. Hats or caps that don’t count as statement headgear
8. Athletic shoes
9. Work Boots
10. Jerseys

Just keep these pointers in mind, and you’ll be good to go.

Takeaway thoughts

Now that you know exactly what you pack for your next Vegas trip, we definitely look forward to your fashion moments. When you decide your outfits, keep in mind the weather. The best time to visit Vegas is from March, April, and October when the weather is pleasant, and as such, you can mix a lot of summer colors and breathy fabrics.

Vegas in May is more on the warmer side with the mercury hitting the 70s and 80s. You won’t really need layers in this case. June and July are definitely the hottest months in the city but come August, and the temperature starts dropping.

If you are visiting the city anytime from November to February, it will do you good to pack a few items of warm clothing. This also doesn’t mean that you need snow boots or your thickest jacket.

Don’t forget to explore the city, experience the food and people, and catch one (or four!) Vegas shows that really embodies the larger than life persona of Las Vegas. Viva Las Vegas!