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What to Wear to a Bar

Sheridan Grant

From small pubs you visit on vacation to the clubs of your hometown, bars are a great place to go with friends, on a date, or maybe even meet your match. They’re fun and comfortable environments, but deciding what to wear to a bar can be pretty daunting.

Some cocktail dresses feel a little too elevated for the small, local bar, casual pub, or those little hole-in-the-wall bars, while jeans and a tee aren’t appropriate for fancy clubs. With this in mind, you may be staring at your closet with your jaw on the floor, wondering what to wear.

Fortunately, we’re here to help you. With our expert tips, you’ll put together the perfect bar outfit, so keep reading if you want to find out more. After reading this article, you shouldn’t be wondering what to wear to a bar anymore.

In this guide, we’ll share a few bar outfit ideas in the hopes of answering:

What is a Bar?

When you hear the word ‘bar’ you might think immediately of a rod or piece of wood used to create an obstruction, but that’s not the bar we’re referring to. The bar we’re talking about is actually an establishment where alcoholic beverages, other refreshments, and often food is served.

The name ‘bar’ is inspired by the actual countertop used to slide drinks down and across. Keep in mind, a bar is also known as a saloon, tavern, club, or pub.

In a bar, there are often chairs, stools, and tables for sitting, conversing, drinking, and eating. Quite often, there’s also a dance floor, jukeboxes, DJs, live music, and much more.

There are so many different types of bars, and they can range across the board in terms of vibes. Some places are more home-y and simple, while others are a bit more elegant, classy, and provide sophisticated entertainment.

That being said, before you decide what to wear to a bar, it’s important to know what kind of bar you’re going to.

What to Wear to a Bar

Bar and club outfits shouldn’t be limited. You don’t always have to wear jeans and a T-shirt to a bar, or a mini dress and lots of perfume to a club. 

Whether you want to stand out or blend in, there are a number of outfit options available. And this makes figuring out what to wear to a bar so much easier. That way, no matter what you wear, you’ll look sleek, stylish, and be ready to dance the night away with your besties.

That being said, bars and clubs often have different vibes, and sometimes there’s even a theme at certain locations. Clubs tend to be a bit more dressy, calling for skirts, dresses, and nice pants. Whereas bars are more casual and laid back, so informal clothes are usually worn. 

That’s why jeans are the go-to option for many bar attendees, and club outfits for women tend to be more dressy and ultra-feminine.

When it comes to themes, bars can have country vibes, be a bit more bright and colorful, or even broadcast sports live events on TV. In this case, it’s crucial to dress according to the bar’s theme. In other words, don’t wear a bedazzled mini dress to a sports bar, and don’t wear denim shorts to a fancy nightclub.

And, while you can choose a number of pieces to wear to a bar, it’s important to keep one thing in mind. How amazing you look will depend on how you put these items together. So, if you need some outfit inspiration you’ve come to the right place. 

We’ve gathered lots of bar outfit ideas for both men and women, and we’ll share them with you below. So, after checking out this list, deciding what to wear to a bar should be super easy.

5 Women’s Outfit Ideas for a Bar

Silk and Lace

When it comes to bar attire, there’s no option more classic than a silky lace camisole. In this outfit, the carbon black cami is paired with dark wash, skinny denim jeans, and pointed-toe heels for a classy and elegant look. 

The cheetah-print clutch is ideal for wearing to the bar because of its mini size, and the beige color adds a little dimension to the otherwise monochrome look. The trenchcoat, in the same shade of beige, breaks up the dark colors in the outfit and is also practical for leaving the bar.

Denim

Denim is a comfortable and casual option and can easily be dressed up for a more stylish ensemble. The distressed, black jeans are bold yet simple, while the sweetheart, strapless, deep V-neck black top adds a unique and interesting touch to the outfit.

A slim gold watch complements the chain detailing on the mini square purse, and these items pair nicely with the strappy nude heels that have a squared toe.

A simple black blazer worn as a cape over the shoulders would add a little sophistication to the look, while a leather jacket would create an edgier vibe.

Sparkles

Whether you’re going to a club, a drag show, or a fun, bright bar, sparkly clothes are a great choice. This look is decked out from head to toe in shimmery fabric, which will make you the star of the night.

The brassiere-style top in a bright silver color has thick straps and a square cutout in the center. The wide-leg bottoms are super high-waisted and fitted around the hips to create an hourglass silhouette.

Opt for some silver jewelry to match, wear a high ponytail, and this fit will do all the talking. Plus, you’ll be ready to hit the dance floor all night long.

Leather

Sleek, bold, and stylish, leather will always be considered in style. These skinny bottoms are a classic option, but you could opt for a mom style or a wide-leg fit. The matching leather boots make the legs look miles long, and the high-waisted fit is flattering on the figure.

The black long-sleeve top has a unique shape, with a cutout in the center that creates a rounded design that’s very flattering. The top’s super cropped fit goes very well with the high-waisted bottoms.

The brown mini bag breaks up the monochrome style, while some bold sparkly earrings add a feminine touch.

Bustier

A bustier with classic lace detail is a great choice for an evening out. It looks elevated and sophisticated, while still showing a little skin for a sexy touch. The light-wash denim seems casual and cool, offsetting the classy vibes.

The leather jacket is worn like a cape, which is ideal for keeping cool without having to coat check. The mini black leather handbag matches the square toe strappy leather heels perfectly. Also, the gold chain pairs nicely with the oversized gold hoops.

5 Men’s Outfit Ideas for a Bar

Patterns

If you’re looking for something casual without being boring, opt for a fun pattern. This outfit is perfect for summer: it features a sage green, short-sleeved button-down top with a peachy pink floral pattern scattered across it. 

The white dress pants add a sophisticated touch of style, and the tucked-in top creates a clean-cut look. The white dad sneakers play off the color of the dress pants, while also creating a more casual and natural vibe. 

Plus, the silver chain necklace and matching bracelets add a touch of class to the outfit. Overall, this look is sophisticated, stylish, relaxed, and casual all at the same time.

Stripes

Bold pants are a great way to elevate your outfit. This striped pair has a navy blue and white design that’s a bit nautical looking. The white low-top sneakers match the casual vibe of the outfit, and the white tee goes perfectly with the navy blue and white color scheme.

The blue linen button-down shirt adds depth to the look and ties all the pieces together.

Untuck one side of the shirt and opt for a messier hairstyle for an even more casual, ‘undone’ vibe.

Mixing materials

If you’d prefer a bolder look, try mixing materials like leather, silk, and velvet. This outfit includes all three, creating a bold, classy look.

The vibrant, green silk button-down shirt, black crushed-velvet jacket, and leather combat boots showcase this man’s confident attitude and suave style.

The black denim adds a casual touch to the outfit and contrasts nicely with the other stylish, classy pieces. The black boater hat tops off the look, complementing the other pieces, and adding an ultra-cool vibe. The shirt is tucked in on one side to create a more laid-back feel, while the jacket can be worn on or off to switch things up.

Trade the boater hat for a cowboy hat and the velvet jacket for some tassels and suede, and you’ve got a great outfit idea for what to wear to a country bar.

Denim

Wondering what to wear to a sports bar? Wear your fave pair of distressed, light wash denim jeans and a fitted tee—whether it’s a classic brand like Tommy Hilfiger or something inspired by a sports team.

The brown and teal sneakers add a little color to the otherwise neutral outfit. And the sunnies, gold chain, and bulky watch add a more stylish touch, elevating the look slightly.

You could also wear a leather or denim jacket, which would add a little edginess to the outfit. Overall, this look is ideal for any casual bar.

Leather

Ideal for making a good impression on a date or with friends, leather is sleek, classy, and timeless. It’s also a great way to add texture to your look. This ensemble features a looser-fitting pair of leather pants, paired seamlessly with some black leather, square toe Chelsea boots.

The overall look is monochrome, with a black mock neck, knit sweater, and a leather wristwatch with a black face. The outfit looks sleek, seamless, and has a bit of an edgy vibe. Plus, with the dark color palette, it’s ideal for wearing during a night out on the town.

But you could wear a bright-colored tee underneath the black sweater. That way, if you get a little too warm throughout the evening, you can tie the sweater around your neck, show off your tee, and break up the monochrome look. 

How to Choose The Best Bar Outfit

When you’re deciding what to wear to a bar, there are a number of things to keep in mind when putting together your look. Below, we’ll share a few things to focus on—from picking out clothes in-store to deciding what to wear on the day of the outing.

These are the top factors to keep in mind:

More often than not, the clothing and accessories you wear to the bar will become staples in your wardrobe. Depending on the style, you could wear them for future outings or keep them for everyday wear.

So, when shopping for bar attire, it’s a good idea to choose high-quality pieces, even though they may be a bit more pricey. 

On the other hand, some accessories and clothes may not be appropriate for everyday wear. You might buy an item for a special event, formal occasion, or choose a statement piece to make a look pop.

Of course, you can still opt for high-quality versions of these items, but you also don’t need to break the bank when purchasing them. 

Different bars require different styles, but comfort should always be the first thing you consider. So, breathable materials and fabrics that allow you to move freely (especially for the dance floor) are a must. 

Also, be sure to consider the style and overall look you’re going for when putting together your outfit. Again, you should consider the location and overall vibe of the place to ensure you’ll fit in with the crowd!

Another thing to keep in mind is the weather, so check the forecast before heading out. There’s nothing worse than wearing a pair of white sneakers only to go home in the morning and discover muddy and mucky grounds, ready to swallow your pristine sneakers up whole. 

How to Style your Bar Outfit

After you decide what to wear to a bar, the way you style your outfit will make or break the ensemble. Fortunately, we’ve got some great styling tips for you. We’ll help you elevate your outfit, and create the perfect look for any bar.

Cool and unique shoes can really stand out, and add a bold punch of color to your bar outfit. They’re also a great way to dress up or down the look. A pair of nude pumps can turn a simple blouse and skirt into something that feels stylish and dressy, and if you trade them for a pair of sneakers the ensemble will feel more casual and relaxed.

Glitzy jewelry and watches are another great way to elevate your look, as are belts, lightweight jackets, and shrugs. The bolder the accessory, the better.

Bars tend to be a bit darker, so you can wear something that catches the light to really stand out. Wearing a belt that cinches the waist will also add a unique detail to your look, and accentuate your figure at the same time.

Looking for a birthday bar outfit? Wear lots of glittery accessories, and maybe even a crown, and you’ll be ready to celebrate all night long.  

Fashion Tips to Avoid With Bar Outfits

While we’ve shared some great ideas for what to wear to a bar, you may be wondering what not to wear. Well, there are a few items you should avoid wearing on a night out.

Up next, we’ll share a few helpful tips with you, so you’ll know what to avoid when choosing your bar outfits. 

As we’ve mentioned, bars are usually casual and informal, while clubs are often a bit more dressy. But, it really depends on the location. Overdressing can make you look and feel a bit awkward so, when dressing for a bar or club, avoid pieces that are too fancy like suits and long dresses. 

Marching to the beat of your own drum is great, but you can look a bit out of place in a bar or club if you wear an outfit that doesn’t match the theme. So, do your research before heading to the location to find out if there’s a dress code, or what others are wearing so you’ll fit in.

Here’s a very important tip: don’t wear shoes that are difficult to walk in. Wear comfortable wedges, platforms, or sneakers instead. Whether or not you’ve had a few drinks, you’ll likely be out on the dance floor, so it’s crucial to show up in footwear that’s comfortable.

Overpacking can also be an issue. Always opt for a small and simple handbag, or leave the bag at home, and take items you can fit in your pockets. Losing a purse or wallet is the worst, so taking these items to the bar or club may not be a good idea. In general, it’s best to bring a minimal amount of items with you.

Overall, it’s important to research the location you’re headed to first to ensure that you follow the dress code, don’t show up overdressed, and feel comfortable in what you’re wearing!

Best Places to Buy Bar Outfits

Are you feeling ready to head out for a night on the town? If so, you might be still wondering what to wear to a bar. We’ve got you covered. Check out this list of the top places to shop for bar outfits down below:

Final Thoughts

There are a number of ways to create the perfect bar outfit for you—whether you’re wearing pieces you’ve got in your wardrobe or something a little newer.

With our helpful tips about locations, styles, and how to keep your personal comfort in mind, you’ve got all you need to put together your look for the night.

Deciding what to wear to a bar doesn’t have to be hard. After reading this guide, we hope that you feel a little more confident when it comes to choosing an outfit. But if you’re still not sure, report back here for a quick reminder!

Enjoyed this guide? Check out these other ones, we bet you’ll love them too!

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