What To Wear To A Club
Natasa Vukmirovic
Table of Contents
There might be a pile of clothes on your bed and on your floor as you’re trying to decide what to wear to a club. And that’s just how the process goes sometimes.
You know you should be able to move freely in this clubbing outfit you’re planning to wear. And your shoes should be comfortable to walk in too, so you can start from there.
If you’re going to a party where you want to look and feel good, prepping for it has a lot to do with the whole experience.
This guide will go over a few club outfit ideas for nights when you need some style inspo to guide you through putting together your club attire.
What Is A Club?
A dance or nightclub is meant to be an easy-going space. It’s a place where everyone goes to dance, drink, and socialize—on the dancefloor, at the bar, and in the line-up outside.
It’s the type of environment where your future best friend and you could bond over each other’s club outfits in the restroom.
A cocktail bar—which is a bit more upscale and doesn’t always involve dancing—can also be considered a club.
Plus, different countries will have different definitions of what a nightclub is. Generally, the club atmosphere will also depend on the venue size and the type of music that’s playing, but typically it’s supposed to have a light and fun vibe.
What To Wear To A Club
As the club scene shifts, club attire shifts with it as well. Unlike in the past, contemporary club outfits don’t follow any style rules.
But party looks definitely still exist. For instance, little black dresses for women and dress shirts for men are still pretty common.
Here are a few questions to keep in mind when deciding what to wear to a club:
- What kind of establishment are you headed to?
- Will you be able to move freely in your outfit?
- Will you be able to stay comfortable in your outfit when the party turns into an after-party?
Also, before you start getting dressed, checking the dress code ahead of time (even if you decide to go against it) is always a good idea. It will give you a better sense of what to wear to a club and how to accessorize your outfit for your night out.
10 Outfit Ideas To Wear To A Club
So, how do you choose what to wear to a club from that pile of clothes lying on your floor? We’ll help you out. In this next section, we’ll take a look at a few club outfits for women as well as club outfits for men.
A great dinner-to-club outfit, this look features a cropped halter top and high-waisted pants. Accessories are minimal and the overall color coordination, with the bold red top and dark black attire, is a classic nightclub look.
This easy-going outfit could be dressed up or down depending on the shoes you wear. Slip-on sandals would create a more casual, summer-free look. Whereas combat boots will create a more dance-ready outfit.
The red and black color combo is a bit nostalgic but it’s also chic. This ensemble is a perfect summer nighttime look for when you’re heading to a city club after dinner.
Pretty minimal at first glance, this laid-back, sharp outfit is fun to put together. To rock this look, you’ll need a pair of pants, a plain T-shirt, and some Doc loafers.
While the loafers are the highlight of this outfit, you could also style the ensemble with other accessories, like a necklace, for a sharper look.
This outfit might be perfect for you if you’re heading to see your favorite DJ or musician perform at a club.
Since it’s a pretty laid-back outfit, adding a jacket would up the style factor—especially if you’d prefer a dressier look.
This black and brown color combo works great for a late-night party, but you could experiment with other colors as well. There are many ways you can style black loafers since they’re such flexible shoes.
This is another summer club outfit that you could wear all year round. It’s a pretty smart fit and it’s suitable for many occasions.
Maybe you’re grabbing a couple of drinks at a bar with some friends first before heading to a club. In which case, this look is a perfect choice.
Lighter colors, like this pale blue, create a very casual, relaxed look. Plus, this is another outfit that can be dressed up or down.
You could style the ensemble with dressier shoes, but sneakers would look good, too.
To further style this look, you could add a watch, crossbody bag, or a blazer. With a few adjustments, you could even make it a bit dressier, if that’s the dress code.
A maxi slip-on dress with ballet flats is the look—if there ever was one—for a rooftop, dance party.
Ballet flats are light and fun to style, plus they’re super comfy. They feel like a bit of a throwback style, but when paired well with an outfit they look cool and chic.
You could create many style variations with a slip-on dress. You could wear a white T-shirt under it, which would dress it down a bit. Or throw a blazer on top for a dressier look.
Accessorize your outfit by adding different jewelry. Earrings and necklaces are a great choice and will add a touch of refined elegance to your look.
Also, an ankle bracelet would make the shoes stand out more. And adding a purse, whether it matches the rest of the outfit or not, can complete the ensemble.
This mini dress is a ‘disco glam’ look. The rhinestones add texture and shine to the dress, reflecting the bright lights in the club. And the vibrant pink shade creates a soft and edgy look that’s perfect for a night out.
You can style your hair whichever way you like. For instance, you could wear a scrunchie or a headband if you’re going for more of a polished look. If you’d like to wear makeup, have fun with bold or neon colors as well as glitter.
High heels are the most obvious footwear choice here, but wearing a pair of loafers would make this look a bit more casual and dapper (not to mention more comfortable).
A white T-shirt is always a go-to for any last-minute outfit ideas. But it’s also a great choice anytime you want to put together an elegant look.
This outfit features an oversized white T-shirt, shorts, and sneakers with white socks.
This look might be a bit more challenging to dress up. But swapping the shorts for a pair of cargo or utility pants could create a dressier fit, but nothing over the top.
In terms of footwear, white sneakers are an excellent choice and they make this fit summer-ready. And if you’d prefer a dressier look, sneakers could work well with the cargo or utility pants as well.
A jacket like this might be essential for putting together winter club outfits.
But it’s also a great choice for breezier summer nights. Either way, it suits a laid-back fit perfectly and could pair well with both darker and lighter denim.
This might be a practical, monochrome outfit, but if you’d like to add a pop of color, you could try out different color combinations to figure out what works best for you.
Sneakers and a crossbody bag pair well with outfits like this one. And if you opt for a beanie, you could wear a knitted one that matches the other colors you’re wearing. Ultimately, go with what feels good to you.
This might seem a tad too fancy for a club, but it’s a party look you could definitely pull off. This outfit is also an example of looking comfortable, but not overly casual.
Maybe someone’s hosting a birthday party at a club, which means you’re headed to a more private club event.
At a private party, there’s more room for wearing fits that are fancier or themed, like this co-ord set.
Jewel tones, like the jade color of this outfit, are a great choice and work well with this velour set.
But you could also mix and match different colors if you prefer a bit more color variety. Swap the long-sleeve shirt for a halter top and you can create a stylish summer outfit as well.
This outfit is quite luxurious and versatile. While a white T-shirt and white pants might be a bit over the top for some—it’s a great going-out outfit for a summer night out—whether it’s at a club patio or on a rooftop.
Style this look with some jewelry like a necklace or watch for a dressier look. Both silver and gold jewelry would complement it well. Also, carrying a large bag is definitely optional!
Additionally, you could swap the pants for a pair of shorts or denim to create a casual look, depending on what kind of club event you’re attending.
Knee-high boots can make almost any outfit a club look. When deciding what to wear to a club, this is your chance to give knee-high boots a try.
Paired up with a mini skirt or a dress, they can stand out without standing in the way of the whole outfit. Plus they’re super stylish.
These boots can elevate an outfit, making it dressier and adding an edgy vibe. Of course, your choice of attire will definitely make a difference. These boots will go with form-fitting clothes, flowy mini dresses, or skirts.
Wearing a pair of knee-high boots for a night out could also give you an opportunity to put on the black dress you might already have in your wardrobe.
And you could even experiment with short denim shorts and a halter top. Add a blazer if you’d prefer a more business casual look.
What Type Of Club Outfits Can You Get?
The type of club outfits that you can get will depend on a few things. For instance, what you’re looking for and what kind of party you’re attending.
Of course, you’ll likely wear fewer layers on summer nights, but a mini dress or short-sleeve top could still pair with a jacket on cooler days.
Here are a few questions you can consider asking when choosing what to wear to a club:
- Is the setting more upscale or casual?
- Is there a dance floor and can you dance?
- Are you there to listen to a live performance?
- Are you going to a rave?
The kind of outfit you choose, in the end, will ultimately depend on what style you’re going for. But it’s a good idea to keep one thing in mind: a club outfit is a party look for a night out.
So go for something that’ll make you feel like you can let your hair down, let loose, and have a great time.
How To Choose The Best Club Outfits
Price, quality, and materials are the key factors that will influence your shopping decisions. In the section below, we’ll take a closer look at these three variables to help you choose what to wear to a club:
- Price
When putting together a clubbing outfit, you should consider the whole outfit from head to toe.
The price will include shoes, a bag as well as other accessories. As a result, the cost of your club outfit could add up, so make sure you’re spending within your budget.
For a more affordable option, you can always opt for second-hand pieces. And as an added bonus, you could find something vintage and rare.
- Quality
When shopping for new apparel, you must always keep quality in mind. Of course, it’s a good idea to own something you can wear more than once.
So you might be looking for higher quality and durable apparel that will last a long time. Quality shoes, like leather loafers, can be a great investment in that case.
- Material
The materials you choose will depend on the season, but there are many different fabrics to pick from when shopping for a club outfit.
Linen is a great choice for summer days, while cotton works better for the colder seasons.
You could also try shopping for something that’s a bit more sustainable, that way you could re-wear or upcycle the pieces. It’s also great for the planet!
How To Style Club Outfits
The best club outfits are usually the ones you thoughtfully put together. You can start with pairing different clothing pieces and then work around them, or you can focus on accessories and shoes first.
Accessories and shoes can change your entire outfit. For instance, a plain dress or shirt can look great if accessorized well.
Learning how to work with wardrobe essentials will make styling your outfit much easier—especially on those nights when you want to keep your look simple and casual.
Here’s another way to figure out what to wear to a club: try out different color combinations to see which ones work best for you.
Remember, there are no styling rules when it comes to choosing the right color and you can definitely mix and match different hues. Of course, how you style your club outfit will depend on your own style preferences more than anything else.
Fashion Tips To Avoid With Club Outfits
Wearing comfortable shoes can really change up your whole night. And who doesn’t want to feel comfortable? Choosing the right kind of comfy shoe is key.
For instance, slippers might be cozy but they’re not appropriate or adequate for wearing out—especially if you’ll be moving around a lot in the club.
Adding accessories to your outfit can really improve it, but choose them wisely. A big bag is an okay choice if you don’t mind checking it in upon arrival.
Otherwise, it might get too hefty and tiring to carry around all night, so it might be best to stick to a small purse or clutch.
Remember, you can look good and feel comfortable at the same time. You never have to pick style over comfort or vice versa.
Also, we recommend wearing something that matches your personal style, rather than trying to rock a trend that has nothing to do with how you’d normally dress.
Best Places To Buy Club Outfits
When figuring out what to wear to a club, your favorite brand might already have a fabulous selection of apparel to choose from.
But if you’re looking for some more options, here are a few retailers that sell a variety of club-appropriate clothing:
Dynamite has lots of cocktail dresses and other club attire at affordable prices. You can shop for both casual and dressier looks as well.
Plus, this retailer features a variety of different styles, so take the time to browse through their vast collection. They also sell belts, bags, and hair accessories.
Topman has a great selection featuring both basics and statement pieces. Its collection includes everything from relaxed shirts to dress pants. Plus, they feature lots of different colors and you can count on finding shoes to wear on more than one occasion.
Zara and H&M both sell a huge variety of styles—especially when you’re working with a limited budget. They also sell a variety of accessories. For instance, they have rings, belts, necklaces, and bags and their prices are quite accessible.
Final Thoughts
Dressing up before heading out to a club is a big part of the whole ‘going out experience’ for some. When thinking about what to wear to a club, you have to consider where you’re going and who you’re meeting, but how you feel in your outfit is always the key factor.
When it comes to clothing styles, you might already have a great understanding of what works well for you.
In fact, you may already know what to wear to a club and you’re not looking to change it up. Or maybe you are! If so, congratulations. Perhaps you’re ready to try wearing a pair of ballet flats. We heard they’re making a bit of a comeback!
Looking to up your fashion game? We’ve got you covered:
