How to Dress for a Night Out

After a hectic week filled with deadlines, endless meetings, a packed class schedule, and stress, you might be ready for a night of fun at the club. But how can you walk into the club with confidence? While many follow basic guidelines, there are specific things men and women often consider when dressing up for a night out.

Groom yourself. Take a shower, shave, and apply hair gel or style your hair. Even though you may sweat or feel hot in the club, it’s best to have a neat appearance to start an exciting night.

Try to adjust your appearance to match the club's style. If you're going to a casual club, loosen your collar or opt for jeans instead of classic slacks. However, if you're heading to a more upscale club, dress more formally. If you're unsure, look up the club's dress code online to get an idea. Outfit ideas include:

• A neat button-down shirt with a proper fit (two small buttons at the end of the collar tips). Avoid polo shirts or company uniform-style shirts (striped, checkered, light blue). And don’t forget to tuck your shirt in!
• Well-fitting jeans. Baggy jeans are a thing of the 90s and not a trendy choice. Go for a stylish pair that fits you well, but isn't too tight.
• Loafers or Oxford shoes. Look for shiny leather shoes, but steer clear of pointy or square-toed shoes as they aren’t very appealing.
• Avoid athletic wear or sneakers. While not all clubs enforce formal dress codes, most will not allow sneakers or sportswear. So, leave your workout gear at home.

Opt for different colors instead of black. Although black is often seen as a safe and elegant choice, the infrared lights in clubs can highlight dandruff, dust, etc., on black clothing.

• Dark blue or brown can be good alternatives to black and do a great job of concealing sweat stains.

Wear a light jacket to avoid the coat check. It might be a good idea to wear a light blazer or a thin leather jacket in the club’s warm environment so you can skip the long coat check process.

Style your hair. Many women take care of their hair on their own, while some prefer spending more time on styling it.

• You can try a high ponytail, loose curls, or completely switch it up with a new style like messy braids or straight hair. Whatever you choose, make sure your hair is healthy, shiny, and securely styled.
• Don’t forget to use anti-frizz products to protect your hair in the humid atmosphere of the crowded club and ensure you look great all night long.

Apply makeup. Focus on accentuating your favorite features and highlighting your best attributes. However, avoid overdoing it with makeup, as it may hide your natural beauty rather than enhance it.

• Start with foundation and concealer. Depending on how much foundation you typically use, decide if you'd like to apply a little more for the evening, and cover areas of your face you want to hide with concealer. Blush and contour are also great ways to add depth and color to your face after applying foundation.
• Next, focus on your eyes. Decide whether you want a dramatic look like cat eyes or smoky eyes, or if you'd prefer a simpler, more natural look with a thin eyeliner and mascara. Don’t forget to use waterproof mascara to avoid smudging while dancing with your friends.
• You can check out various eye makeup tutorials online for inspiration.
• Now, for your lips. Choose a bold lipstick if your eyes are kept simple, or go for a softer tone if your eyes are more dramatic or bright. Use lip liner to keep the lipstick in place, or opt for a gloss.
• While matching your makeup to your outfit can be tempting, it may make you appear too matchy-matchy and boring. If unsure, try to make your makeup complement your outfit rather than match it exactly.

Choose an outfit based on the club's dress code. If you're headed to a lively spot in the city center, skip the office attire and fancy outfits. However, if you're going to a more upscale venue, opt for something more glamorous.

• Touch up your look when you arrive, as this will ensure the bouncer lets you in and you’ll feel confident stepping inside.

Don’t be afraid to show off your most attractive features. Think about the parts of your body that you love or feel proud of and don’t mind showcasing. Choose an outfit that highlights these areas, being comfortable with showing a little skin. Women should remember, dress for yourself first. Outfit ideas include:

• A crop top or blouse paired with a skirt
• A fitted bodycon dress
• A stylish pair of trousers with a chic top
• Jeans may not be the best option if you sweat in the club, so consider leaving them at home.
• If you struggle with wearing high heels, opt for your favorite heeled boots or flats. It’s best to avoid sneakers, as they are considered too casual for most clubs.

Accessorize to create a unique look. Keep it elegant with a pair of round or bead earrings, or a chunky necklace. Try not to overdo it with accessories, as too many necklaces or bracelets can make you look like you're in costume.

Carry a small bag. Most clubs are packed and cramped, so avoid bringing a large purse filled with makeup, shoes, and other items. Instead, choose a small handbag that can hold your wallet, phone, and lipstick or gloss.

Choose a light jacket to avoid the coat check. Depending on the weather, this might be a challenge as you don't want to stand in line at the dreaded coat check but also don't want to freeze. It won’t be an issue if you live in a warm climate, but if you're in a colder area, a leather jacket will help you avoid sweating too much, or you can wear a thin sweater underneath your jacket.

• Feel free to get creative and select an outfit that keeps you warm while still looking stunning, known as 'sexy clubwear for winter.'