How to Dress For a Bar?

Answer 1

Most of us who don’t know the bar circuit, would barely think to dress in a special way to go to a bar or lounge and have a drink, but there are still a surprising number of bars that require a certain dress code to be followed, and entry can be refused without it. Although this may seem surprising in the modern day, bars and lounges insist upon such dress codes to avoid improper clothing and people looking and feeling out of place. Here’s how to ensure any bar will let you in.

-Step 1: Tie

Many places will require men to wear a tie. If it seems unlikely that you would wear a tie to a bar, then keep one pre-tied in your pocket, in case they ask, then you can simply pull it on and tighten, without having to worry about how to tie a tie when you have had a lot to drink.

-Step 2: Shirt

Most bars will require men to wear a shirt with a collar (this goes with the tie). If you are going out to bars, then make sure to wear a shirt with a collar. It doesn’t have to be a plain shirt, but make it look smart; then if you need your tie, follow step 1.

-Step 3: Trainers

Don’t wear trainers out. There are very few nice bars that will allow you to wear trainers in, so wear smart shoes. The same goes for flip flops or any kind of open or very casual shoes. So think of relatively smart shoes.

-Step 4: Hats

Smart hats are sometimes allowed, but Baseball caps are often not, so avoid wearing these or other types of casual hats.

-Step 5: Jeans

Don’t wear jeans. There are very few bars or lounges that will let you in with jeans, unless they are really smart, so wear smart trousers.

Don’t be intimidated by a dress code, as long as you follow basic rules, they will likely not bother you. Many bars are very accommodating if you dress smart without a tie, or wear very smart jeans, just don’t go wearing scruffy, baggy clothes that look like you haven’t tried.