What to wear to a nightclub: The 2023 guide for women
Key takeaways
- Club attire for ladies can be tricky, and many nightclubs have dress codes. Make sure you do your research before you get going. The last thing you want is to be turned away at the door.
- There are many items of clothing that are no-gos for most clubs. If you rock up wearing sweatpants, sports clothing, hats or flip-flops you may well be on your way back home.
- It’s good to keep your bag contents to a minimum, but remember to pack essentials such as your phone, house keys, ID and credit or debit card.
- Clubs are noisy. And the sound exposure can cause ear damage. Invest in some noise-reducing earplugs to provide protection so you can get on with enjoying your night.
- The key club trends for 2023 include purple hues, leather, romper suits and different textures such as sequins, feathers and tassels.
- Above all, it’s important to feel comfortable and confident. Following trends can be fun, but feeling good in what you wear is the key to a night to remember.
Hear that?
It’s the dance floor calling.
The moment you’ve been waiting for all week has finally arrived: club night.
But your ride is arriving in an hour, and one burning question still remains:
What do I wear??
Sure, you have options.
Many, in fact. Although they’re currently covering your bed, the entire floor and hanging off every available surface.
Let’s face it, choosing an outfit can be a struggle. You’re definitely not alone.
Then comes the monumental shoe choice. And the bag. The jacket. Not to mention the jewelry.
BRAIN. OVERLOAD.
But the thing is, ladies are lucky. We’ve got so many options to choose from. But with constantly changing fashions, and club dress codes thrown into the mix, what to wear to a club can become a logistical minefield.
The good news?
We’ve put together an article full of inspiration for clubbing trends for 2023.
And most importantly, we’ve put the focus on you. Your individuality. Your comfort. Your confidence.
But first up, let's understand the different dress codes of the clubbing world.
What’s the nightclub dress code for ladies?
You’ll find most nightclubs have a dress code, which will usually be listed on their website.
Dress codes reflect the image of the venue. The club owners are trying to sell a brand and attract a certain target audience. And if they feel that your clothes don’t fit the vibe, you’re not coming in.
But more than that, dress codes are also put in place with safety in mind. Yep, flip-flops may be comfy in the summer, but no one wants their bare foot stepped on or covered in beer, or at the very worst, glass embedded into their toe.
So check the venue’s dress code before you set off. Who wants to be turned away at the door before their night has even started?
Different dress codes
Here are some common dress codes that you’ll likely come across in nightclubs:
1. Streetwear (or no dress code at all)
Although a rarity, you may sometimes find a club with no dress code, where streetwear is actually allowed!
In which case, your baggy jeans have got the green light. Grab your sports clothes, sneakers, and sweatpants, if that’s what you’re comfortable in.
You do you. Get comfortable – the rest of the night will take care of itself.
2. Casual
If you’re heading somewhere with a casual dress code, pretty much anything goes (as long as you avoid the shorts and streetwear vibe). Wearing jeans and a T-shirt? You’re in.
3. Club style
Time to ditch the casual and bring out the big guns. Think trendy dresses, heels, halter tops, glitter and all the sparkle. Accessories are a must. It’s time to club it like you mean it.
4. Smart casual
The smart-casual vibe can be a fine balancing act, but will help you get into most nightclubs. It’s a look we can all relate to when we want to make minimal effort but still look like we're dressing to impress.
Try smart jeans, (the neat and clean kind, free of fading and holes). To accompany them, opt for items such as blouses, jackets and shirts for an effortlessly classy look.
5. Semi-formal
For these types of venues, think about what you’d usually wear for a business meeting or an informal wedding. (And bear in mind that anything denim is out of the question.)
Make sure that you stick to something not too revealing. Think classy over sexy. And as it’s a more formal occasion, ditch the flats – heels are a must.
6. Formal/black tie
Your typical nightclub won’t have a formal or black tie dress code. These dress codes are usually reserved for wine bars or cocktail clubs. So when the occasion arises, get out a stunning cocktail dress and the perfect heels to match.
Top nightclub outfits for women in 2023
Finding the ideal clubbing attire can be tough. Luckily, we’re here to help you find something that makes you feel comfortable, confident and something that makes a statement.
Here are our best women’s club outfits for 2023:
1. Club jumpsuits and romper suits
Trying to piece together that full outfit can take hours.
Rompers can conveniently take away that hassle – they’re comfortable and you can achieve a put-together look with minimal effort.
And the style possibilities are huge: Make a statement in your favorite color, wear with heels or flats and accessorize super easily.
You can find long-sleeved suits for the colder weather, or short for more of a summer vibe.
And if you’re looking to match style with protection, why not try our Loop Experience Midnight Black earplugs for the ultimate style accessory and ear protection?
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2. Purple hues
Lilacs, lavenders, and violets… they’re saturating our social feeds. They made an appearance in 2022 and it looks as though they’re here to stay for the foreseeable future, making them an ideal club outfit for ladies.
If you want to go more minimal, try accessorizing with a purple belt, shoes, or handbag. But don’t be afraid to be bold for the perfect spring statement.
3. Textures
Rich textures are in this spring.
So why not experiment with tassels, fringes, sequins, and even feathers. They’re bold, unique and playful (and they feel good too).
Textures like these don’t usually suit a coat or longer jacket, so they’re especially ideal for warm weather clubbing.
So if you fancy adding a bit of drama to your look, add some feathers or sequins into the mix. Or even better, experiment with a combo?
4. Bubble hems
The voluminous bubble hem is back – being super playful it’s an ideal club outfit for women and a fun addition to your clubbing wardrobe.
It’s a look that everyone’s buzzing about. It always feels feminine, you get to show off your legs and it can be worn with whatever shoes you choose. Whether it’s chunky wedges, flat plimsolls, or sleek stilettos, the bubble hem design will match perfectly.
5. Sheer Clothing
It’s a new trend of 2023 and it’s hitting the club scene in a big way.
The best thing about sheer dressing is that you can do it a little or a lot – whatever fits your mood. You can make it subtle, vampy or even show your sweet side.
If you’re looking to make a big statement then sheer is the way to go. It shows the skin without being too revealing. You can pick and choose how you work this style – from sheer skirts, to tops, to dresses – the choice is yours. Oh, and they’re easy to accessorize with too.
6. Faux Leather
Let’s talk about leather.
The leather look has long been the talk of the night.
So if you’re looking to have your moment in the spotlight, try out some leather trousers with heels, or go the whole way with a leather dress.
Wear minimal accessories to show off the look to the fullest.
7. Off the Shoulder
If you’re looking for an injection of feminine fashion, the unique off-the-shoulder tops and dresses are perfect for making a statement. The flash of skin elongates the neck and creates a look that is classy, flirty and fun.
It’s the ideal look for a cocktail club as you can couple it with some high heels for that extra elegance.
8. Wrap dresses
It’s a classic style that will never date – the wrap dress.
With its universally popular and flattering style, it comes in all different colors and textures. Oh, and it’s actually comfortable too. You can pair a wrap dress with heels, wedges or flats, and accessorize with almost anything!
9. Casual dress – jeans and club tops
If the dress code is casual, opt for a pair of cargo pants or skinny-fit jeans with heels. Pair them with a halter neck top or crop top for that extra statement.
The casual look was born for accessories – necklaces, earrings, bags etc. So go bold and accessorize away!
General club attire no-gos
Although each club will have its own dress code, there are some items of clothing that you can pretty much avoid for most venues.
Here are some things to avoid like the plague:
Casual footwear
In general, if you’re wearing sneakers, sandals or flip-flops you won’t be allowed in most clubs.
Sportswear
A lot of the more ‘upscale’ clubs won’t allow sportswear because it’s not formal enough and doesn’t gel with their image (even if you’re wearing the most fashionable hoodie).
Some sportswear items to avoid include:
- Hoodies
- Sweatpants
- Sports jerseys
- Shorts
Hats
You’ll find that most clubs ban hats and other types of headwear.
The main reason for this is security purposes. Security staff need to be able to monitor the crowd and identify people quickly and efficiently – both in person and on the security cameras. Hats can make this a challenge because they can conceal faces.
So if you’re wearing something like a super-stylish fedora or a ball cap, chances are you’ll be asked to remove it at the door.
What essentials should I bring with me?
Knowing how to navigate a night out clubbing isn’t easy.
You may be wondering “What do I bring with me?”
Whatever you do, keep it minimal. You don’t want to lug a heavy bag around all night or waste precious time rooting around for your bank card at the bottom of a huge bag.
Opt for a smaller bag that you can wear over your shoulder. For one thing, you’re less likely to lose it or have it stolen. And you’re also less likely to put it down somewhere, only to have it ruined.
Here are the essentials you have to bring to the club:
- ID
Don’t be tempted to leave it at home; you’ll almost definitely be asked to provide photo ID.
Clubbing is noisy (and most people love this).
But the noise levels in a club can reach 100 decibels, which can cause irreversible damage to your ears.
If your ears are exposed to noise above 75 decibels for an extended period of time, they are at risk. Earplugs like Loop Experience can help to protect your ears whilst still allowing you to hear everything pitch-perfect.
They’re also super stylish and come in a selection of cool colors to complement whatever outfit you’re wearing.
- Phone
Make sure you take your phone with you.
You’ll need it for taking selfies, photos and videos of your friends dancing, and ordering a taxi home.
- Credit or debit card
Many venues are now card only, so take a credit or debit card for ease.
- House keys
No one wants to be locked out in the early hours. Make sure you’ve got your keys before you leave the house.
Wear what makes you happy
And the most important thing of all?
You have to be comfortable.
Yes, it’s cool to follow trends if that interests you. But let’s be honest, if you’re feeling awkward and underconfident then you’re not going to enjoy yourself.
And what’s the point in that?
So be yourself. Harness that confidence.
And you’ll have a night to remember.
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