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An outing at the country club isn't the same thing as grabbing a few beers at your local dive or sports bar. While you don't have to follow any specific rules etiquette-wise (unless you’re playing a round of golf), you will need to keep up with the country club's dress code.
The dress code tends to change depending on the specific club, so it's not a universal dress code for every location. That said, there are certain guidelines you can follow that will have you looking the part at just about every country club you visit.
While the dress code can be complicated, don't worry, we’re here to help you dress for success at your next country club outing. Read on to learn more about country club attire and how you can customize your look.
What Is a Country Club?
Never been to a country club and don't know what to expect? We have you covered, and in principle, a country club is simpler than you might think.
The first thing you think of is likely golf, but country clubs aren't just golf. You'll find that many clubs include other amenities as well that range from private pools to lavish tennis courts.
Country clubs also tend to be exclusive, but there are some public options opened by counties or townships. Village clubs are also available depending on your location, but you'll likely have to be a resident of that village to visit them.
At exclusive country clubs, you have to pay a membership fee or be invited by an organization that's renting the place out. These fees vary based on the location, and what you get out of a membership will vary based on the club.
Aside from having outdoor and indoor activities, country clubs also tend to have bars, dining options, as well as other amenities. In fact, country clubs tend to be a great place for a wedding, but the dress code for that is more black tie.
Do Country Clubs Have a Dress Code?
Yes, most country clubs will have a dress code. Typically, the code is enforced by the people who work at the country club. This can be a bartender or someone who watches the golf course.
Depending on the country club, the dress code and how It's enforced will vary. For example, some courses won't give you any trouble if you’re playing nine holes in sneakers, shorts, and a t-shirt, while other clubs will ask you to change or leave.
Why Do Country Clubs Have Dress Codes?
Country clubs have dress codes because they're baked into tradition. In the past, people used to join country clubs to be prestigious, so it wasn't uncommon for them to dress the part. Today, this is often the case, and the dress code is part of what elevated country clubs above most other restaurants, bars, and even public golf courses.
Ultimately, the reason for the dress code at a country club is a mix of prestige, tradition, and standing out from other places to hang around.
Country Club Attire for Women
When it comes to country club attire for women, you'll find that there are a lot of options– you don't have to feel forced to wear a button-down shirt or slacks. Instead, women can get away with long-sleeve shirts or sleeveless shirts. However, a collar is still important at some country clubs.
Some appropriate choices for the club include skirts that hit the knee or below, shorts, and longer slacks. Neutral tones tend to work best for shorts or slacks, though if you’re going with a skirt, it can have a little more color.
Likewise, dresses are another choice as long as the hemline and neckline are appropriate. Generally, you’ll want your skirt or dress to hit your knee, though some country clubs may allow for a shorter look – be sure to check the dress code.
If you get chilly, a cardigan or sweater is perfectly fine at most country clubs, but you can always call ahead if you have any concerns.
Headwear is also flexible for women at the country club. Visors, hats, and headbands are all acceptable. Plus, you can have some fun with the colors because you don't have to worry about having a specific color unless it's a rule that's stated by the country club.
If you’re going to a more formal outing, like a cocktail hour, you'll want to opt for a cocktail dress or something a little more formal. You can also consider more formal dresses for weddings and other major events taking place at country clubs.
Attire to Avoid at the Country Club for Women
We've covered what you can wear at the country club, but what about what you can't? The clothing items we list below are ones you should typically avoid:
Short shorts
Tube tops
Sandals
High heels (unless you’re at a wedding or cocktail hour)
An excessive amount of dangling jewelry
Sweats
Boots
Yoga pants
Leggings
Jeans
Hoodies
Depending on the country club, you might also want to avoid wearing clothes that are too revealing.
Do Young Women Have to Wear Country Club Attire?
Yes, young women have to wear country club attire. Anyone who wants to go to the country club should meet dress code standards. It helps the club maintain its status but will also help your children feel more included. Plus, why not start young? While children don't have to wear the same clothes as adults, it helps to be mindful.
Country Club Attire for Men
When it comes to country club attire for men, a good rule of thumb to follow is that you should always have at least a collared shirt. This can be a button-down shirt, polo shirt, or another type of shirt that has a color.
While the shirt is the most important part, you also need to wear a nice pair of pants. For men, country club pants tend to be golf shorts or golf slacks. The material is often a combination of khaki and activewear, so don't worry; you'll be comfortable out there.
As for the colors, well, that's where you have the most creativity. Have a polo that's covered with ducks or other designs? You can wear it to the country club. Have a plain black polo shirt? Also acceptable for the country club. This applies to your pants as well, so don't be shocked if you see a man wearing a white polo with pink pants – that's just a fun golf outfit.
It's also important to note that hats and visors are not off-limits at country clubs. While these clothing items tend not to be acceptable for classy outings, they're okay for the country club setting, especially if you’re playing a few holes.
The only time this dress code changed is if you’re attending a country club outing for work or a wedding. For work, business casual is the right move, and for a wedding, you'll want to wear a suit and a tie.
If you’re ever worried about what to wear to a country club, you can always call ahead to see what the dress code looks like.
Attire to Avoid at the Country Club for Men
Men have a lot of leeway with what they can wear at the country club, but that doesn't mean that anything goes. You'll want to avoid wearing jeans and work clothes, for example, because it can make you look out of place or be outside the country club’s dress code.
Other clothes to avoid include:
T-shirts
Sweatpants
Cuffed pants
Hoodies
Baggy clothing
Sandals
Boots
Too much jewelry
Cargo shorts (at some country clubs)
Clothing with foul language or designs
Aside from these clothes, you can also avoid other outfits that you think will make you feel out of place.
Do Young Men Have to Wear Country Club Attire?
Yes, young men have to wear country club attire. While you can get away without it, helping your child fit in on the golf course or at your next country club outing can help them feel more comfortable. Plus, it's a respectable thing to do for other guests at the county club.
Feel Confident at the Country Club With Sherri Hill
When you want to feel confident on the golf course, there's no better place to shop than Sherri Hill. Every year we update our catalog with new dress ideas to help you feel confident in any situation.
Whether you’re playing 18 holes or you need a cocktail dress for a lunch event, we have you covered with some of the best dresses you'll lay eyes on.
You'll also find plenty of formal dresses if you plan on attending a wedding at a country club, so we have you covered for any country club event. Overall, we have dresses for any occasion at Sherri Hill.
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