Outfit Ideas
What to Wear to a Nightclub: Club Outfits for Women
For a nightclub, wear something fitted, polished and easy to dance in: a bodycon or sequin mini dress, a sleek satin dress, or dressy separates like a corset top with leather or tailored pants, with heels or boots you can stand in for hours. Upscale clubs expect a dressy look; dark jeans are fine at many casual clubs, but sneakers, sportswear and flip-flops are often turned away. Check the club's dress code on its website or social media before you go.
In This Guide
What Is the Dress Code at a Nightclub?
There's no single nightclub dress code. Each club sets its own, and the door staff decide who comes in. Most fall into one of three levels:
- Casual club or bar: dark jeans or a skirt with a going-out top, or a simple mini dress.
- Smart or "dress to impress": a mini or cocktail dress, a jumpsuit, or dressy separates with heels or boots.
- Upscale or lounge: a sleek cocktail dress, satin, sequins or sparkle, and polished heels. Men are usually asked for dress shoes and collared shirts.
Common things to avoid, especially at upscale clubs: athletic wear and tracksuits, sneakers, flip-flops and slides, baggy or ripped clothing, hats, and anything stained or worn out. Rules vary, so when in doubt, dress up.
Nightclub Outfit Ideas for Women
- A bodycon mini: a fitted dress in black, red or a jewel tone is the classic club look.
- Sequins or sparkle: a sequin, beaded or hot fix stone dress catches the light on a dark dance floor.
- Satin: a sleek satin mini or slip dress looks expensive with simple heels.
- Fringe: a fringe dress moves when you dance.
- Dressy separates: a corset or bustier top with leather pants, tailored trousers or a mini skirt.
- A jumpsuit: a fitted or wide-leg jumpsuit with heels for a polished option that isn't a dress.
Classy Clubbing Outfits
For an upscale club or a VIP table, keep the outfit sleek and choose one statement: a bold color, sparkle, a cut out or an open back. A fitted cocktail dress in black, red, emerald or a metallic, with strappy heels and a small clutch, works at almost any upscale venue. Keep jewelry to one or two pieces so the dress stands out.
Shoes, Bags and Practical Tips
- Shoes: block heels, platforms or heeled boots are easier to dance in than stilettos. Avoid brand-new shoes you haven't broken in.
- Bag: a small crossbody or wristlet keeps your phone, ID and cards with you. Some clubs limit bag size.
- Layers: clubs get warm, so wear a light dress and bring a jacket for the line. Check whether the club has a coat check.
- Fit: make sure you can sit, dance and raise your arms without adjusting your outfit.
Sherri Hill Dresses for a Night Out
These fitted cocktail dresses suit an upscale club, a birthday night out or a New Year's Eve party. Sherri Hill dresses are sold through authorized retailers; use Find A Store to locate one near you. If the store doesn't have your color or size, the retailer can check whether it's available to order.
Style 57430
A fitted strapless cocktail dress in hot fix stones, with keyholes in the bodice and a lace-up back. It comes in eighteen colors, including bright fuchsia, black, silver and emerald, in sizes 000 through 18. See style 57430.
Style 67064
A halter cocktail dress with a plunging V neckline and beaded rosette embellishments. It comes in eleven colors, including black, red, chartreuse and bright fuchsia, in sizes 000 through 14. See style 67064.
Style 57385
A fitted cocktail dress with long sleeves, beaded throughout and finished with fringe. It comes in ten colors, including light blue, black, burgundy and nude with silver, in sizes 000 through 14. See style 57385.
Style 57425
A fitted strapless cocktail dress on a corset bodice that laces at the back, with a ruched skirt. It comes in nine colors, including emerald, black, red and gold, in sizes 000 through 18. See style 57425.
See more in cocktail dresses and black homecoming dresses, and find your size with the Sherri Hill Size Guide. For more night-out ideas, see New Year's Eve outfit ideas and party attire.
Shop the Look
Your retailer can check whether a color or size is available to order.
Find A Store
Find a Sherri Hill Retailer
In the United States, Sherri Hill dresses are sold through authorized retailers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a woman wear to a nightclub?
A fitted mini or cocktail dress, a sequin or satin dress, a jumpsuit, or dressy separates such as a corset top with leather pants, with heels or boots you can dance in. Check the club's dress code first.
Can you wear jeans to a nightclub?
At many casual clubs, yes: dark, clean jeans with a dressy top and heels or boots. Upscale clubs often don't allow jeans, so check before you go.
What does upscale club attire mean for women?
A polished, dressy look: a sleek cocktail or mini dress, satin, sequins or sparkle, or an elegant jumpsuit, with heels and a small bag. Avoid sneakers, athletic wear and casual denim.
What shoes are best for a club?
Block heels, platforms or heeled boots give height and are easier to stand and dance in than thin stilettos. Many clubs turn away sneakers, flip-flops and slides.
What should men wear to a nightclub?
Dark jeans or tailored trousers with a collared or fitted shirt and leather shoes or boots. Upscale clubs may ask for a blazer and dress shoes and turn away sneakers.
