What To Wear To A Lounge Bar: Our Best Tips (For Women & Men)
If you’re looking for a relaxed and stylish place to hang out, lounge bars are the perfect choice. Check out our style guide on what to wear to a lounge bar if you have no outfit ideas in mind!
What exactly is a lounge bar? It’s not your typical bar, and it’s not one of those casual clubs either. Lounge bars are a place where you can enjoy drinks with more comfortable seating. But here’s the catch – they usually have more expensive drinks than your usual bar.
While there’s no specific dress code for this type of bar, it’s an important thing to remember to dress up: this usually translates to semi-formal or even formal wear. Lounge bars are upscale and exclusive, so you have to dress the part and ditch your casual garments!
When you go to a lounge bar, what do you want to feel? Relaxed and comfortable. That’s the goal with your style when dressing for a lounge bar.
You don’t want to be too overdressed or underdressed – you want to find the perfect balance that will make you feel confident and at ease. You don’t have to show up in a floor-length gown; instead, you can show up in a formal mini or midi dress that reflects your personal style. For men, a collared shirt would suffice.
For women, we’ll show you what’s hot and what’s not, while men will learn what types of clothes make them look effortlessly cool. So read on and get ready to take your style up a notch!
All of the outfits featured below are completely shoppable, so if you see something you like, just click on the photo and it will take you right to the retailer’s website for an easy purchase.
What To Wear To A Lounge Bar (For Women)
1. Semi-Formal Dresses
A little black dress is always a good choice for a lounge bar. You can never go wrong with this type of dress, no matter what color it is! Just make sure it’s not too short or revealing.
The key is to look effortless and chic, especially if you’re going on a first date or a business meeting. Don’t forget to complete this outfit with high heels or classic pumps.
2. Top & Skirt
Another great option to wear to a lounge bar is a skirt and a satin top, or any other statement top for that matter. This is a good choice if you want to mix and match your top and your bottoms.
Just make sure the skirt isn’t too short. Again, the key is to look effortless and chic, not tacky, especially when you’re meeting new people in formal clubs.
3. Top & Trousers
If you’re not a fan of dresses or skirts, you can always go for a top and trousers or dress pants. This is a great option if you want to show off your figure while staying comfortable.
Just make sure the top isn’t too low-cut or revealing if you’re going to a lounge bar with a strict dress code – it’s always a good idea to bring a blazer with you in case you do need to cover up.
Some great combinations would be a crop top and wide-leg trousers, a blouse and cigarette pants, or a camisole and wide-leg pants. Finish off the look with a matching blazer for the ultimate cool-girl look.
4. Jumpsuits & Rompers
Another great option to wear to a lounge bar is a jumpsuit or romper. This is a good choice if you want to wear something different!
But remember: drinking alcohol will make you want to use the toilet more than usual, and we all know that jumpsuits or rompers are a hassle to take off, especially if you’re in a hurry.
If you want to have a great time without worrying about your next bathroom break, proceed with caution!
5. Pantsuits
If you’re feeling extra confident, you can always go for a pantsuit! First impressions matter, so this is a good option if you want to make a statement.
What To Wear To A Lounge Bar (For Men)
Now that we’ve covered what to wear for women, let’s move on to what to wear for men!
For men, the key is to look sharp yet relaxed. Lounge bars are all about their smart casual dress code, and this is unlike the usual sports bars.
You want to avoid anything that’s too stuffy. Instead, go for something that’s comfortable and cool, like a tailored blazer or button-down shirt together with a pair of Oxford shoes, leather loafers or boat shoes.
Remember, the goal is to look sharp yet relaxed! So avoid anything that’s too constricting. Ditch your pair of jeans and go for dress pants or trousers instead.
1. Blazer Outfit
Much like a good dress-shirt, a blazer with matching trousers will always look good and the perfect choice for most lounge bars.
If you’re feeling extra dapper, you can always go for a suit and tie! This is a great option if the dress code or the location is very formal and upscale.
2. Dress Shirt & Pants
A great button-down shirt will usually suffice for lounge bars. You can wear your favorite shirt with a pair of dress pants, nice Oxford shoes and a blazer if you get cold.
3. Classy Sweater
If you want to keep things simple, you can always go for a classy sweater, like a turtleneck. This is a great option if you’re not sure what to wear.
Just make sure the turtleneck isn’t too tight; you’ll want to look relaxed! Finish the outfit with a pair of leather shoes or boots.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I wear casual clothes to a lounge bar?
You might want to check with the lounge bar’s dress code on their website before you show up in casual clothes. Just make sure your clothes are comfortable yet stylish. But generally, lounge bars are more upscale and expensive, meaning you would have to dress the part.
If their dress code isn’t too strict, you may be able to get away with a pair of jeans and a dressy top – but please avoid dirty sneakers!
What can I NOT wear to lounge bars?
While it’s always best that you check the lounge bar’s own dress code and policy, in most cases, men cannot wear shorts, and casual shoes like flip flops and sneakers are an absolute no-no for both men and women.
Why do lounge bars have an upscale dress code?
The dress code for lounge bars is usually upscale because it creates an atmosphere of sophistication and class. It also helps to keep the clientele classy and well-dressed.
We hope you found this style guide helpful! If you’re still looking for more fashion inspiration, check the posts down below.
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