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This post will show you what to wear to a bar, with dressy and casual bar outfit ideas.
Whether you go to a school with a huge college bar scene or a “drink after class on a Thursday” kind of vibe, this article is for you. In a world of crop tops and jeans, it can be hard to put together a bar outfit that makes you feel like a model.
More than anything, when the dress code seems printed in bold and underlined, it can be nerve-racking to push the boundaries of fashion and wear something exciting. But look, odds are you’re not a freshman, so you’re well past caring about what anyone else thinks.
And I’m not saying you need to dress like you’re about to hit the red carpet, but I want to help you gain the confidence to be fashion-forward even if you don’t live in New York. To not feel like you must wear the same thing as everyone else and not stand out like a sore thumb.
(Fair warning, if you live in New York or any big city, these outfits will likely be on the casual side of dressing up to go out. Adjust accordingly.)
So how can you stand out in a way that makes everyone else want to wear what you’re wearing and wish they had dressed up like you? As a European who was shocked to see people going to class in sweatpants, I’ve learned to adapt my outfits to a more relaxed setting, and this is how you can too:
Table of Contents
What to Wear to a Bar – Tips on Choosing Your Outfit:
Mix fabrics
Satin and leather, for example, are fabrics that make us think of more dressed-up looks, so the trick to wearing your favorite leather skirt is to pair it with a casual fabric. Maybe that’s cotton, linen, or your favorite denim. Denim is a model-off-duty staple that you can always use for your nights out around your small town.
Light colors
Wearing your fancier clothes in light shades, such as white, gives your outfit a more casual look at night. For example, a white silk camisole top, when paired with a dark denim skirt, looks cool but not too dressed up.
Wear The Right Sneakers:
If an outfit ever seems too fancy for the occasion, my favorite trick is to throw on a pair of white sneakers with it, and instantly you’ll look more casual. Try it with the fanciest dress you have, maybe not your prom dress, but something nice, and you’ll see.
Bright accent pieces:
We associate colors with summer months, which are more casual in nature, so breaking up a black outfit with some color will make you look less elegant. And you give up some elegance to gain a way more exciting look that will have everyone saying they love your fit.
Now that we’ve got the basics down, here are some examples of what to wear to a bar, with different degrees of casual.
1. Trendy Take on the Casual Bar Outfit
Products:
I love a monochrome look, and brown colors are not the most formal, so they are perfect for casual drinks at the bar. I especially love tan with white, and it really makes it look summery and fun. Black with tan instantly looks more elegant, so swap for black if you want to amp it up.
Pair some brown leather pants with some white boots and a white top, like this one that I can’t stop wearing from Zara. Add a brown accessory to complete your monochrome look and of course, some go-to silver jewelry.
2. Cute Bar Outfit
Products (similar):
Wondering what to wear to a bar when you want to be extra cute? Knee-high boots with a skirt are such a power move. But the combo can quickly feel a little too dressy, so make sure either the boots or the skirt is made of a more casual fabric, like this cotton skirt.
Keep up the black look with a bag and throw on a colorful top. This deep blue has both a nighttime feel and yet a very bright aesthetic. Finish off your look with some gold jewelry.
Oh, and a pro tip, make sure the boots you get are comfortable because you want to feel free to move around the bar and hop to another at a moment’s notice.
3. Casual Bar Outfit with Jeans
Products:
Jeans are always a great option for what to wear to a bar. But if you don’t want to look basic, it really is all about styling. That doesn’t mean going all out with feathers and layering like you’re dressing like a Kardashian. A casual bar outfit with jeans can be very simple and yet unique.
For an of-the-moment look, style your jeans with a leather top. The bustier is a plus because they are so in style right now. Pair that combo with some go-to black boots and a black belt. The essential part is a colorful accessory, instantly, your outfit will look different. I love the way bags can totally make an outfit!
Add some glam jewelry for the finishing touch, and you have the perfect bar outfit.
4. Dressy Bar Outfit
Products:
I’m a big leather girl, faux, of course, because there is nothing more powerful than a leather outfit. But when you’re hitting up your local Joe’s Bar for the weekend, an all-leather look can seem a little too Gigi Hadid for the occasion.
So style your fave leather skirt with some ruffled fabric like this cute pink top, which brings a playful, colorful tone to your outfit. Throw on a white bag and some white sneakers to really make your outfit stand out and yet blend into the dress code.
Additional Tips
Skip The Sports Attire
There are a few reasons why sporting attire is a no-no for night-out bar hopping. For one, it can be distracting and take away from the overall vibe of the night. Additionally, it can be seen as unprofessional by others in attendance. Finally, it simply isn’t very stylish or fashionable. So if you’re looking to make a good impression on your night out, leave the sports gear at home!
Don’t Wear Streetwear Style Clothes
When you’re going out to the bar, the last thing you want to do is wear clothes that make you look like you’re still in school. That’s why it’s important to avoid wearing streetwear styles like baggy pants and oversized T-shirts. Instead, try dressing up your look with some nicer jeans or a stylish blazer. You’ll look more confident and be better dressed for the occasion.
Be Sure to Wear Elevated Clothing
When you go out to the bar, it’s important to dress to impress. You want to look your best so that you can make a good impression on potential dates or friends. One way to do that is to wear elevated clothing.
Elevated clothing is clothing that is a little bit dressier than what you would normally wear. It might be a nicer shirt or dress, or it might be clothing that is a little bit more formal. Wearing elevated clothing can help you stand out from the crowd and make you look like you’re taking your night out seriously.
If there is one thing I missed about going out, it is getting dressed up. (I mean, to be honest, I usually want to go home after an hour of standing around.) But what’s exciting about coming back after being stuck at home for so long is the longing to really dress up and try new outfit combinations.
So don’t be scared to look out of place because it’s not you that’s overdressed. It’s just everyone that’s underdressed. Trust me, if you’re confident in your outfit, soon you’ll be the trendsetter at your school, with everyone wishing they had worn the outfit they actually wanted to wear.
What’s your favorite casual bar outfit?
What’s your go-to item when you go out? What are some of your tips for dressing down an outfit? Let us know!
If you love this night out bar outfits, you might also want our other fashion tips below —
- What to Wear on a First Date: 10 Outfit Ideas for Every Kind of Date
- 25 Cute Outfit Ideas for Women (When You Have Nothing to Wear)
- Bohemian Style 101: 4 Perfect Boho Outfits
- Clubbing Outfit Ideas Perfect for Your Next Night Out, Plus 15 Hot Dresses Under $50
- Summer Night Outfits 2022- What to Wear on a Summer Night Out
As an enthusiast with a keen understanding of fashion and styling, I'll dive into the concepts presented in the article about what to wear to a bar. My expertise in fashion trends, fabric combinations, and accessorizing allows me to provide insights and guidance for those seeking to make a statement with their bar outfits.
Mixing Fabrics: The article suggests mixing fabrics to achieve a balanced look. It recommends pairing dressier fabrics like satin or leather with more casual ones like cotton, linen, or denim. This combination creates a stylish yet relaxed vibe, allowing individuals to stand out without looking overly formal.
Light Colors: Light colors, especially in the evening, can give a more casual appearance to outfits. The article suggests wearing fancier clothes in light shades, such as white, to achieve a cool yet not overly dressed-up look. For example, a white silk camisole paired with a dark denim skirt strikes a balance between sophistication and casualness.
Choosing the Right Sneakers: The article emphasizes the versatility of white sneakers in instantly elevating the casualness of an outfit. This tip allows individuals to tone down an ensemble that might seem too fancy for a bar setting. Adding sneakers to a dressier outfit brings a touch of comfort and modernity.
Bright Accent Pieces: Introducing bright accent pieces to an outfit breaks up monochromatic or darker tones, adding excitement and a more casual feel. The article suggests incorporating colorful accessories to transform a potentially elegant look into something more vibrant and captivating.
Now, let's explore the four bar outfit ideas presented in the article:
1. Trendy Take on the Casual Bar Outfit: This outfit revolves around a monochrome look with brown tones, particularly tan and white. The ensemble features brown leather pants, a white top, and silver jewelry. The combination of brown and white exudes a summery and fun vibe, making it suitable for casual drinks at the bar.
2. Cute Bar Outfit: This outfit suggests a powerful combination of knee-high boots with a skirt. The key is to balance the dressiness by choosing either the boots or the skirt in a more casual fabric, such as cotton. The ensemble incorporates a deep blue top for a nighttime feel and gold jewelry for added flair.
3. Casual Bar Outfit with Jeans: This outfit focuses on styling jeans with a leather top, particularly a bustier that aligns with current fashion trends. The addition of black boots, a black belt, and a colorful accessory transforms the casual jeans into a unique and stylish bar outfit.
4. Dressy Bar Outfit: This ensemble involves styling a leather skirt with a playful pink top, introducing a colorful and playful tone to the outfit. White sneakers and a white bag are added to balance the look, making it stand out while blending into the dress code.
Additional Tips: The article provides valuable tips such as skipping sports attire for a night out, avoiding streetwear styles that might appear too casual, and emphasizing the importance of wearing elevated clothing to make a lasting impression. These tips cater to individuals looking to enhance their style and confidence while enjoying a night out at the bar.
In summary, the article combines practical fashion advice with specific outfit ideas, catering to individuals who want to express their style in a bar setting while balancing the fine line between casual and dressy.
