what to wear to a bar this saturday nite?

cyan45

my bf's co-worker is throwing a get-together celebrating his new job (and subsequent bon voyage to another state). no details on the time/locale. i've never been much into the bar scene--thanks to being shy and a homebody--so i haven't a clue what to wear!

we will probably need to walk (find parking, bar hop)...aside from bringing a clutch & jacket, i'd appreciate your help! can i wear a skirt/dress without looking too 'goody goody'?

16 years ago

Dressing

12 replies

Latest reply was from anne

Lee Hovey

Active Member

The best bar formula, IMO, is dark well fitting jeans with a feminine, embellished top. Some statementy jewelry, and a cute clutch. As for shoes, when I know there might be some walking yet I want to look cute, I usually go for booties or kitten heels.

16 years ago

rute

Veteran

Of course, you can use a LDB or a black skirt and a nice blouse and then dress down a little with accessories like a nice pair of flats, a clutch and a necklace:

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/.....ryID=26768

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/.....ryID=46020

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/.....ryID=43866

16 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Both Kendra and Rute are spot on. Let's see the outfit!

16 years ago

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

Just make sure you will not be upset if someone spills beer on your shoes, so...no suede.

I would probably wear Kendra's suggestion, just because hopping up and down on bar stools is a pain in a skirt. Plus, I like to play darts, and I tend to kick my leg out when I shoot.

16 years ago

Vani

Veteran

Kristen, you crack me up...LOL. Now that I think of it, I do the same thing (I think). And you're so right about bar stools and skirts. Big pain.

16 years ago

cciele

Veteran

I'd do dark jeans and a nice top. I like what you wore to our get-together -- something like that but glamified for the evening

16 years ago

agrace

Active Member

I like the dark jeans and then what about (depending on weather where you are!) a sleeveless top and waistcoat? Or it does not have to be sleeveless! But I think that always looks so cute for a night out. Even if you wear a simple top you can always pile on some fun statement jewelery with heels and you will be dressy and nighttime appropriate!

16 years ago

shiny

Veteran

For me, it would very much depend on the type of bar. If it's a sports pub, you'll want to go more casual - say bootcut jeans, ballet flats, dressy knit top. If it's a trendy upscale place, you'll want to go more trendy - maybe skinny jeans, killer heels, dressy blouse, statement necklace. If it's an after-hours watering hole, where people glide in after work, then smart casual probably works.....but it depends on the type of crowd they get.... for example if it's in the financial district, many people may be in suits.

And if it's a crowded Irish bar with lots of heavy drinkers.... then YEAH, do wear machine-washable clothing and nothing you don't mind getting beer sloshed on.

16 years ago

Srujana

Veteran

I agree with shiny, but I also think once you get an idea of where, it might help a bit more. For example, the bar scene in downtown San Jose is definitely more casual than SF and Palo Alto is kind of in between the two extremes. Just saying...
I typically do dark denim, either jeans or a decent mini skirt, with a nighttime top and heels. this is when my 4" heels come out to play =) I don't bother with a jacket since most bars/pubs are hot enough and I am fastidious about cleanliness in such places....just leave it in the car if you tend to get really chilly.
I feel like clubwear has become pretty trashy lately....I prefer wearing something with lace, or interesting detailing to draw attention rather than just baring skin...oh, and makeup! =)

16 years ago

Dawn

(website)

Active Member

For me, it would definitely differ on what type of bar it is... and again, wear something that can be washed just in case. I had a glass of rum and coke spilled over me a few nights ago so I know all about it!

A good basic outfit might be bootcut jeans, heels, feminine top and a statement piece of jewellery. It should be suitable in most bars.

In some Irish-English vs American-English silliness, we call such fine drinking establishments 'pubs'.

16 years ago

cyan45

Active Member

thanks so much for you tips! unfortunately, something has come up and we won't be going after all however, i'm keeping my eyes peeled for fun tops...any budget-friendly yet classy places you'd recommend?

16 years ago

anne

Veteran

Dawn - we call them pubs in Aus too. (Although there are some upmarket "wine bars") I don't go to them much though. In fact I just heard of an Irish person on the radio saying that it is harder to get to know people in Aus because in Ireland you go to the pub to make friends and in Aus you go to people's houses.

16 years ago

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