Getting dressed for a casino can be tricky.
You want to look nice, but you also don’t want to be overdressed. Then again, turning up too casually at a more traditional casino isn’t ideal either.
There isn’t really one dress code for all casinos anymore. The right outfit depends on the venue. A fancy casino is going to have different expectations from a small local gaming hall. An evening visit might call for something different than a daytime one.
Go With Some Classic Options
Women have plenty of options. A simple cocktail or midi dress works, but tailored trousers and a blouse are also great if dresses aren’t your thing. And you don’t have to wear heels either. Loafers or elegant flats can look just as good.
For men, a dark suit is the best choice if the venue is formal. If it’s more relaxed, chinos and a button-down shirt are a great combo. Dark jeans can work too, especially with a blazer or nice jacket. And do remember to keep your shoes neat, be they leather shoes or smart trainers.
If you’re not sure what formal really is these days, a guide to formal attire can come in handy. There are plenty of ways to dress up.
You Can Wear Jeans Too
Jeans have become much more acceptable in casinos, especially at venues with a smart casual dress code. Dark denim is your safest option. Wear it with a nice shirt, blouse, jacket or blazer and the whole outfit can feel like an evening look.
Leave the ripped pair at home though. The same goes for jeans that are too baggy, too revealing or look like they’ve been through a lot.
But don’t assume jeans are fine everywhere. Some formal casinos still have stricter rules. It’s best to check the casino first.
Think About Your Comfort
This sounds like a small thing until you’ve been standing around for three hours in shoes that hurt. Casino trips can involve more walking than you expect. You might go for dinner, walk around the gaming floor, stop for a drink. So wear shoes you can actually stand in for a few hours. Pumps, flats, loafers, boots and comfortable dress shoes can all look good.
The same goes for the clothes themselves. If you’re constantly fixing your dress or pulling at your shirt, you probably won’t feel very relaxed.
A Few Accessories Can Change Everything
You don’t have to go all-out with accessories. A good watch can be enough. So can a pair of earrings, a nice handbag, a belt or a jacket that you really like.
If you’re going somewhere glamorous you can have some fun with it. Velvet, satin, metallic details and statement jewellery fit the casino atmosphere very well.
These party outfit ideas are a good reminder that you don’t need to throw everything on at once. A nice bag or a little sparkle can be enough to make a simple outfit feel more special.
Dress for the Whole Evening
The best casino outfits aren’t necessarily the fanciest ones. They’re the ones that make sense for the evening you’ve planned.
If dinner comes first, choose something that works in a restaurant as well as on the gaming floor. A blazer with dark jeans can easily work for both. A simple dress can work for the night with a change of shoes and a few pieces of jewellery.
Special events are different though. If the casino is hosting a themed party or a formal night, that’s your chance to have more fun with the clothes. Bring out the velvet. Wear the sequins. Go for the suit that normally feels a little too much. Those are the nights when you can’t really get too dressed up.
Don’t Forget Casino Etiquette
Once you’re inside, your behaviour matters just as much as your outfit.
If you’re playing a table game for the first time, watch what’s happening before jumping in. You can ask the dealer about the rules if you’re unsure. That’s better than pretending you know what’s going on and holding up the game.
When it comes to interacting with other players, don’t touch their cards or chips. Don’t reach across the table when someone is placing a bet. And no matter how much you might disagree with the decisions someone makes, don’t tell strangers how they should have played their hand.
And respect the dealers and other staff. Be patient, be polite and remember that they’re dealing with a room full of people.
Put Your Phone Away
Nobody expects you to ignore your phone the entire evening. Checking a message is one thing. Constant scrolling, taking calls or getting distracted while a game is happening is another. It can slow things down and make you less aware of what’s happening around you.
If you need to make a call, move away from the table if you can. And check the casino’s rules before taking photos. Some places are stricter about phones and cameras around the gaming areas.
If you’re online whilst looking at where all your favourite casino games are, that’s obviously a different situation. But when you’re at a physical casino though, being present is part of the experience.
Know When to Dress Up
Check the rules before you leave, dress for the venue and avoid anything that belongs at the gym or beach. Other than that, just wear something you actually like. A casino can be a good excuse to dress up. Maybe it’s a great jacket you’ve been waiting to wear. Maybe it’s a dress that never seems to have the right occasion. This could be the night for it.
And once you’re through the door, stop worrying about whether your outfit is perfect. If it fits well, feels comfortable and suits the place, you’re doing just fine.
