A reader sent in the following request:
I will be going to San Diego and I need to dress up when we go to clubs at night. I honestly don’t know what to wear. I don’t even know what’s the club trends nowadays and I don’t want to spend extra money to purchase something new. Could you give me some suggestions?
Anything goes when it comes to clubbing clothes and women wear whatever makes them feel confident and sexy. Most of the time, the clubs are hot and you’re going to be dancing the night away so dressing comfortably and appropriately is key.
Outfit Details: Forever 21 top – XS, Madewell jeans – 24, Aldo peeptoe pumps
One of the more casual outfits is the classic jeans and tee with heels. Go bold with your shoe choices with platform pumps, strappy sandals, or heeled boots. Skinny jeans or leggings slim your silhouette and you never have to worry about the hem riding up. Pair it with a semi-sheer top, a dressy blouse, a crop top, or an off the shoulder tee and add some statement earrings or a chunky cuff to finish off the look.
If you’re looking to take it up a notch, trade in your jeans for a fitted miniskirt.
Outfit Details: Artizia tank – XS, Arden B skirt – XS, TLBC Ethel bra, Steve Madden heels
When it comes to miniskirts, I like to pair it with a loose-fitting top. To add a bit of sexiness, try a peekaboo lace bra with racerback tank…it’s subtle and daring at the same time.
But if you want to go out with a bang, put on your favorite bodycon dress!
Outfit Details: Bebe dress – XS, Jessica Simpson heels
Bandage dresses are the signature stable at clubs since they are so form-fitting and curve-enhancing. Herve Leger is the holy grail, but there many versions of these dresses at lower-priced stores. Simple and sleek silhouettes are always on point and you can’t go wrong with a little black dress.
There are many options when it comes to clubbing attire that I haven’t explored them all, but I’m sure you readers know more than I do. So send in your thoughts and help this reader out!
What do you wear to go clubbing?
{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }
Jess, I’m so glad a reader asked you this question. I think all the outfits are knockouts. You look fabulous!!! I love the silhouette of the first outfit, the fierce shoes and the peekaboo suggestion in the second, and I’m always a fan of the bodycon dresses.
Two other suggestions from bloggers I’ve seen: dressy shorts with a loose, sheer long-sleeved blouse and heels and denim shorts with a dressier blouse and heels.
I think the other important thing to look at is what type of club the reader’s going to; the type of club can dictate what’s appropriate (i.e. Gaslamp District could be dressier than other places in SD).
All cute outfits! Haha, I don’t think I’ve been “clubbing” since college days. As I get older, I definitely like the vibes of relaxed lounges or just casual bars, vs. dance clubs. I’d actually wear versions of all 3 of your outfits just to go to dinner and casual drinks afterward! If I were to wear a body-con dress, I’d actually throw a black blazer over it, just for a touch of sophistication.
Though in my college days, you see so many types of outfits at the clubs…girls wear anything to shorts to mini-skirts to just plain old jeans! So it definitely depends on the venue itself.
I am more of the fitted dress type of girl when it comes to club! But if it is tight, it won’t be short, I am too old to pull that off! Love the bordeaux coloured strapped shoes you have on in the 2nd outfit from Madden. They’re a gorgeous shade!
Oh god, I haven’t been clubbing in forever, so I have nothing new to add. I gotta say that you look fabulous in all three outfits, Jess. If I was dragged to the clubs tomorrow, I’d be most comfortable in outfit #2.
On a different note, did you ever blog about your Smashion interview? If so, I’m sorry for being behind! I read it just now. It’s so great to learn more about you and your background. Another EE girl here
but I don’t really use my degree much.
Have a great weekend!
You look stunning! I don’t think I’ve ever been to any clubs here at all or maybe a long time ago, College days bck in my hometown! Don’t have a clue what to wear in clubs any way! just in case though (as if!) I’d be very comfortable with numbah 1!
By the way, happy birthday (rhymes) ^^ having fun yet?
good job jess!! this is what i normally wear too. I’d give the same advice, esp abt the lace bra. I like lace bandeaus.
I was up in SF, but none of my friends wanted to go to Ruby Sky so I didn’t get to experience the “clubs” in SF.
You look great!! I love the second look…mostly because I am in love with that tank! :p
Not much of a nightlife person myself, but when it happens I reach for my only LBD:
http://thepetitefittingroom.blogspot.com/2011/04/petite-fashion-challenge-7-little-black.html
I did go to a poolside (but you could only put your feet in! Lol!) Weezer concert recently and wore this outfit, but with heels:
http://thepetitefittingroom.blogspot.com/2011/07/free-people-seamless-corset-top.html
i love your purple shoes! nice pics in your laundry room xD i should get out and about in SD … i feel like it’s such a waste that i live here haha
pandaphilia fashion
Great post Jess! I have nothing to wear to clubs anymore, and always feel like the old lady who didn’t dress up.
San Diego clubs are kinda weird. I’ve seen girls super dressed up in glammy tight dresses and stilettos, and other girls wearing the stereotypical SoCal outfit of skinny jeans, cute top and heels. The casual to glam ratio is pretty equal.
This entry was very interesting because I had been wondering the same thing too, not for myself, but wondering just in general. I was prepared for some scandal….but your first outfit was pretty covered-up! Hahaha. The second one, gettin’ there, and the last picture, yeah, that’s what I’m talkin’ ’bout!!
I’ve only been clubbing twice in my life, and I don’t know if a salsa club counts as one. =P It’s really not my scene! And, even looking back, what I was wearing was totally not club-worthy at all. I’m kinda embarrassed just thinking back! >_<
You look totally hot in those outfits. I never know what to wear because I’m trying to look good and be comfortable. It works out in the end but, yeah, my clubbing wear could use a little help now and then.
xo, f
The House in the Clouds
I did not expect to see this come up, but its definitely a challenge to dress appropriately and comfortably at the club! i usually stick to shorts and a more revealing tank. I usually throw a cardigan into my bag just in case it gets chilly or I feel overly exposed. A bigger challenge for me is dressing for going out in the winter! I know its not a big deal now, but it will come up again (darn winter!!).
Easy Petite Looks
I agree with the first commenter from Quest for Fashion Sense about it being helpful for the reader who asked the question to look up what type of club they’re going to in San Diego. I live in SD and have only been to a few clubs / bars downtown but from my experience some clubs in SD were a lot more casual than I was used to in the Bay Area, while others were on the dressier side.
I love this! I love all the outfits, especially #2. The next time I’m hitting the clubs, I’m planning to do something similar – Black sailor shorts, bright or black lace bra, and a floral lace crop-top. I had a lot of questions my first time clubbing at 18, especially with looking sexy while being so petite and with a babyface. I still have a very childish body as well (small bust, not really any sort of defined waist), so that’s always a challenge.
I was suggested strapless dresses – form-fitting LBD’s are always safe. Strapless dresses show a touch of cleavage, and add some sexiness by revealing the shoulders, but it isn’t too in-your-face or “trying too hard”.
It wasn’t this year that I picked up a small, over-the-shoulder convertible purse – While clutches are super cute, it’s a hassle carrying something around constantly. Having it hang across the shoulders lets me dance the night away.
very good outfit choices. i think the bandage dress would be my pick if i were doing a night on the town. but then again the first outfit is also really hot (but still covered up)!
great post, as usual jess!
Love your blog! I also really love the second outfit. You’re right — loose fitting top, peekaboo bra, very sexy.
You look wonderful!
I found you reading Kileen’s blog! Love your styling tips.
Courtney
I Can Be Many Things
LOVE all these clubbing outfits ♥
especially the first and second look =D
I like dressing casual for clubbing…
maybe a cool top with simple shorts or skirt and I always always wear flats!
I simply cannot dance with heels on lol