Clothes and casinos have history – and it’s a long one marked by changing societal norms, cultural shifts, and the evolving concept of the casino. We didn’t always have the variety of casinos we have today – the opulent and lavish, the casual establishments, and the ones in our pockets where we can even experience the thrill with risk-free games.
While smoky back rooms and underground dens existed for casual dice and card games, real casinos were typically laden with chandeliers, fancy embellishments, and VIP features that attracted a specific crowd. Those of royal status or celebrity fame would frequent these casinos and naturally wear attire that represented their social status. They wanted to blend in with their surroundings and took advantage of the occasion to dress to impress. Hollywood films and the media would glamorise that connection over time, such as the James Bond films, Croupier, and Martin Scorsese’s Casino.Dress Codes at High-End Casinos
Much of how casino fashion came to be is because of established dress codes. It wasn’t just about wearing tailored suits and elegant dresses; it was a way to tell whether someone was “worthy” to play at the casino based on their social status. Back then, only those who could afford it could dress according to code, which made it easier for businesses to weed out those who fit in from those who didn’t. Even today, although luxury casinos welcome anyone from any class, race, or background, they continue to implement a dress code to maintain an exclusive atmosphere.
Ladies’ Guide to Casino Style
Women ready to make a statement can start by taking inspiration from timeless glamour icons like Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly, who were known for their striking and sophisticated style. You can’t go wrong with a little black dress, a pair of versatile ballet flats, or even a fitted blouse and gingham trousers. Or, if you’re feeling bolder, you can opt for evening gowns in luxurious fabrics or a structured suit. These simple yet feminine outfits create ample opportunities to accessorise, whether you want to go vintage with a string of pearls or a neck scarf or jazz your look with chunky gemstone rings. Even if you feel your style isn’t as extravagant, these classic attire options can be dressed up or down, depending on your comfort level.
Not sure if glitz and glamour are the order of the day? Turning your attention to elevated business professional attire may do just the trick. Without showing up too swanky, you can still look polished and meet the standards of the casino with a simple matching skirt and blazer set or a tailored pantsuit, and dress it up with statement pieces or dressy shoes.
Gentlemen’s Guide to Casino Style
Gents have it easy when it comes to achieving a casino-ready look. All you have to do is dress up in a well-fitting suit or even a tuxedo in classic colours like navy, grey, or black, and you’re good to go. As long as you’ve paired your suit with a crisp button-up shirt, you can choose a classic silk tie in solid colours or show off your personality with an eye-catching pattern. But what usually propels a basic look into a stylish ensemble is the extras that give your appearance that refined finish. A pair of leather oxfords or loafers, analogue watches (or even a sleek digital watch), and cufflinks can make you stand out. Even the most basic pocket square can be ironed and neatly folded in a variety of innovative ways – four-peak, puff, straight – you name it. That attention to detail can significantly enhance your overall look, giving it cohesion and providing a much-needed confidence boost when you’re putting down wagers.
Styling Tips to Complement Your Look
So, what’s in a look? Other than the clothing you choose to wear, the way everything fits and your overall grooming can really make or break it. Wrinkles, scuffs, unkempt hair, dirty nails, and untidy makeup can all detract from even the most well-planned outfits. At a high-end casino, every detail counts and contributes to your general impression, which certainly matters if you want to establish yourself as a regular VIP. And while classic looks will never die out, infusing your personal style into the mix can set you apart from the rest.
Dos and Don’ts of Casino Fashion
The dos and don’ts of casino fashion share a lot of similarities with general fashion dos and don’ts. Dressing for the occasion or a dress code means abiding by many unspoken rules. These include not wearing flip-flops, shorts, graphic tees, or other casual wear that might prevent you from entering in the first place. On the other end of the spectrum, you also don’t want to seem out of place with wild, over-the-top outfits that will only attract disapproving looks. Another mistake is sacrificing your comfort for style. If you plan to spend hours at a casino trying your luck, you might not want to be stuck at a table or slot machine sweating, restricted, and uncomfortable. Find that healthy balance, and you’ll have a much better time enjoying the casino experience.
Do: Dress according to your body type and coordinate colours. You’ll want to pick clothing that flatters your body type and emphasises your best features rather than copying an outfit worn by your favourite style icon that might not be right for you. Red and green? Purple and yellow? Unless you’re confident and adventurous enough to make it work, you might want to stay away from these potentially jarring combinations.
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