Casino fashion style: tips and tricks

When you feel like you want to get away from the chaos of day to day contemporary life, a dinner, a movie or a night out in the town can help to revitalize you. Other times though, when you need to shake things up a bit, heading out to the casino for a fun night of gambling can be just what the doctor ordered.

If you have never been to a casino before, your idea of what to expect may be restricted to what you have heard from others or seen on TV. However, what you may not know is that a lot of casinos have rules of engagement as well as strict dress codes that must be adhered to. Over the years though, most casinos have relaxed their rules but some still maintain the traditions of days gone by.

While most movies depict images of casino goers dressed in black tie, the truth is that most casinos generally have a relaxed approach to style. Most of these dress codes are curated with the customer in mind as the way that you dress can give away the type of gambler that you are. Your dressing can also impact how well you blend with the crowd or whether you get VIP access to certain areas. As such, it should be taken seriously.

But how did this dress code come to be?

When the first casinos were first opened, the owners of these establishments had a clear target market- the rich, famous, and glamorous. Visiting the casino was a past time reserved for those that had money to dispose of. And the only way to distinguish the rich from the not so well to do was by their attire.

As such, back in the day, a lot of casino goers were often dressed in tuxedos and classy gowns, which were outfits that the poor simply could not afford. As casinos became more accessible to the masses, these dress codes were maintained to keep the riff-raff away. As you can imagine, things are a little different today as more casinos now encourage patrons to dress in their most comfortable clothes.

So what do you wear when heading out to the gambler’s paradise? Here are some casino style and tips for both men and women:

Dress like a winner

Before you head out to the casino, you first need to decide the purpose of your visit. Are you heading out for a fun night out with the boys or girls? Or are you going with the hope of winning some money?

If you are heading out for some fun, then you can dress as relaxed as you would like. Just remember to check the casino’s website to determine if they have strict dress codes. However, if you are out to win some money, then you need to dress accordingly. 

Most casino games require a balance of skill and psychology in order to outwit your opponents. As such, you want to convey the right image with your style, which is why it is important to dress like a winner or a high roller.

For men

James Bond’s image should come to mind when you want to dress like a winner. When you are trying to fit in with high rollers and the rich, you can never go wrong with a tuxedo or a well-tailored suit. A dinner jacket is always welcome especially if you are heading out to an upmarket casino. 

Some casinos may specify that you wear a tie but it is more likely that you will be required to show up in a bow tie. Your shoes should, of course, be smart, well polished and matching your outfit. 

For women

For ladies, think New York Fashion Week whenever you want to show up and show out. When heading out to a formal casino, black tie gowns are always a great idea. To attain a classy look, opt for a gown that reaches the floor. 

Dresses and gowns made from silk and satin are also encouraged. However, make sure that the colors you pick are neutral to avoid standing out for all the wrong reasons.

The casual happy-go-lucky gambler

As mentioned earlier, most casinos have relaxed the rules to accommodate their wide array of clientele. When dressing like a carefree gambler, pick an outfit that will allow you to feel relaxed, confident and ready for action. The point is to not take yourself too seriously, which will ensure that you have a great time even if you do not win. 

According to Kate Huber at NJGamblingFun ‘’when you are not looking to go all out on your outfit, take the elements of a Hollywood movie premier and tone things down a tad. Just because the casino accepts casual dressers does not mean that you should show up looking like a hobo’’

For men

Here, men can still opt for a suit but you can pick a less formal color such as blue or pink if you dare. If you are not in the mood for a suit, a sport coat or blazer that has been paired with a great pair of slacks or khakis always looks nice. You can leave out the tie or bowtie but remember to pair your jacket and slacks with a well-ironed button-down shirt or a polo shirt.

For women

There are fewer rules about what women should wear when heading out to the casino than there are for men. As such, women can dress in anything that makes them feel comfortable and relaxed. 

This could be a little black dress, a cocktail number, a sundress with some floral prints, a pencil skirt, a fitted pair of jeans and a blouse or even shorts. The shoes that you wear should be as comfortable as possible as you may have to move around the casino floor from time to time.

What never to wear

Some casinos do not really care what their patrons are wearing as long as they are ready to spend money. As a rule of thumb, however, certain pieces of clothing are frowned upon including gym wear, toecap shoes, tracksuit tops and bottoms or sweatshirts and t-shirts that may bear offensive graphics.

If you are heading out to the poker rooms, bear in mind that the dressing policies might be a little different. As such, things like sunglasses, hoodies, and baseball caps are acceptable for poker players but they may not fly on the floor. If you are unsure about what is acceptable, reach out to the casino you plan on visiting beforehand so that they can verify that you are dressed suitably.