If you have never been to a casino, get ready for a shock: it’s not like it is in the movies. James Bond wearing a Tom Ford tuxedo, surrounded by Bond girls in Prada; Sharon Stone, as Ginger McKenna in Casino, wearing furs from the same designer that dressed Liberace; or Clive Owen as London’s most effortlessly stylish dealer in the brilliant film Croupier.
These are all make believe. It is possible to find ultra refined but you’ll need deep pockets. These days, the vast majority of casinos are happy if you manage to keep your top on and don’t wear flip flops.
However, if you like your chips with a side order of ‘je ne sais quoi’, here are a few tips to help you strut the slots in style, rock it at the roulette table, and be the belle/beau of the ball at the blackjack table. Heads up, shoulders back, now work it…
1. Confidence is King
Style and confidence have been happy bedfellows ever since human beings first weighed each other up. Multiple studies have shown, time and time again, that dressing well can increase your performance. It makes us feel good about ourselves and that can filter down to the decisions we take.
Multiple studies have shown, time and time again, that dressing well can affect the way you feel about yourself, as well as how others see you.
It makes us feel good about ourselves and that can filter down to the decisions we take.
In the casino a calm confident head is essential, if you want maximise your chances of success at the blackjack and poker tables. Some games – like roulette, slots, and keno – are pure luck but others require a more measured, confident, approach.
If you dress for success, you might just succeed. At the very least, you should feel good about yourself. It’s an attractive quality that reveals the real you. As ZZ Top sang: ‘every girl crazy ‘bout a sharp dressed man.’
2. Dress to Impress
Let’s start at the top. Although most casinos have a pretty relaxed dress code, there are still a few where jackets and ties are the order of the day. Not surprisingly, the Casino Monte Carlo has a mandatory dress code and a jacket and tie must be worn in the Private Gaming Rooms (Salons Prive). If you forget yours, the casino will provide one.
At Les Ambassadeurs Club, in London’s exclusive Mayfair, premium membership costs a hefty £25,000 a year. For that price, you are expected to wear a jacket and tie. Just two streets away is Crockfords. This is London’s oldest gaming house. This ‘opulent palace of gentlemanly pleasure’ was established in 1827 and comes with a very strict dress code. Gentlemen are required to wear a suit or tuxedo and women must wear cocktail or formal dresses. This is where you might catch 007 at the tables.
3. Sensible Shoes
For most of us, the casinos of Monaco and Mayfair are the stuff of fantasy. In the real world, casino style is all about comfort. The casinos of Las Vegas and Macau are spread across huge cities. The Las Vegas strip is nearly five miles long; and that’s before you visit a single casino. Macau has nearly 40 casinos and both destinations can be oppressively hot. Not good weather for a suit.
The one single piece of casino attire advice, from virtually every magazine and website, is to invest in a pair of comfortable shoes. The chances are: you will be tearing up the shoe leather as you stroll from one casino to another. It’s a case of cool on top – comfort below.
4. What Not to Wear
While high-end casinos have a discerning dress code, even less prestigious gambling establishments will usually have a few no-no’s when it comes to what to wear at the gaming tables. Flip-flops, crocs and tatty trainers are usually frowned upon, while wearing tank tops, ripped jeans and any type of swimwear will most likely stop you from getting past the foyer. Many casinos are located in warmer climes, and here shorts are usually tolerated during the day, although after sunset it is recommended to swap the short pants for trousers or a dress. Also, while the majority of casinos won’t get upset at t-shirt wearing guests, avoid shirts bearing any potentially offensive slogans if you don’t want to get shown the door quick-smart.
5. Bling It On
Who needs a reason to dress up. Why not just go glam and add a little bling to your life. You don’t have to go the full black tie and ball gown to make a night out special. Get yourself some diamond earrings, cufflinks, or a designer watch. If you look good – you feel good. Nothing shouts confidence louder than a well-dressed man or woman
Most importantly: enjoy yourself. Grab that ‘never worn before’ sequin jacket, dig out that Chanel dress, and discover your Ocean’s Eleven alter ego. Strut your way through life in style. You’re following in the footsteps of Sammy Davis Junior, Hunter S Thompson, Frank Sinatra, and Marilyn Monroe. Live it up and walk the catwalk like a winner.
6. Semi-Formal
Not every casino is created the same. While there are plenty that allow casual wear, there are others where that kind of thing doesn’t fly. You might not have to go full James Bond, but semi-formal may be required.
Evening shirt and formal trousers will usually do. For ladies, that means a dress and heels. If you want to give yourself a little extra style, a sports coat or blazer will kick it up a notch. Nothing over the top but you will feel good about how you look.
7. Accessories
While the focus is generally (and rightfully) on the outfit itself, sometimes accessories are what bring everything together. When you go out for an evening or night at the casino, make sure that you have all of the necessary accessories on you. Elegant gold pieces are always great.
For women, dangly earrings or bracelets always play. Small purses are more ideal in situations like these because they tend to be much less cumbersome than clutches or bags as well. Fellas, break out your nicest watch if you have one because a nice timepiece can elevate any outfit.
8. More tips
There is a bit more versatility when it comes to casino outfits for women. Another thing that is female-specific is makeup. A little bit goes a long way, so don’t worry about going full glitz and glamor. Light shades of eye shadow, lip gloss/stick, and a light foundation should do just fine. In a casino, the smoky look always does well, so that is another thing worth considering.
9. Plan Ahead
Any time that you plan on going out, you need to plan ahead. Knowing what you will wear, what accessories go with it, etc. will help you look the best you possibly can. If you are traveling, make sure that you hang up your outfit the night before and keep it in a travel bag until you arrive. If possible, have your closed pressed or steamed to get the very best look. Shine your shoes and keep everything crease- and stain-free to look like a pro.
10. Group Dress
Plan on going out with the group? While you need to focus on looking good yourself, it helps to coordinate with the rest of the group. Find out what your friends are planning to wear to make sure that you are all on the same page. This helps everyone look like they are on the same level, avoids anyone wearing the same thing, and ensures that there isn’t that one “embarrassing” friend in the group. Plus, there is something about rolling onto the casino floor with your crew, looking the best you possibly can.
