This Is What To Wear To Get Into Any New York City Nightclub

Cielo, Provocateur, Le Bain, The Box, Output. These are just a few of New York’s best dance parties, but in order to boogie with the city’s most fabulous, you’ll have to make it past the velvet ropes. And if it feels like the doormen are judging you, it’s because they are. So what do you wear to get into a New York City nightclub? Whether you’re new to New York or just new to its nightlife scene, check out what all the cool kids are wearing for inspiration.

Cat Marnell and The Fat Jewish

A post shared by Cat Marnell (@cat_marnell) on Nov 19, 2014 at 2:44pm PST
Could these two be the king and queen of New York nightlife? Perhaps, although after penning a New York Times bestselling memoir, Marnell is rumored to have given up her party girl ways (say it’s not so).

Richie Shazam

A post shared by Richie Shazam 🔥🔥🔥 (@richieshazam) on Oct 26, 2016 at 10:46am PDT
International model on the rise, Richie Shazam is a fixture in New York nightlife. Here he is with supermodel Ashley Smith at Jia.

Briana Andalore

A post shared by Briana Andalore (@brianaandalore) on Jan 16, 2017 at 8:37am PST
Stylist and party-gal-about-town, Briana Andalore is famous for flaunting her curves. Here she is, working a flesh-colored spandex playsuit, is in front of the Lower East Side’s Sapphire Lounge.

Jules Kim, aka Bijules

A post shared by Jules Kim (@juleskim) on Sep 21, 2017 at 9:10am PDT
Custom jeweler, Jules Kim, who makes baubles for Rihanna, Erykah Badu, and Beyoncé not only goes to the hottest parties in New York, she also throws them. Here she is with DJ Nianga Niang at her summer rooftop party Le Bain.

Katie Longmyer

A post shared by Katie Longmyer (@goodpeoples) on Mar 23, 2017 at 4:13pm PDT
Vibe curator Katie Longmyer travels the world making events pop off. Here she is at a secret basement party (sorry, invite only).

Charlie Himmelstein

A post shared by Charlie Himmelstein (@charliehimmelstein) on Sep 6, 2017 at 12:21pm PDT
Model and professional boxer Charlie Himmelstein suits up on the Bowery, proving that even bad boys can clean up.

Yana Tober

A post shared by Yana🐱Toyber (@yanatoyber) on Sep 9, 2017 at 7:34am PDT
Photographer Yana Tober knows the value of a good accessory. Here she is backstage at New York Fashion Week. It’s not a nightclub, but you can be sure there was an afterparty.

Ariele Max

A post shared by Ariele Max (@guardian_vibe_angel) on Aug 23, 2017 at 7:54pm PDT
Photographer, DJ and lifestyle curator, Ariele Max, rocks a streetwear vibe at The Gateway.

About the author

Jill Di Donato

Fashion Editor

Jill is a New York native who holds a BA in Literature from Barnard College, and an MFA in writing from Columbia University. She is the author of the novel Beautiful Garbage (She Writes Press, 2013) about the downtown Manhattan art and fashion scene in the 1980s. A former staff writer for The Huffington Post and Bustle, Jill comes to Culture Trip after working with Refinery 29, Vice, Salon, Paste Style, Los Angeles Times, Nylon, Shopify, Autre, and producing content for emerging fashion labels. She teaches classes about fashion and culture at Barnard College and The Fashion Institute of Technology. Her prized possessions are her Gucci fanny pack, vintage rocker t-shirts, and her grandmother's collection of costume jewelry. She's always on the lookout for a gem-encrusted turban.