A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Outfit for Poker Night

min read
a woman dressed up in maroon tulle fabric costume with an oversized collar and playing cards on her head
BetMGM Apr 18, 2024, 3:13 AM

The perfect poker night outfit makes an undeniable statement when you wear it. Striking the perfect balance between style and practicality effortlessly exudes confidence and sets the perfect mood for a thrilling game. 

Picking the correct combination of poker attire can be tough at the best of times, which is why this style guide will walk you through all the essentials of choosing the perfect poker outfit. Get ready to turn heads and command the poker table with your impeccable fashion sense, beginning with the most important choice of all — the theme and context of the main event.

Here are some of the things to consider when choosing what to wear to a poker night.

Dressing for the Occasion

Does your poker night involve champagne and red carpets, or is it going to be a more laid-back evening with beer and best friends? Is it a casual, business casual, or smart casual affair? Whether it’s semi-formal or black-tie, casino table games like poker tend to have established standards when it comes to dress code, and choosing a fitting ensemble ensures that you won’t stick out like a sore thumb.

There’s nothing wrong with being unique, but no one wants to be an outcast, thanks to their style choices. If you stick to the expected dress code, there isn’t much else to worry about, and personal preferences guide the rest of your decisions.

There’s a ton of variety in terms of themes and formality, especially in the case of private poker events, which should always be considered when choosing a poker night party outfit. Casinos, on the other hand, tend to have specific guidelines to promote a welcoming atmosphere. The main requirement is to maintain a presentable appearance, so aim for neat and clean attire, like shirts, jeans, and suitable shoes. Of course, online casino games take relaxation to new levels with no dress code whatsoever, allowing you to play whenever and wherever you like. If you really aren’t up for coming up with poker night outfit ideas, then playing online games will be right up your alley.

Whether you’re a seasoned poker player or entering your first tournament, dressing the part will enhance the overall experience significantly, making you feel like a true casino aficionado fully immersed in the revelry of a memorable poker night. 

Common Casino Dress Codes

It’s easier to pick a poker night outfit for the casino when you are aware of the more common dress codes you’re likely to experience: 

  • Casual: A simple pair of jeans, a shirt, and sneakers, this is a dress code usually in place during the day or at smaller casinos in vacation spots.
  • Smart Casual: This is the most common dress code you’re likely to come across in a casino today. You’d still be able to wear a pair of jeans, but it needs to be glammed up a bit with a nice coat, blazer, or accessories.
  • Semi-formal: Men should wear a dark suit, while women can wear a cocktail or short evening dress.
  • Black Tie: This attire is only found at particular events and the world’s classiest casinos. Men wear tuxedos, and women ideally wear floor-length evening gowns.

Casino Tournaments

Following expected standards is crucial when you’re participating in poker tournaments. Most casinos have a smart casual or business casual dress code, but they do make exceptions in high-stakes games for certain accessories, such as hats, caps, and sunglasses. 

When it comes to a pro poker player wardrobe, men will often go for collared shirts, dress pants, and closed-toe shoes, with a few minor accessories such as watches, rings, and bracelets for a bit of personal flair. Women’s fashion trends tend to feature a wider variety of outfits, from elegant blouses and T-shirts to well-tailored suits and stunning dresses. 

When you register with a top-rated casino, frequent tournaments aren’t the only benefit. There are often special events to attend and milestones to celebrate, along with several other exclusive perks that come with membership. These events are typically black-tie affairs, which means suits and tuxedos or evening dresses and dress suits. Of course, tuxedos have long been synonymous with casinos.

Comfort Is Always Key

Poker games can last for hours, and comfort should be the main priority when you’re selecting game night outfits. Casino outfits with breathable fabrics and poker clothing items that allow for ease of movement are ideal, ensuring that you can focus on the game for as long as necessary without uncomfortable distractions.

Keeping the dress code in mind, there’s still room to incorporate personal style into your poker night outfit. Even minor accessories like cufflinks and earrings can add a touch of personality to your ensemble. That being said, you want to avoid wearing excessively loud or jingly accessories that can distract other players or disrupt the game.

Casino style has influenced fashion for decades, and there’s a plethora of inspirations to choose from for any given poker night. The most important aspect of your outfit is the confidence you exude while wearing it. Dressing well and feeling good about yourself can positively impact your mindset and gameplay, so embrace your personal style and wear your chosen outfit with pride.

Grooming and Hygiene

Are you enjoying a night of freedom with friends? Feel free to dress however you like and forget any worries about judgment or criticism. If it’s a high-profile tournament, however, with live feeds and camera close-ups, a poorly maintained beard or a messy crop of hair won’t do you any favors. 

Understanding the dress codes associated with various poker occasions can help you make appropriate outfit choices, but it won’t cover cleanliness and sensibility. It should go without saying that clean nails, neat hair, and ironed clothes are given expectations for social gatherings, but some people push boundaries, and others simply don’t know any better. No matter what the dress code or poker night theme is, failing to take care of grooming and hygiene before a game is a serious casino fashion faux pas.

Context is always going to be the decider. In the case of an online blackjack live dealer game, for instance, your clothing and appearance only matter if the dealer and other players can see you. Ultimately, a positive impression at the poker table is what you’re aiming for.

Choosing the perfect outfit for poker night involves finding a balance between adhering to dress codes, expressing your personal style, and prioritizing comfort. By considering the occasion, venue, and etiquette, you can create an outfit that reflects your individuality without causing distractions or unwanted attention.

Enjoy Freedom of Choice With BetMGM

When you register with BetMGM, choosing a poker night outfit is more of a convenience than a necessity. From poker and blackjack to slots and roulette, the online casino games in BetMGM’s extensive selection can be played anywhere and anytime. There’s also sports betting with live odds to look forward to, where you can join a like-minded community of betting enthusiasts and wager on your favorite sports teams. 

Hosting a poker night at home? Check out the BetMGM blog for inspiration on casino games night and themed party ideas.

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Our BetMGM editors and authors are casino experts with a wealth of knowledge of the online casino industry at all levels. Their coverage includes company news, game reviews, how-to instructional articles, strategy guides, and editorials showcasing BetMGM’s superior product and game library.

Our BetMGM editors and authors are casino experts with a wealth of knowledge of the online casino industry at all levels. Their coverage includes company news, game reviews, how-to instructional articles, strategy guides, and editorials showcasing BetMGM’s superior product and game library.