We’re all guilty of making clubbing faux pas every once in a while: wearing skimpy clothing, losing our cell phones and purses, tripping over our own heels or walking home barefoot. We submit ourselves to all kinds of crazy beauty rituals or fashion trends, because we want to look attractive and sexy when we go out. How else are we going to attract the attention of that Campus Cutie at the bar!?
Therefore, I’ve taken the initiative to write this article about club etiquette. As a clubbing guru, I’ve seen and made every mistake possible on the night club scene. I will be covering everything necessary when it comes to going out.
Hair
When you walk into a club, it’s humid, hot and personal space is unheard of. The hairdo you worked on all evening will eventually start to fall apart. Though it isn’t that noticeable when it’s dark inside (and you’re somewhat intoxicated), the pictures you see the next morning could shock you.
You might want to put it up in a ponytail or let it loose. Either way is fine. Whether you do one or the other, make sure to tame every single hair. What helps is the use of a curling iron or a hair straightener, which sets hair in place. Also, hairspray is your best friend, so make sure you have some handy. Using it will guarantee you won’t have bed hair by the time you leave the club.
Makeup
Makeup should accentuate your features, not modify them. No need to change the shape of your eyebrows with a brow pencil or to double your lip pout. The smoky eye is a safe bet when doing your makeup. If you like having colourful eyelids, make sure you don’t use more than three different colours (and blend!).
Of course, face and eyelid primer are necessary to make sure your makeup doesn’t fade over the course of the evening. When it comes to foundation primers, many aspects affect which type of primer you should use. If you use a mineral base foundation, Laura Mercier primer would be a great option. However, if you have dry skin, Smashbox has a hydrating primer, which can help if your skin is flakey. ‘The Present’ primer by Philosophy has been praised by many makeup artists for its ability to extend the wear of makeup to its fullest. But beware: it contains lavender oil, which can irritate sensitive skin in the sun. It is due to a photosensitizing effect that can be caused by essential oils. However, it is a great option for a night out in the city since the sun will be long asleep by then.
Eye primers not only extend the lifespan of your eyeshadow, but they also help the colour to pop out more. I’m currently at the end of my Urban Decay eye primer tube, which I adore. Too Faced and Nars also carry great eye shadow bases. I would strongly recommend investing $20 in an eyelid primer if you’ve had issues with your eye makeup in the past.
One of the trickiest things when applying your makeup is matching the foundation to your skin colour. If you use the wrong shade, you could end up looking like you’re wearing a mask! You know what I’m talking about, the unappealing brown line just before the start of the scalp. Whether your foundation is a tint too dark or you are too generous when applying bronzer, ask your girlfriends to assess whether you are presentable or not. Always make sure you are in a well lit area when applying foundation and to blend it around the edges of your face.
Attire
This whole article could be summarized by saying: stay classy. However, let’s define classiness when it comes to your attire.
It is not classy to:
- See your thong, whether it’s because your dress’s material is too thin or too short, or due to your low jeans
- See bra straps… or even the cups
- Know you are not wearing underwear
- See any private parts
In one sentence: it is not classy when nothing is left to the imagination.
Bad Outfit vs. Good Outfit
Now, I can’t exactly tell you what outfit to wear. Everyone has their own personal taste and style, which is great! However, be aware of the dress codes at different clubs. If you plan on going to Green Room or Liquor Store, jeans are more than welcome. However, if Junxion and The Drink are on your list, a classier outfit is required i.e. dress and heels.
Speaking of heels, if your ankles ache within the first 10 minutes of wearing them, leave them home. As Jenna Marbles says, make the commitment to your shoes ‘till home do us part’. I personally find wedges are way more comfortable than stilettos, so if you have to walk a marathon to get home, it might be a good option for you.
During the Fall, the weather is pretty unpredictable. Luckily, there is no need for coat check just yet. However, once winter arrives you will need to use it, but do not bring your Canada Goose to a club. Unless you are lucky enough to have a DD (designated driver) and are able to leave your expensive winter coat in the trunk of the car, I’d suggest getting a cheap alternative for night outs.
Accessories
Jewelry is pretty easy to lose and break, so do not wear anything valuable. Also, keep long earrings for daytime. With arms constantly flailing around on the dance floor, the worst thing would be someone ripping it off your ear.
When I asked the General Manager of Green Room, Jason Desjardins, if he had any tips for us, he said that you shouldn’t take your phone out at the bar counter. “The amount of calls I get about lost or wet phones…” He recommended using a clutch when going out since bras really aren’t a good alternative for storing your things. The first and last time I tried that trick, I lost a $20 bill. Jason went on to hint that table dancing shouldn’t be done in heels. It’s an accident waiting to happen. He also put emphasis on security, reminding us to never leave a drink unattended and to ‘never be afraid to grab security or a staff member if someone is making [us] uncomfortable’.
Plain and Simple Etiquette
- Tip at coat check! (Be nice to the people keeping your stuff)
- Tip your bartender! It is at least $1/drink, even if you only ask for a glass of water
- If a guy buys you 2-3 drinks, be courteous and offer him a shot or a drink. He’ll appreciate it and think you’re really sweet
- If the bar is busy, pay cash
- Don’t loiter around once you have your drink – leave space for other customers
- Sip the first 3 inches of your drink before going on the dance floor to prevent any spills
- If you are going to shamelessly make out with a new special someone, please move to the side of the room so others don’t have to walk around you
Check out Jenna Marbles’ hilarious video ‘White girls at the club’. Even though she says it’s about white girls, I think that all collegiettes can relate in one way or another! So watch it, and even if you’ve watched it before, watch it again.
Now that you have the tools for an awesome, classy, night out, don’t forget that guys are also shy, so if you see something you like, go for it Superfox!
Photo Credits:
http://embarrassingnightclubphotos.tumblr.com/image/31922299865
http://fun2funi.blogspot.ca/2013/07/RedMiniDress.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2268224/Rihanna-hits-club-COMPLETELY-dress.html