When it comes to dressing for the casino, there’s one wardrobe MVP that deserves the spotlight: the cocktail dress. Not too formal, never underdressed, it’s the Goldilocks of evening wear. Whether you’re heading to a glitzy resort in Monte Carlo or squeezing in a night out after work, it just works.
Elegant enough for baccarat, comfy enough for late-night martinis. And with the right accessories, it can swing from chic and classic to glam.
A brief history of casino glamour
The cocktail dress didn’t just appear overnight. It sauntered in some time during the 1940s, capitalising on post-war indulgence. It was shorter than a gown, sassier than a suit, and perfect for evenings that started with champagne.
By the ‘60s, it was a staple of casino style. Close your eyes and imagine Grace Kelly floating through Monte Carlo in demure silks. Try again, but this time Rat Pack-era Vegas, all sequins, smoke, and swagger. The point is, the cocktail dress was instantly at one with the casino.
What’s brilliant is how that legacy still holds. Walk into any upscale casino today, and you’ll see echoes of that old-school glam: tailored silhouettes, beading, and structured elegance.
Or bring the casino to you…
Before you set off, there’s always the possibility that you’re bringing the glamour home! More of London’s favourite casinos are making their way online, including the famous Hippodrome. Their casino online experience is every inch as glamorous as the real thing, with a gold-and-black dress code for croupiers that’s perfect to use as your style inspiration. Make it into a date night to remember and slip on a gold-and-black cocktail dress.
The best part? No coat check queue. No sore feet from standing too long in heels. Just elegance, atmosphere, and maybe a little sparkle, wherever you are.
Navigating dress codes without stress
Casino dress codes can be… confusing. Some venues roll out the red carpet like it’s 1962 in Vegas. Others are perfectly happy with smart-casual and a killer heel. But a cocktail dress? It threads the needle every time.
If you’re going somewhere ultra-luxe – think velvet ropes, dramatic lighting, and possibly a minor royal at the next table – a floor-skimming version in satin or silk will hit just right. Add statement earrings and a clutch that whispers money (even if it’s from Zara).
For more relaxed venues or daytime visits, go shorter, lighter, and lean into playful fabrics or bold prints. Think summer wedding vibes but with a little edge. Pair with a cropped blazer or leather jacket, and you’ve got a look that says, “Yes, I came to play.”
Day-to-night style
Nobody wants to lug around a second outfit, so the key is smart layering. Heading to the casino straight from the office? Choose a sleek, structured dress in a neutral shade. Add a tailored blazer and some modest heels for the daytime. Then ditch the jacket, swap the flats for stilettos, and pop on some red lipstick for an instant transformation.
Jewellery’s your best friend here. A chunky necklace or dramatic drop earrings can take you from low-key to luxe in under five minutes (and look great when you’re cashing in chips, just saying).
And don’t underestimate the power of good tailoring. A dress that fits you perfectly – nips where it should nip, glides where it should glide – is worth ten trend pieces.
At the end of the day (or night!), dressing for the casino should always be about fun. While there are dress codes to stick to and Bond girls to emulate, the most important thing is letting your personality shine through – and getting ready to rock the roulette table!