Post: #1

What up guys, I need some advice.

Last night, I went out in downtown Asuncion with a Paraguayan friend, and we stopped by an event hosted by a popular club to meet up with some girls we know. After I started walking through the entrance, one of the bouncers called me back and denied me entry because of my clothes. I was wearing a light blue Ralph Lauren sweater, a v-neck tee under it, some Dickies pants, and brown Doc Martens. Not an impressive outfit, but not shabby either.

Thing is, I was wearing more expensive clothes than 90% of the other people going into that venue. My friend goes out a lot here, and says it was probably just the wrong vibe of clothing for that event. Regardless, I felt very embarrassed to be turned away so unexpectedly.

My question is, should I take this as a cue to be more thoughtful about my attire, or was the bouncer just being a dick? I'm not new to dressing myself, but I admit I haven't been making much of an effort recently.

Post: #2

Just because your clothes were more expensive than everyone else's, doesn't mean that your outfit was put together well, or was the right attire to wear for whatever event it was you hoped to attend.

Quote:My question is, should I take this as a cue to be more thoughtful about my attire, or was the bouncer just being a dick?

Could be both. My advice? Rock a decent suit when you're rolling out.

Post: #3

You didn't ask why? Probably because you weren't wearing a collar.

Post: #4

Thanks for the replies gentlemen. I didn't bring a suit with me because I spend most of my time down here on construction sites, but I'm gonna go out and buy one tomorrow afternoon.

Post: #5

Did you try throwing the bouncer some money? That would have been my move.

Post: #6

I did that once when I went out in a tee and slacks while traveling with some friends, but last night I got kind of angry and I didn't feel like putting money in the bouncer's pocket. Dude started talking to my friend, and wouldn't look me in the eye at first.

Post: #7

I can't stand bouncers. One of them didn't let me in not to long ago because he said my Levi's were to baggy. Someone walked right in after me with MC Hammer type baggy jeans!! I'm pretty sure it was because I was darker than everyone inside. It sucks and is embarrassing getting turned away like that man. Mechanico has some funny stories on here about getting into it with them.

Here it is
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Post: #8

Honestly not sure how I'd handle that since it hasn't happened yet. My best bet is befriend the bouncer, strike up a quick conversation, and be like "Thanks man, you're right. I just got off work but I should upgrade my wardrobe anyhow", and bum him a smoke or something. The big thing is don't leave right away like you're not comfortable in your clothes, just chill outside and shoot the shit like you're not in a big hurry. If there's a line, just leave.

If your clothes were clean, fit well, and not ragged, the bouncer was just being a dick.
Rudebwoy makes a good point though. If you're American travelling abroad, your shoes probably need to look more chic.

Post: #9

You don't need to rush out and get a suit.

How were the other guys dressed? I am sure Paraguay is not a fashion mecca, but it might have been the boots. I am taking a shot in the dark when I say that.

Post: #10

Price of clothes mean nothing. Most of my go-to club stuff is crap from H&M.

I would of got in there with a Walmart button up and some slacks from there too. Just saying...

Its all vibe and how you present yourself. Suits are good for any occasion but just having some nice pants and a proper fitting shirt is all you need. When I plan to venue change i'll have a outfit I can transform into 3 different styles if I need to hit something that requires a dress code but something with a quick hat (fedora, newsboy) and some cool socks could pass in a hipster dive bar.


IMO Polo is a classic brand that will never die but it has been cheapened. Just like tattoos it just requires money to get and does not mean you *really* have style, just like a tattoo does not give you *really* any more perceived edge. Its still just a shirt and needs to be worked into a outfit accordingly.

Always better to be overdressed the underdressed I say

Post: #11

Only time I have ever been denied entrance to a club was in London when I was wearing a sweater but no collar underneath. A lot of clubs require men to be wearing shirts with collars.

Post: #12

Yeah we take it for granted in the US that you can roll up to a club in a vneck and nice jeans with anything but sneakers and get in. In countries like Paraguay where there is a much larger gap and class structure, what you wear symbolizes your status.

That being said, a nice collared shirt probably would have solved your problem.

Post: #13

I'd say the bouncer was being a dick. However, if you feel uncomfortable with the clothes you wear, or you feel underdressed for the type of venues that you want to hit, then its time to get new clothes.

By the way, the outfit looks decent the way you describe it. Was this at a very upscale club?

Post: #14

(07-31-2012 06:10 PM)UgSlayer Wrote:  Yeah we take it for granted in the US that you can roll up to a club in a vneck and nice jeans with anything but sneakers and get in. In countries like Paraguay where there is a much larger gap and class structure, what you wear symbolizes your status.

That being said, a nice collared shirt probably would have solved your problem.

Try wearing this to a decent place in NYC and see if you get in.

You ALWAYS have to look good when you're going out, unless you're going to a place where you're 100% sure that there is no dress code whatsoever. As somebody else said already, it's always better to overdress than to underdress.