London Dress Code: What to Wear Where in the City

When you think of London dress code, the unwritten rules that dictate what’s acceptable—and what gets you turned away—at London’s venues. Also known as London attire guidelines, it’s not about being fancy—it’s about fitting in without trying too hard. This isn’t just about clothes. It’s about respect, context, and knowing where you are in a city that changes style every few blocks.

Walk into a Heaven Nightclub, London’s iconic queer club known for its fierce energy and curated crowd and you’ll see leather, glitter, and bold prints. No suits. No ties. Just self-expression. But step into a whisky bar in Mayfair, a quiet, candlelit spot where single malts are poured with precision and silence is the norm, and suddenly, a collared shirt and dark jeans are the bare minimum. Too casual? You might not even get past the bouncer. The difference isn’t just location—it’s culture. One place celebrates individuality. The other values quiet confidence.

East London flips the script. Here, you’ll find men in hoodies getting into hidden massage spots, unmarked doors where skilled therapists offer deep relief without the spa price tag—and no one bats an eye. But if you show up to a high-end escort meeting in the same hoodie? You’ll be asked to leave. The London dress code isn’t rigid, but it’s sharp. It reads your intent before you speak. A well-fitted jacket doesn’t mean you’re rich—it means you understand the room. A clean pair of boots says you respect the space. And in a city where people notice everything, that matters.

It’s not about spending more. It’s about dressing smarter. Skip the flashy logos. Avoid sneakers with socks. Don’t wear baseball caps indoors—unless you’re at a pub in Hackney and even then, it’s risky. The best outfits in London are simple, clean, and intentional. Dark trousers. A button-down. A coat that doesn’t look like it came from a discount bin. That’s all you need to move through the city without drawing the wrong kind of attention.

And if you’re heading out for an evening with an escort? The dress code gets even more specific. You don’t need a tuxedo, but you do need to look like you took five minutes to care. A clean shirt, no wrinkles, no smell of last night’s pub food. This isn’t about impressing them—it’s about showing you’re serious. The best experiences happen when you blend in, not when you stand out.

What you wear tells people what you expect. In London, that’s often enough to decide if you get in—or if you’re left waiting on the curb. The city doesn’t care about your job title or your bank balance. It cares about your attention to detail. And that’s the real secret behind every London dress code.

Below, you’ll find real stories from people who got it right—and those who didn’t. From the clubs that turn you away to the bars where your outfit becomes part of the conversation. No fluff. Just what works.