The only real fashion rule in Miami is: you can wear anything as long as you rock it. It’s not unusual to see bikinis in nightclubs or heels on the beach, and throughout Winter Music Conference week you can expect much more of the same. With parties going all day and night, dressing comfortable for the day and dressing to impress at night is essential. Follow our “Day to Night” guide to Miami dress codes and who will have no problem getting in where you want to be.

Day – Outside in the Sunshine.

Miami invented the term “party beach wear,” and whether you are living it up on the beach or dancing at a fancy nightclub, you can wear whatever you want as long as you remember: the hotter the better. For themed parties like the Tikki Boat Cruise or a Cheap Sunglasses show, you will have more fun if you play along and wear your hula skirt or shutter shades. Here are a few more tips:

Girls.

Bikini. Your bikini will be worn while simply tanning and lounging about as well as for daytime parties that might get a little rowdy in the pool. Bring at least two swimsuits or more to Miami, as the bikini is the “little black dress” of Winter Music Conference week.
Cute cover-up. You will be on the move a lot at WMC, so bring something to throw over yourself while you party hop.

Boys.

Clean undershirt. Bring more than you think you will need.
Be comfortable. Wear shorts or a light fabric pant, and save the Speedo for your trip to Europe. Please.
Sneakers or sandals. Hop from party to party in style.

Night – Inside on the Dance Floor.

Most Miami nightclubs will not let you in with anything less then pants (for the boy) and a nice top. The general rule for guys is no sandals, no shorts and no hats.

Girls.

Super hot club dress. Secure at least one tight, slinky, sexy dress to wear to the posh clubs of South Beach (like Mansion or Karu & Y) with a pair of sexy heels. Be sure to test the ‘danceability’ of your outfit before you head out for the night; the middle of the dance floor is no place to find out that your ass is playing peek-a-boo out the bottom of your skirt.

Boys.

A killer pair of jeans. Find that pair of jeans that are both sexy, chic, and playful. Consider different “washes” of jeans, or go for a dark denim look. Paired with our next item, you’ll be good to go for an evening of clubbing.
A classy, crisp, button down top. Perfect match with your designer jeans, and the ladies love it. Bring two or three of these, because don’t kid yourself- you’re NOT doing laundry.
A linen or cotton blazer with a casual, graphic tee-shirt underneath. If you want to make a bold statement, go for this look. Choose Ed Hardy apparel only if you have the tan and the fist-pump to go with it.

Typical Miami nightclub dress codes include:

• No shorts for guys.
• No striped polos.
• No baggy jeans.
• No jerseys.
• No white sneakers.
• No flip flops or sandals.
• No baseball caps or headgear of any kind.
• No wife-beaters or tank tops.
• No oversized or baggy clothing at all.
• Anything else that looks sloppy or out of place.

What not to wear. Anywhere.

Suits. Miami is not big on formal wear. Leave the suits and church dresses at home.
Socks with sandals. A major fashion mistake, at WMC and everywhere else in the world.
Hawaian shirts. This is not Hawaii, this is Miami. Leave the floral print shirts alone.
Pantyhose. In Miami the ladies like to show leg and lots of it.
Baggy or too-tight clothing. Wear clothes that compliment your figure. A bikini that is two sizes too small does nothing for your figure; the staring boys aren’t admiring you, they are wondering when the twins are going to pop out.
Anything too preppy: It’s Miami! Be wild. Leave your conservative gear at home.
Space toes. Space Toes occur when women cram their feet into heels all night, only to finally say “fuck it” hours later and kick them off to dance barefooted on the disgusting, bacteria-laded club floors, leaving the soles of their feet completely black, sticky, and adorned with cigarette butts and bottle caps. Avoid at all costs.

If you find time to actually shop between the beach and the beats, check out our Collins Avenue Shopping Guide.

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