For the casino, wear something polished: for men smart trousers with a shirt or knitted polo, possibly with a blazer. For women, smart trousers or a skirt with a lovely top or blouse work well. Most casinos in the Netherlands ask for smart clothing and turn away sportswear, caps and flip-flops, but a suit or evening dress is usually not needed. If you combine the visit with a dinner or a special evening, you can go a step more festive. Below you can read what the dress code means in practice and find outfits for different kinds of evenings.
What the dress code usually involves
Casinos generally apply a simple rule: smartly dressed. In practice that means no tracksuits, no sports shoes that are clearly meant for the gym, no caps, shorts or flip-flops. Jeans are allowed in many places, provided they are neat. Always take a quick look at the website of the casino you are visiting, especially if you are attending a special evening or event; it often states exactly what is expected.
The atmosphere matters more than the rules. A casino is an evening venue with dimmed light, shine and a certain elegance. If you dress for that, you feel more at home. Think of the smart casual dress code, with an evening edge.
For women: elegant and comfortable
An evening at the casino often means standing for a long time, walking between tables and perhaps a drink at the bar. So choose clothing in which you move freely.
- A top with a special detail. The Isadora cape T-shirt in black has an elegant cape that falls over the shoulders. It feels like an evening top without needing a dress.
- Trousers with movement. The Daphni in black, pleated trousers with a flared leg, move beautifully as you walk and lengthen the silhouette, especially with a small heel.
- A blouse with shine. If you would rather wear a blouse, choose a satin look: the Rosamund in white, with a lavallière collar, catches the light in the room.
For men: polished without a suit
A suit is not needed in most casinos, but a polished combination is.
- Dark trousers. The Frederick in black, pleated trousers with a brushed inside, are warm enough for a November evening and look neat and classic.
- A shirt or knitted polo. The Hamilton shirt in white, with an Italian collar, can be worn without a tie and made slightly more formal with a blazer over it. An open merino wool polo such as the Trenton in black gives a modern, dark look.
- Smart shoes. Leather shoes or suede loafers. White sneakers are allowed in some places, but suit the atmosphere less.
Three evenings, three outfits
| Evening | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| Spontaneous after work | Office trousers with a fine knit and an extra piece of jewellery | Trousers and shirt, no tie, top button open |
| Dinner and casino | Black flared trousers, cape T-shirt, heels | Black trousers, white shirt, dark blazer |
| Special event | Satin-look blouse, skirt or trousers, statement earrings | Dark suit or blazer with trousers, possibly a tie |
Colour and shine for an evening venue
In a casino the light is warm and dimmed, with lots of reflections from mirrors and lamps. Black, white, navy and deep burgundy look best there. A touch of shine, such as a satin-look blouse, a silk pocket square or gold jewellery, fits that setting perfectly. Do stick to one shiny element per outfit; the whole then stays understated and elegant.
Practical tips
- Bring your ID. A valid ID is almost always requested at the entrance.
- Choose a small bag. A shoulder bag or clutch is handier than a large handbag; there is often a cloakroom for coats and larger bags.
- Wear layers. It can be warm inside, cold outside. A coat you hang in the cloakroom, plus a top that stands on its own.
- Shoes for a long evening. You stand and walk more than you think. Choose a heel you can manage for hours, or elegant flat shoes.
Combining with a dinner
Many people combine a casino visit with a dinner, in the casino's own restaurant or somewhere nearby. That is a good reason to dress slightly more festively than strictly necessary. An outfit that suits a good restaurant almost always suits the casino too. Choose a dark base, such as black or navy trousers, and add one festive element: a blouse with shine, a blazer, a piece of jewellery or a lovely bag. That way you are ready for both parts of the evening without needing to change. If you go with a group, you can agree beforehand; it is nice if nobody is dressed far above or below the rest. And think about temperature: in a restaurant you sit still, in the casino you walk around. A layer you can easily take off, such as a cardigan or blazer, makes both moments comfortable.
What you had better leave at home
Sportswear and sports shoes, caps, shorts, flip-flops and shirts with large prints do not belong in a casino. Even being too formal can look odd on an ordinary weekday evening: save a dinner jacket or ball gown for a gala. The ideal lies in the middle: polished, evening-appropriate, without fancy dress.
Inspiration for an evening out
A casino visit is one of those moments when you like to dress a little better than on an ordinary evening. Our Signature Occasions are made for that: view the Signature Occasions for women and the Signature Occasions for men, or look for a combination in the Dinner & Dates for women and Dinner & Dates for men collections.
Shop the look
Isadora: elegant cape T-shirt, black
Daphni: pleated trousers with flared leg, black
Rosamund: lavallière blouse, white
Frederick: trousers with brushed inside, black
Hamilton: shirt with Italian collar, white
Trenton: open merino wool polo, black
Frequently asked questions
Can you wear jeans in the casino?
In many places yes, provided they are smart, dark jeans without rips. Combine them with a shirt or polished top and smart shoes. If in doubt, check the casino's website.
Does a man have to wear a blazer in the casino?
Usually not. Smart trousers with a shirt or knitted polo are enough. A blazer does make it more festive, which suits well if you are also dining there.
Are sneakers allowed in the casino?
Sports shoes are often turned away. Smart leather sneakers are sometimes allowed, but leather shoes or loafers suit the atmosphere better.
