If you are visiting brick and mortar casinos, you have the obligation to follow their dress codes, even though these days casino dress codes are much more relaxed than they used to be. Doing so shows that you respect both the casino operators and other players… and, of course, otherwise you would not be able to get in. Gambling and dress codes have been connected over the years and have been strongly connected to culture at large. Even today, the fashion and the casino industries complement and influence each other.
The word casino comes from the Latin “casa” (house). The word casino describes a smaller house, a villa intended for social meetings. Initially, casino venues were perceived as places where businessmen and clients gathered to discuss various topics. Some of the first modern casinos appeared in North America with the introduction of bars. From that period, casinos became not only gambling venues but also places for social interaction. When casinos started to impose dress codes, they became connected with glamour and style. Presently, most casinos require a certain type of dress code, even though most keep it very relaxed. Surely, if you don’t want to dress up at all or go out, you can always stay at home and play online games on websites such as Captain Cooks Casino NZ.
Many people think about casino fashion in the form of a James Bond movie – a sharp look based on formal dress and style. Others connect the idea of casino fashion with Frank Sinatra who used to dress well and play music at leading casino locations. Sinatra became popular for his emblematic Vegas casino style.
These days, there are many brands and designers that take their inspiration from the world of gambling. This keeps the wheels turning and helps casinos themselves evolve. The most notable examples come from two very different brands, Moschino and Chanel, which both had casino-themed runway shows in the last years. Back in 2017, Jeremy Scott put his spin on the casino aesthetic with a collection that was fun and dynamic, featuring appliqués, sequins and some very powerful colors. For the 2015 couture show by Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld introduced Casino Chanel, where Julianne Moore, Kristen Stewart and other celebrities took at the round tables, as the models presented the collection, which, it needs to be pointed out, was not very casino-style. However, the Chanel bride was inspired by a classic Las Vegas Elvis impersonator. A bit cookie, but they made it work somehow. It wasn’t the chicest thing in the world, but it was OK.
While these may be some cool and rather extraordinary examples, in most places these days, people attend casinos rather casually, even though in some places, dressing up is part of the fun.
Fashion is a response to what is going on in society and thus, it only makes sense that casino fashion has changed as time has changed. In the near future, dressing up for an evening at the casino might make a slight come-back, but casual casinos are most likely to remain the norm.
Fraquoh and Franchomme
Further reading:
Can your casino fashion make you a winner?
Fashion rules to follow in the casino
How to dress for a casual casino day
Style inspiration from James Bond’s iconic looks
A quick overview of the evolution of fashion at poker tables
What to wear and what not to wear in a casino
P.S. We want to hear from you! Which type of casino fashion is your favorite? Why? Do you play at casinos? Share your feedback, questions or thoughts in the comments below! For more articles on style, fashion tips and cultural insights, you can subscribe to Attire Club via e-mail or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!