There are a lot of dos and don’ts when going out in New York City.
It all depends on what you’re wearing.
Doormen and bouncers are always trying to create a good atmosphere in the club, and to do that they judge customers based on their appearance.
“There are too many NPCs,” says Jonah Almost, doorman at Silencio (and sometimes Inferno). He told NYLON“You have to ask, ‘What are you contributing to this space?’ And it’s about building a culture here in some way.”
“NPC” is an abbreviation for “non-player character.” It is a virtual character in a video game that is static, pre-programmed, and fixed, and cannot be manipulated or controlled by the player. In Gen Z lingo, “NPC” is used as an insult for someone who is boring or lacks independent thought.
Several New York City club doormen spoke to NYLON about the clothes they absolutely do not want people trying to get into their clubs wearing.
White sneakers
Everyone loves white sneakers — except for bouncers.
“They lack imagination,” says Cameron, the doorman at Paul’s Casablanca, “and they’ll tell you right away that they’re not funny on the dance floor.”
For Almost, white sneakers are “boring” and a “standard New York young straight male aesthetic.”
“It depends on the day,” he clarified, “but if the club is on fire, it’s not enough.”
Meanwhile, Laissez-Faire doorman Frankie Caratini is allowing sneakers through the velvet rope, but “no Air Force 1s please.”
Golden Goose Shoes
Golden Goose shoes – shoes designed to look purposefully worn and dirty – are making a comeback, but New York club doormen don’t want to see them.
While dirty-looking shoes have been popular among millennials, they started to gain popularity among Gen Z last summer and have really taken off in 2024.
“It’s just lemming behavior,” Carattini said of seeing so many people wearing masks.
Crocs
This should go without saying, but Donte McGuinn, a partner at Outer Heaven who also manages the doors, said he would make an exception for Balenciaga Crocs.
Loro Piana slippers
Anyone hoping to wear Loro Piana slippers should take caution, as Cameron claims they “make you feel sick.”
“Individuality and personal style are valued,” he declared.
“At least bring some Advil to the transatlantic circus.”
Shorts
“I never want to see your kneecaps,” Carattini declared.
McGinn agreed with Caratini, but added that there were exceptions, “like Miu Miu or Prada shorts”.
Grapes in a vineyard
Leave the preppy clothes where they belong: in the Hamptons, McGinn joked.
And if you do choose the Vineyard Vines route, at least give it a little thought.
“Vineyard Vines is classified as a preppy style, but just wearing a polo shirt doesn’t make you intentionally or thoughtfully preppy,” Almost said. “It’s cool to dress preppy, but you have to dress smartly.”
Nap Dress
Nap dresses may be perfect for summer, but they’re not suitable for the club.
“If you’re not coming to the club to nap, why wear a nap dress?” Caratini asked.