Written by Ben Chuang

Country club attire represents a blend of sophistication and tradition, balancing elegance with practicality for a polished look. With a rich history dating back to the 1600s, country clubs are an important piece of the American social fabric.

Whether you’re attending a golf game, a gala dinner, or a rehearsal dinner at the clubhouse, understanding the dress code is key to fitting in while maintaining personal style.

 

Men’s Country Club Attire

Men's country club attire starts with a foundation of classic, tailored pieces. The collared shirt is a staple, offering both versatility and refinement.

Options like your best polo shirts, button-down shirts, and performance fabrics make them suitable for everything from a day on the golf course to post-game drinks.

Pair these with dress pants, chinos, or tailored shorts, avoiding casual options like blue jeans unless explicitly allowed. Footwear should align with the polished aesthetic—think loafers, leather shoes, or golf-appropriate athletic shoes when hitting the green.

Outerwear is another opportunity to showcase style; lightweight blazers, vests, or cardigans can add a touch of sophistication while remaining functional. Accessories like leather belts and white socks neatly tucked into dress shoes complete the ensemble.

 

Country Club Casual Attire

For occasions with a more relaxed dress code, country club casual attire offers a middle ground between formal and laid-back.

Men might opt for a short-sleeved button-up shirt with tailored shorts, while women can lean on sundresses or casual skirts paired with simple tops.

Footwear can be slightly less formal, including clean white sneakers or boat shoes, but items like sandals and flip-flops remain out of place. The key is to look effortlessly refined without crossing into overly relaxed territory.

 

Consider Collared Shirts

Collared shirts are a cornerstone of country club fashion for their timeless appeal and versatility. Brands like Nimble Made offer an excellent range of slim-fit dress shirts that cater to modern professionals while aligning with the traditional country club aesthetic.

This blue and white striped dress shirt is one of our favorites for the country club, and its 100% cotton construction will keep you cool all day on the green.

Crafted with high-quality fabrics and microscopic attention to detail, Nimble Made shirts like The Blue Skies transition seamlessly from a golf game to a dinner or special event. With a wide variety of options in patterns and colors, Nimble Made slim fit shirts elevate any country club outfit.

 

Women’s Country Club Attire

For women, country club attire emphasizes elegance and comfort. Dresses, skirts, and tapered pants are popular choices, often paired with blouses, cardigans, or lightweight sweaters.

Fabrics like linen and cotton keep things breathable for warmer days, while accessories such as pearl earrings or stylish flats enhance the look. Like their male counterparts, women should avoid wearing overly casual or unacceptable attire like ripped jeans or overly revealing outfits.

 

Dressing for Special Events

Country clubs often host special events like formal or black-tie dinners, charity galas, or golf tournaments, each with its unique dress code. For formal occasions, men are typically expected to wear tailored suits or sports coats paired with a crisp button-up shirt and tie, creating a polished and sophisticated look.

Shoes should be leather Oxfords in neutral colors and can be paired with brown shoes with a black suit. Women can opt for cocktail dresses, tailored jumpsuits, or skirts paired with elegant blouses. Accessories like minimal jewelry and clutch purses complete the ensemble while maintaining the refined aesthetic of a country club setting.

The dress code usually calls for a blend of practicality and style for golf course special events where you will be playing. For men, a typical outfit might include a high-quality performance business casual polo shirt in a solid color or subtle pattern, ensuring breathability and comfort during the game.

This can be paired with tailored golf slacks or chinos in neutral tones like khaki, gray, or navy, providing a clean yet functional look. A lightweight sports jacket or sweater over a dress shirt can be added for cooler weather or post-game gatherings.

Footwear is key; opt for golf-appropriate athletic shoes, like one of these best white sneakers, that offer support and traction, avoiding casual sneakers or overly sporty designs. Accessories such as a properly sized leather belt and a golf cap can tie the look together, ensuring a cohesive and stylish look.

Always keep in mind that country clubs prioritize a neat, professional look, so even for athletic-focused events, attire should remain within the bounds of the club's standards.

 

What Not to Wear

Country clubs maintain specific dress codes to uphold a sense of decorum, and failing to adhere to these standards can make a poor impression. Avoid unacceptable attire such as graphic t-shirts, baggy clothing, and athletic wear outside of sports areas.

Blue jeans, particularly distressed or ripped styles, are often prohibited unless stated otherwise. Footwear like flip flops or overly casual sneakers is discouraged, and pairing white socks with inappropriate shoes can clash with the polished aesthetic.

 

Final Thoughts

Dressing for a country club is about more than adhering to rules—it’s about presenting yourself with elegance and confidence. By choosing classic staples like a collared shirt, pressed slacks, and appropriate footwear, you can effortlessly fit into any country club setting, from casual lunches to golf games or special events.

 

FAQs About Country Club Attire

What does country club attire mean?

Country club attire refers to a polished, preppy dress code that balances elegance with comfort and is suitable for semi-formal settings. It typically includes tailored pieces such as collared shirts, chinos, polo shirts, dresses, and skirts, often in pastel or neutral tones.

Footwear is typically formal yet functional, like loafers or dress shoes. The overall aesthetic emphasizes refinement without being overly formal, avoiding overly casual items like ripped jeans, graphic tees, or athletic wear such as tennis attire.

What does country club style look like?

Country club style is synonymous with preppy and timeless fashion, characterized by clean lines, tailored fits, and sophisticated color palettes similar to tennis attire.

Common elements include crisp button-down shirts, polos, and lightweight sweaters for men, and midi dresses, skirts, or tailored pants for women. Accessories like leather belts, pearl jewelry, and loafers or boat shoes often complete the look.

What is the dress code for Monterey Peninsula country club?

The dress code for Monterey Peninsula Country Club typically adheres to a sophisticated and traditional style, emphasizing respect for the club’s prestigious setting.

Members and guests are often required to wear a collared shirt, tailored pants, or dresses, avoiding denim, athletic wear, or excessively casual items. Golfers may follow specific attire rules, such as golf-appropriate polos and shoes, while formal events might call for jackets or cocktail dresses.

What to wear for country vs country club?

For a "country" look, embrace rustic and functional clothing like plaid shirts, denim jeans, boots, and wide-brimmed cowboy hats, reflecting a rugged and outdoorsy vibe.

In contrast, "country club" attire demands a polished, preppy approach similar to tennis attire with items like polo shirts, chinos, dresses, and loafers in neutral or pastel colors. The key distinction lies in the formality and the environment; country attire is relaxed and practical, while country club style is refined and tailored.