An event once relegated to black tie mavens and debutantes, it is now socially acceptable to wear casual street clothing to a comedy show, especially in L.A.. L.A. is a city known for its laidback vibe, and comedy shows are becoming an increasingly popular attraction. L.A. is largely characterized by jeans, flip-flops, oversized sunglasses, and bleached blonde hair, but that stereotype can overshadow the other half of the population. Modern L.A. is following in the footsteps of fashion-cautious New York, with the most up-to-date residents snapping up the hottest trends right off the seasonal runways. With a combination of these two styles, comedy shows in L.A. are made up of a mixture of casual ensembles.
There are a few do's and don'ts of dressing for a comedy show. In general, those who attend this type of live entertainment tend to stick to casual separates. Sophisticated street clothing is a good way to describe the overall vibe of the clothing choices that are often chosen for these events. A pair of well-fitting, dark wash jeans is a good choice for both men and women. Pair them with a crisp button-down shirt for men and a silk blouse, or printed sweater for women. Topping the ensemble off with a tailored jacket will help pull the whole ensemble together for both sexes. The one thing to remember is to dress in accordance with the people you are attending the show with. If it’s a casual outing with a group of friends, a polo and khakis for men and jeans and a blouse for women are both appropriate choices. But gentlemen, if your wife is wearing a beautiful cocktail dress, a suit is the only way to go. In terms of the “don’ts,” dressing oneself for a night at a comedy show pretty much relies on common sense. Dirty, wrinkled clothing should not be worn, nor should gym attire, or anything that is deemed inappropriate by the general public.
For L.A. women who are stumped as to what to wear to a comedy show, just think about your personal style. What do you wear on a daily basis that makes you who you are? What sort of clothing defines your wardrobe? The great thing about a night at a comedy event is that there is no pressure to dress like anyone but you. There is freedom to be casual and comfortable, which is not always the case for social events in L.A., so take advantage of it. An excellent formula to go by is a pair of dark wash skinny jeans, a fun blouse, and blazer. Accessorize the outfit with your favorite stiletto heels and a statement necklace or earrings.
For L.A. women who are a bit more adventurous with their style, comedy shows are a great time to try out a new look. Experiment with some of the hottest runway trends without the pressure and anxiety of getting the look 100% right the first time around. You’ll be in a darkened room sitting down with your friends the entire time, so the chances of ending up on a “fashion faux pas” list are slim to none. Feel free to rock those killer heels, adorn yourself with the latest statement jewelry, or participate in the faux-fur vest craze. Have fun with your outfit, and more than anything else, feel free to be yourself. The possibilities are endless in terms of dressing appropriately for a comedy show, so take the opportunity to dress in whichever way makes you happiest.
For L.A. men, dressing for a comedy show involves the same rules that apply to their female counterparts. Showing up at the event and looking casual and cool is a foolproof way to go. Pressed khakis, a polo shirt or crisp button down, and a jacket is a formula for fashion success, as nothing says classic American man more than this outfit. For men who enjoy adding a little more pizzazz to their ensembles, a comedy show is the perfect outing during which to experiment and have fun. For the L.A. hipster man, slim fit distressed jeans, a concert t-shirt, worn leather jacket, broken-in boots, and a knitted hat is a fashionable choice that is appropriate for a comedy show. And for the men who enjoy more of a clean-cut, debutante style, don’t be afraid to be one of the few rocking a well tailored suit. Go without a tie for this look to achieve more of a casual vibe.