New Years Eve Dress Code in San Francisco at the Gordon Biersch

December 30, 2003 1:40 PM

As a European spending my first New Year's Eve abroad (in San Francisco at the Gordon Biersch), I've been wondering what a general NYE dress code is in the United States. Answers I've received so far range from "whatever you like" to "anything goes", which doesn't help me in my decision on what I should wear. [more inside]

I'm male and in my mid-twenties. In Luxembourg, where I spent all my past NYE's, the majority of people my age going to the popular spots would dress up in suit, shirt and tie; although there were always exceptions. A general rule of thumb indicates I should just wear what I'm comfortable wearing, but I'm comfortable in both jeans or a suit, but don't want to stand around in one when everyone around me is wearing the other. :)

posted by ckemp to society & culture (11 comments total)

Given that it's NYE, you wouldn't look too out of place dressed up even in places that are usually fairly casual. It's probably the only occasion I can think of where you could go so far as to wear a tuxedo in public and not get funny looks.
posted by briank at 1:54 PM on December 30, 2003

If you'll be at Biersch (just a few blocks from me!) you're just fine wearing any old thing. The regular Biersch crowd tends to be youngish and slightly upscale and just a tiny bit on the pretentious side, but a pair of jeans and a tee shirt won't seem out of place.

Remember, San Francisco has very little of a culture of formality, less so than the US as a whole. A tie is overkill in most any drinking establishment, and a suit is best reserved for private parties.

That said, you won't feel out of place if you are overdressed, particularly if you're bringing a date.
posted by majick at 2:18 PM on December 30, 2003

The times I've spent New Year's Eve at home, a housecoat worked well.

If you're going to someone else's house, or planning comany, I'd reccomend wearing something that covers up your knickers. Probably a top wouldn't be a bad idea either, unless everyone else is dressing in leather.

Seriously, don't worry about it. Polo shirt + pants will do.
posted by shepd at 2:46 PM on December 30, 2003

Where are you going? Popular places, you've answered your question. Also, do you want to be noticed or hit on?

In Europe was usually far from the "dress code", underdressed(surfer) not counting my shoes as compared to a US spot. Fortunately it worked to my advantage meeting girls, where is that guy from that he dresses like that. Add: no matter how you dress, being N.Y. E. add "zest" to your outfit. I'll be wearing a zebra print belt
posted by thomcatspike at 3:15 PM on December 30, 2003

Expect to be vomited upon.

Dress accordingly.
posted by kaibutsu at 3:28 PM on December 30, 2003

If you want to play it safe, might I suggest some cotton slacks/khakis/dockers, a turtle or mock-turtle neck, and a sports coat... it's just dressy enough to feel "special", but not so dressy as to really make you stick out... and if on the off-chance that the crowd spontaneously erupts into dress wear, you won't be the casual schlub.

Speaking of eruptions, wear only what can be cleaned.

And a note from experience : if you suffer from dry scalp in the winter, and there's any chance that a black light will be used, wear something that will disguise the glowing dander.
posted by silusGROK at 3:53 PM on December 30, 2003

wear a kilt , wear a kilt , wear a kilt .
posted by sgt.serenity at 4:40 PM on December 30, 2003

There are no black lights at Gordon Biersch, where he says he will be going, so lint and such shouldn't be an issue. Lighting there is not bright by any means, but is better than the average bar, though a bit dimmer on the patio in front.

Be forewarned, also, that it could very well be raining on that night. Wear something you won't feel bad about getting wet.

By the way, how come nobody noticed that he said, specifically, where he was going right there in the question? The question says, on the very first line, "(in San Francisco at the Gordon Biersch)" which is as good as giving an address. 2 Harrison Street, if anyone's wondering.
posted by majick at 4:50 PM on December 30, 2003

I noticed, but since I'm not local...

; )
posted by silusGROK at 5:52 PM on December 30, 2003

ckemp, if you have a date, ask her what she's wearing. If she's planning on wearing cocktail clothes, then the suit is your best choice.

On New Years Eve, people do tend to dress up a bit more than usual, but the location you've chosen is likely to be quite busy, so if you're flying solo, you might want to consider a jeans/sweater option for comfort. (Also, jeans are much easier to get clean when stuff gets spilled on you...and trust me, stuff will get spilled on you. )

Have fun! :)
posted by dejah420 at 8:02 PM on December 30, 2003

specifically, where he was going
I noticed, but since I'm not local...
Where are you going? Popular places, you've answered your question.
In Luxembourg, where I spent all my past NYE's, the majority of people my age going to the popular spots would dress up in suit, shirt and tie;
posted by thomcatspike at 9:33 AM on December 31, 2003