On Hilton Head the summer days are hot, filled with sunshine, laughter and ocean views. At night, the island comes alive with lounges, bars and a few nightclubs for fun loving adults. Hilton Head nightlife offers a laid back atmosphere with waves of fun, but keeping that laid back style can be hard when you aren’t from the area. What do you wear? How to you accessorize? What exactly is appropriate for beach nightlife?
The first thing to know is that while you may be the beach, shoes and shirts are required at all night lounges and clubs, so save those sandy feet for the outdoor bars by the beach! More often than not, there is also a dress code to adhere to as well. Most of the time it’s resort casual – meaning no baggy pants, bandanas, strapless tops, ripped pants, and depending on which place you go to, no jeans. Many of the nightclubs, including Poseidon, will have dress codes that are required mainly for weekends and don’t apply to their dining areas. But if you end up checking out one of the top restaurants and lounges in the area, such as Daniel’s Restaurant and Lounge in Coligny, you may want to dress up more than if you were heading to a rooftop bar.

Another thing to remember is that by the end of the day, you’ll probably be a little tired, sunburnt and dehydrated. Light fabrics are the best for dancing the night away and staying comfortable and stylish. Linen, cotton and silk are some of the best fabrics that breathe and they are available almost everywhere you go, if you can’t fit it in your suitcase. Since many places do not allow strapless shirts or dresses, make sure to use the three-finger rule. That means that the width of any strap must be at least three fingers wide. Avoid jeans as well. Not only will the heavy material be uncomfortable during a hot summer night, but many places won’t let you in due to the casual feel of your clothing.
When it comes to accessories, the simpler the better. If you’re going out to a nice restaurant, such as the Jazz Corner, you don’t want to over do the accessories. A few simple pieces can make a bigger statement than tons of bangles, a chunky statement necklaces or chandelier earrings. On and around the beach, it’s much better to only wear a simple chain, or a slim bracelet. Comfort and simplicity rule around here. Plus, do you really need to bring eight pairs of earrings with you on vacation? Probably not.
When finally putting together the outfit for your night out, many things come in to play. Do you plan to be drinking, bar hopping, dancing or just sitting for a relaxing dinner and a show? Each one of these situations demands a certain type of clothing, but more than that, a certain way you carry yourself. The best piece of fashion advice anyone can give is to ultimately wear what feels good to you, especially if you want to have fun for a night out on the town.