What to Wear to Cabaret and Burlesque Shows in London

Walking into a cabaret or burlesque show in London isn’t like heading to the theater or a fancy dinner. You’re not just watching a performance-you’re stepping into a world of glitter, sass, and bold self-expression. The crowd doesn’t just sit quietly. They laugh, cheer, sometimes dance, and dress like they’re part of the show. So what you wear matters-not because there’s a strict rulebook, but because your outfit sets the tone for your whole night.

Forget Black Tie. Think Sparkle and Attitude

Some venues still have a "smart casual" label slapped on their website, but that’s the bare minimum. If you show up in a plain black dress or a button-down shirt, you’ll blend in with the staff, not the audience. The real dress code? Expressive. Think of it like a costume party where the only rule is: don’t be boring.

At venues like The Box Soho, The Gilded Balloon, or The Vortex, you’ll see people in velvet suits, sequined corsets, feathered headpieces, and thigh-high boots. Men wear patterned waistcoats, brocade jackets, or even vintage suspenders with tailored trousers. Women rock retro silhouettes-high-waisted shorts, lace gloves, or dramatic capes. It’s not about being rich. It’s about being intentional.

Know Your Venue, Know Your Vibe

Not all cabaret shows in London are the same. The outfit you pick for a risqué burlesque night at The Windmill Theatre won’t match what you’d wear to a jazz-and-cabaret night at Ronnie Scott’s.

• Classic burlesque spots (like The Folly or The Lambeth Palace): Think 1920s-1950s glamour. Fishnets, garter belts, vintage dresses, red lips, and finger waves. A little lace goes a long way.
• Modern cabaret (The Box, The Pheasantry): Think punk-meets-glam. Leather, lace, metallics, bold makeup, asymmetrical cuts. Think David Bowie meets Morticia Addams.
• Themed nights (like "Pin-Up Night" or "Decadent Decades"): Dress to match. If it’s a 1980s theme, go for shoulder pads and neon. If it’s "Gothic Cabaret," lean into velvet, lace, and dark lipstick.

Check the event page. Most shows list a theme or vibe. If it says "No jeans, no trainers," they mean it. But if it says "Dress to impress," they’re giving you permission to go wild.

Footwear: Comfort Is Non-Negotiable

You’re going to be standing in line, maybe walking between venues, and possibly dancing in tight spaces. Heels look amazing-but if you can’t walk in them for 30 minutes, don’t wear them.

Try this trick: Wear your show shoes on the way there, then swap into flats in the bathroom. Keep a pair of elegant, low-heeled loafers or embellished ankle boots in your bag. Brands like Clarks and Naturalizer make stylish options with hidden cushioning. Or go for chunky platform heels-they’re easier on the feet and still look dramatic.

And please, no flip-flops. Ever. Even if it’s summer. This isn’t a beach party. This is a stage.

Accessories: The Secret Weapon

What you wear on your head, hands, and neck can turn an ordinary outfit into a statement.

• Hats: A fedora, a pillbox hat, or even a veil adds instant drama. Just make sure it doesn’t block someone’s view.
• Jewelry: Layered necklaces, chandelier earrings, or a single bold cuff. Avoid tiny, dainty pieces-they get lost in the glitter.
• Gloves: Elbow-length lace gloves? Yes. Fingerless leather gloves? Also yes. They add mystery and movement.
• Clutches: Skip the oversized tote. A small, beaded or metallic clutch keeps your phone, lipstick, and cash handy without weighing you down.

Pro tip: A single red rose pinned to your lapel or tucked behind your ear? Instant classic. It’s cheap, easy, and looks like you planned it.

What Not to Wear

Some things just don’t work, no matter how much you love them.

• Jeans and sneakers: Even if they’re designer. This isn’t a pub crawl. You’ll stand out for the wrong reason.
• Full costumes: No full witch, pirate, or superhero outfits. You’re not here for Halloween. You’re here for artful seduction, not cosplay.
• Overly revealing outfits: Burlesque is about tease, not exposure. A well-placed lace panel says more than a sheer top.
• Strong perfume: You’re in a small room with 100 people. One whiff of vanilla musk or patchouli can ruin someone’s night. Stick to light, clean scents-or none at all.

Gender Doesn’t Dictate the Outfit

There’s no "men’s" or "women’s" dress code here. It’s about what feels true to you.

Men in corsets? Seen it. Women in tuxedos? Regular. Non-binary performers and guests in flowing silks, tailored suits with lace trim, or genderless sequin jumpsuits? All welcome. The most memorable outfits aren’t the most traditional-they’re the ones that feel like the person wearing them.

Don’t ask, "Can I wear this?" Ask, "Does this feel like me?" If the answer is yes, you’re already dressed right.

Real People, Real Outfits (From London Shows)

Here’s what people actually wore to shows last month, based on photos from Instagram and crowd reports:

• A man in a deep green velvet suit with a black lace shirt, no tie, and patent leather oxfords. No jacket. Just the shirt and vest. He got compliments all night.
• A woman in a high-neck, long-sleeve black dress with a slit up to the hip, paired with thigh-high lace-up boots. Minimal jewelry. Bold red lips. She looked like she stepped out of a 1940s film noir.
• A non-binary guest in a silver metallic jumpsuit with a cape, no shoes, barefoot with glitter on their toes. They danced on the tables. Everyone cheered.

The common thread? They all looked like they belonged. Not because they spent a fortune, but because they chose pieces that matched their energy.

Final Tip: Dress for the Energy, Not the Crowd

You don’t need to outshine the performers. You don’t need to be the most dressed-up person in the room. You just need to show up as the version of yourself that feels alive in this space.

When you wear something that makes you feel confident, you relax. When you relax, you laugh louder. When you laugh louder, you enjoy the show more. And that’s what these nights are really about-not looking perfect, but feeling free.

So skip the stress. Pick one statement piece-a pair of gloves, a hat, a pair of heels, a bold lipstick-and build around it. Leave the rest of your wardrobe at home. This isn’t about fitting in. It’s about stepping into the spotlight, even if it’s just for one night.