Between Moonrise and Trillectro, plus the recently passed Union BBQ, Thank You and Sweetlife Festivals, the DC area has recently been swept up in party fever. The Nation’s Capital also has a diversity of top-tier music-driven nightlife options available, too. However, when it comes to fashion options for these events, someone could make the very easy-to-make argument that it’s a 110% women-driven market. Previews and photo spreads rarely ever spend significant time highlighting unique and quality options for men. However, with this article, that’s about to change, and as well, it will be done with a local spin. If a guy who enjoys the incredible number of options available for entertainment, but also wants to stand out from the collared (or neon tee) shirt crowd, DC has some fantastic local fashion options worth considering.

Hugh and Crye
3212 O St NW
(202) 250-3807

In visiting the Georgetown-based and gaining in national respect men’s fashion company, finely-tailored men’s clothing no longer has to be a boring and expensive situation. Off-the-rack dress shirts and blazers oftentimes fit uncomfortably or blouse up around the cuff and in the midsection. In many cases, if you’re heading out to VIP on the second level of Echostage or out to the Golden Triangle’s chic Barcode, you’re also likely spending a good amount of time attempting to be physically fit, so, having some gear that can showcase the effort you’ve put in at the gym is worthwhile. Shirts fit according to skinny fit, slim fit, athletic fit, or broad fit (with a number of separations in those size classes). Blazers are similar, and the company also has one-of-a-kind pocket squares, collar stays, tie pins and ties available, too.

Federal
2216 14th St NW
(202) 518-3375

The one fashion tip that every fashion-forward male should know is that every man needs a great pair of jeans. Whether the jeans are of the raw, slim-fitting Japanese selvedge variety, or just a great pair of well-constructed straight leg jeans, they’re important. From throwing on a v-neck t-shirt and partying with that epic soundsystem at 9:30 Club or putting on a collared shirt and jacket and heading to any one of the five levels of diverse sounds at Ultrabar, with the right pair of jeans, both events are possible. The classic hip-hop notion of baggy jeans being everywhere is largely done. Being able to wear jeans anywhere is now quite popular though, so having a pair that fit like khaki pants, but don’t make you feel like you’re at the 9-5 is important. Yes, the price is somewhat steep, but if you look at it as an investment in comfort wherever you’re heading when out for entertainment, it’s definitely worthwhile. 14th Street’s Federal specializes in this, and will definitely help you get the most out of the experience.

Dr. K’s Vintage
1534 U St NW
(240) 888-6284

It’s all about belts and shoes, plus accessories make the memorable man. Many of us are headed out on the town because it’s all about finding a significant other. If a man making this search, finding that one piece of clothing that – even in a dark nightclub or in front of a festival stage filled with tons of people – makes you stand out, is important. Four blocks away from indie-friendly locales U Street Music Hall and Tropicalia, Dr. K’s Vintage specializes in rare and hard-to-find vintage clothing, but it’s the enormous array of shoes, belts and belt buckles that makes them stand out. Thinking that it might be time for a new and much more swagged out belt buckle? It’s often said that you can look at a man’s shoes to get a sense of who he is as a person. Wanting to make a funky statement? Maybe it’s a military-style boot? What about a unique oxford that’s 40-years old and absolutely not on the market. If wanting that ever-so-slight edge, this place is definitely worth the time.

Cmonwealth
1781 Florida Ave. NW
(202) 265-1155

Sneakers. Yes, while frowned upon by many night spots, there’s still going to be that occasional night that calls for dressing down and letting it all hang out. Whether that means a sweaty and wild night of Moombahton Massive at U Street Music Hall, Steve Aoki tossing cakes and dropping bass bombs at Merriweather Post Pavilion, or just heading out for a not-so-fashion serious night on the town in general, by considering your feet in all of this, there’s still a way to sneak in a little bit of flair. Cmonwealth’s existed in Adams Morgan for quite some time, and the one thing they’ve always gotten right is understanding footwear. Sneaker fashion oftentimes tends to get a little out of hand in color and style, but in hand-selecting what ends up in the store, Cmonwealth ensures that you’re certain to find something not too wild, but just crazy enough to spruce up any outfit.

Redeem
1810 14th St NW
(202) 332-7447

Okay, so none of the other places on this list suit your fancy. You’re that one guy that we all know who thinks that DC isn’t Brooklyn or LA, but are impressed by the plethora of big name dance festivals being booked at cavernous suburban venues like Pimlico Race Course and Jiffy Lube Live. Fashion is your “thing,” too, and you think that DC is so corporate and government drab. Well, let me tell you about 14th Street’s Redeem and help you understand that you’re totally wrong. You’re looking for rare and indie clothes, right? Well, Redeem has a variety of rising American and international independent brands, and local designers, too. Do you hate that moment of reading your favorite fashion blog but knowing that there’s absolutely no way that any DC store is going to know about what you’re talking about? That’s absolutely not the case here. If you’re looking for couture, but at the same time ever-so-slightly cost-conscious, this is the shop for you.