Cover Me
Knowing unofficial dress codes help patrons fit in at area bars
Changing nature of clubs cause for some style updates
By Erika Rasmusson Kansan Correspondent
Keeping track of the bar scene in Lawrence is akin to keeping up with the latest trends in fashion—difficult at best. But for KU students interested in making the most of an evening out at a nightclub, what to wear is almost as important as where to go.
To be comfortable, knowing the unofficial dress code of a bar is essential.
Students donning Wranglers and cowboy hats to go to Sidewinders might feel disappointed, not to mention out of place, upon finding out that the bar is now called 729 New Hampshire St., and is a dance club.
Other bars, such as the Granada, 1020 Massachusetts St., provide more than one atmosphere, and find their customers favoring more than one style of dress.
"Fashions here at the Granada change from night to night," said Paige Tullos manager of the Granada. "We have a pretty wide range."
The Granada is best known throughout Lawrence as a dance club, but Wednesday and Saturday nights are reserved for live bands, and this year the roster includes national acts as well as local ones.
According to Tullos, different types of music have different followings, and thus, different fashions.
"People who come to see a rock band might wear whatever is comfortable," she said. "But people who come to dance get a little more dressed up."
Getting dressed up also is common at the Cadillac Ranch 2515 W. Sixth St., said employee Nick Rhea, a Paola senior.
"It's like going to the rodeo," he said.
"People dress the part," Rhea said.
Common attire at the country bar includes boots, western shirts, and of course, cowboy hats, which are part of the employee uniform at the Ranch.
"It is important to be your own personality, regardless of the social situation you are in."
Dan Phillipps
Bellevue, Wash., senior, on what to wear out to a bar
But some students, like Dan Philipps, Bellevue, Wash., senior, said they don't change their style of dress when they go out to bars. They favor places where they feel comfortable in their everyday attire.
"It is important to be your own personality, regardless of the social situation you are in," Phillips said.
Still other bars find themselves host to a wide range of fashions, from relaxed to
Philipps said his favorite bar in Lawrence was the Bottleneck, where he wears baggy pants, comfortable shoes and T-shirts by designers such as Air-Walk, John Fluvog and X-Large.
cutting-edge. Jennifer Fortney, assistant manager of the O Street Tavern, 1340 Ohio St., said that she considered the Tavern a laid back bar and that changing styles were evident among student customers.
"On our busier nights it is fairly trendy,' she said. "People are very up on styles."
Justin Willett, Leawood senior, takes a more casual approach.
"If I'm just going out to drink beer with a couple friends, I'll just throw on a hat and go," he said. "But it if it's a special occasion, I'll probably shower and dress up."
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Planet Lawrence
Hill • September 13, 1995