How to dress for a barn dance
What to Wear to a Barn Dance – Rydale
Home / News / What to Wear to a Barn Dance
11 Jan 2021
PREVIOUS ARTICLE
NEXT ARTICLE
Barn dancing has a long history, dating back to the 1860s. It is thought to have originated in England and Scotland, during an era when peasants would gather in barns to imitate the dancing of wealthy landowners. In those times, barn dances tended to be held to celebrate the raising of a new barn, a holiday, birthday, wedding or another extravagant celebration. They were considered important social events because the whole town would be invited to attend.
Nowadays, barn dances are just as popular and provide an excuse to sing along to your favourite country songs, hang out with friends and dance to traditional folk music. However, if you’ve never been to one before, it can be quite difficult to know what to wear to a barn dance. Planning the perfect country-inspired outfit to dance the night away can be stressful. Don’t worry, we have you covered with our guide to what to wear to a barn dance.
The Classic Barn Dance Outfit
The classic barn dance outfit usually tends to consist of plaid. Plaid is a chequered or tartan pattern twill cloth material that epitomises the classic country barn dance. If you’re trying to recreate the traditional barn dance style, then a men’s or women’s plaid shirt should be your go-to. You can opt for a classic country colour combination, such as an olive green or brown shade, to stick to the usual style. Alternatively, if you want to add a contemporary twist to your traditional barn dance outfit, then why not select a bright red check or a navy blue pattern.
Equally symbolic of the classic barn dance is a pair of denim jeans or shorts. If the weather is warm, then it is a good idea to opt for a pair of denim shorts so that you can dance without overheating. For women, high-waisted, roughly cut denim shorts are the standard for that traditional rugged barn dance look, but don’t be afraid to stray from that norm.
For a more comfortable option, you could opt for a slightly longer pair of denim shorts, or to add a touch of colour, why not choose a pair of chino style twill shorts in a pink or khaki shade? For men, the best option is a pair of comfortable and lightweight chino shorts. The soft cotton material of chino shorts make them much easier to move around in and will keep you much cooler than a stiff, heavy denim pair. Make sure you match the colour of your shorts with the checked design in your plaid shirt.
Alternatively, for colder weather, swap out the shorts for a pair of dark wash denim jeans. Ladies can opt for a pair of classic skinny denim jeans with country animal embroidery for a real barn dance feel. Or, for a more colourful, eye-catching style, why not choose a pale pink or khaki green pair. Men can opt for a pair of classic straight leg dark wash denim jeans for a simple but effective barn dance outfit.
Finish off your classic barn dance attire with a pair of traditional leather boots.
To create a really authentic barn dance look, women should go for some genuine leather knee-high boots. You could select some suede knee length boots or a more traditional smooth leather pair. For men, a pair of classic leather market boots would make the perfect addition to a traditional barn dance outfit.
The Modern Barn Dance Outfit
If you’re looking for something a little more stylish and on-trend, then you might want to create a slightly more contemporary barn dance look. Ladies might want to opt for something a little more fun and flirty, selecting a flowy dress or a flattering skirt. A tweed skirt is ideal for sticking with the country barn dance theme but ensuring you look stylish and sophisticated too. Pair your skirt with a lightweight and flowy animal print blouse to pull the look together. For colder weather, you could even add a matching tweed blazer to make your barn dance outfit slightly more formal. Finish off with a pair of leather Chelsea boots or even some deck shoes for a more summery look.
Men could make their modern barn dance look slightly smarter by swapping the denim for a pair of high-quality moleskin trousers. The cotton moleskin material is ideal for keeping with the country style, but provides a more formal option to the classic jean choice. Add a shooting-inspired knitted jumper, or a tweed waistcoat and blazer for the ultimate formal barn dance attire. Top off your contemporary barn dance outfit with a pair of men’s Chelsea boots or some leather brogue shoes.
Accessorising Your Barn Dance Outfit
No barn dance outfit is complete without some classic country accessories. A traditional hat is a must-have to create an authentic look. A men’s or women’s traditional leather cowboy hat would be perfect to add a traditional touch. Alternatively, you could go for a ladies wool felt hat with feather or a men’s baker boy style cap.
You could even add a country leather belt to pull together your barn dance attire. Opt for a classic brown leather belt to match your boots and hat, or choose a polo-inspired belt for a pop of colour.
Men could also add a country shooting tie to add a touch of sophistication, while women can complete their outfit with an equestrian-inspired saddle bag.
So, now you know what to wear to a barn dance, you can effortlessly create a stylish traditional or modern outfit fit for any country occasion.
PREVIOUS
ARTICLE
NEXT
ARTICLE
BACK TO BLOG
What to Wear to a Barn Dance (WITH PICTURES)
Barn dancing has a long history dating back to the 1860’s, where traditional steps were danced to folk music, usually in a barn. nowadays, it’s just as popular, but more likely in a building! If you’ve never been to one before, you may be wondering what to wear to a barn dance?
We’ve got you covered, we’ll run through everything that you should expect and what to wear to your first barn dance.. We cover the 3 most popular barn dance looks, so you can choose the look the will be in bogue and reflect your style, mood, and unique personality.
In a nutshell, a barn dance is a social event which caters for all ages, the main focus is about having a good time and listening to some music! Don’t worry if you don’t think dancing is for you, at a barn dance it’s for everyone.
What to Wear to a Barn Dance?
Compared to other styles of dancing, a barn dance is considered quite casual. Comfort is key, so jeans and trainers will work if you’re on a budget.
If you’re wanting a more ‘classic’ barn dance look; we’ll walk you through some ideas.
We’re going to start by looking at barn dancing clothes for women followed by barn dancing clothes for men.
What to Wear to a Barn Dance - Ideas for Women
Women’s Barn Dance - look 1
Check Current Price
Check Current Price
This country look is perfect for a barn dance, it’s casual and comfortable.
Wearing a vest top will keep you cool while you’re line dancing away. You can always layer it up at first, maybe with a denim jacket which can be removed when you’re warm.
We suggest pairing this with a distressed pair of denim shorts.
Check Current Price
Check Current Price
We’ve paired the vest top with shorts, this is a great outfit for the summer months when the weather is hot and you need to stay cool.
These will look good at any length, so don’t worry about them having to be short, shorts! Wear whatever you’re comfortable dancing in.
Pair these with some boots (we’ll look at those at the end of the women’s section).
Women’s Barn Dance - look 2
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on Amazon
Here we have more of a ‘classic’ barn dance outfit. Plaid is extremely popular and this particular shirt is available in 3 different colours.
We’re also giving another shirt option with this white cowboy themed shirt. It has embroidered roses for a classic edge.
Shirts are great for those wanting to cover up a little more, but these are fitted, so they have a feminine edge.
We’ve paired these with some jeans.
CHECK CURRENT PRICE
CHECK CURRENT PRICE
Jeans are great for a barn dance in the winter. Both these jeans have a country vibe when paired with a shirt, they’re also stretchy so you can move freely.
Black jeans would also work well, these particular pairs are available in black.
Women’s Barn Dance - look 3
CHECK CURRENT PRICE
CHECK CURRENT PRICE
For those of you looking for something really feminine, this outfit is perfect.
Florals are a staple for women at a barn dance, these two dresses are a perfect example.
Pair them with a plain bandana around your neck and a denim jacket to keep you warm.
And of course, some cute cowboy boots!
CHECK CURRENT PRICE
Check Price on Amazon
These are great additions to the feminine, country chic look. Try to buy a bandana that matches the rest of your outfit, avoid clashing colours.
That’s it for the barn dancing outfits for women, now let’s look at the best shoes for a barn dance.
What Shoes to Wear to a Barn Dance?
When dressing for a barn dance, the most important thing is that you’re comfortable. We’ll be taking you through classic barn dancing shoes, if that’s what you prefer. But some will be more comfortable in dance trainers or jazz shoes.
Ariat Women's Darlin Work Boot
These ankle boots by Ariat are great for your first barn dance.
They’re made from 100% leather and have a synthetic sole. They’re made with the comforts of modern design, with the elegance of vintage style.
The heel is 2.5 inches, which is a great height, you can feel confident when dancing.
These will look great with jeans, shorts or a dress.
- Quality materials
- Good choice of colours
- Extremely comfortable
- As with all cowboy boots; buy a size up!
Check Price on Amazon
Laredo Women's Spellbound Western Boot
If you’re looking for a higher boot with the same country-feel.
These Western boots from Laredo are perfect shoes for a barn dance.
Compared with the previous shoes, these have a smaller heel of 1.5 inches and a square toe.
They’re also made with 100% leather and a synthetic sole. It’s also got amazing design, snakeskin underlay and studding.
You can wear these all day, as well as out to a barn dance in the evening.
- Good for wide feet as they have square toe
- Quality materials that will last
- Good for bigger calves
- Can be too big for narrow feet
CHECK CURRENT PRICE
Loredo Miss Kate Snip Toe Dress Boots
If you are looking for a high quality pair of boots that you can dance in the rest of your life, this is the pair. .
Made of 100% sanded leather with a smooth to the touch, high quality feel. They’ll add the country feel to any barn dancing outfit, without breaking the bank!
Detailed cutouts create a very sexy look.
We recommend wearing these boots with a pair of denim shorts, or a floral dress.
- Great value for money
- Soft and comfortable
- Can wear them right out the box, no break-in
- Cost more but more durable than other brands
- Slightly different colour to the appearance in the photo
Check Price on Amazon
Roper Women's American Beauty Western Boot
We love these USA themed boots from Roper, they’re extremely cute and will match any of the outfits above.
They’re ankle height so will look great with shorts, skirts, jeans or dresses.
The heel height is medium at 1.25 inches, meaning you’ll be comfortable dancing for hours! The heel is also flexible to help with movements.
Another great feature of these boots is that they’re made from 100% leather, this makes them durable.
These are our number 1, in the list of best shoes for barn dancing.
- No need to break them in
- True to size
- Durable, quality material
- No choice of colour
- No choice of colour
CHECK CURRENT PRICE
What to Wear to a Barn Dance - Ideas for Men
For men at a barn dance it’s all about long sleeved shirts, a hat and a big belt! Lot’s of embroidering and lots of plaid.
We’ve found a couple of great country themed shirts that will give you an edge over everyone else.
CHECK CURRENT PRICE
CHECK CURRENT PRICE
Here are two great examples of what men should wear to a barn dance. The American flag is always a great start for a country-feel. The embroidered white shirt will look great with a big, shiny belt buckle.
Both of these shirts will make you look like you belong, but you can also go with a normal plaid shirt.
CHECK CURRENT PRICE
CHECK CURRENT PRICE
Pair any of these shirts and accessories with a neck bandana and a cowboy hat, and you’re sure to steal the show.
What Happens at a Barn Dance?
There’ll normally be a caller, someone who has the responsibility of getting people up to dance. He/ she will get them stood in the right place, either squares, circles or lines and facing each other.
History of the Barn Dance
A barn dance is basically any dance that occurs in a barn, it’s usually any line, square or round dance.
Originally barn dances were used to imitate ballroom dancing from wealthy landowners, but in time they were used to celebrate any holiday, birthday or wedding.
They’re known by different names such as, Ceili, HoeDown, Contra or Square Dance. We’ll talk in a bit more detail about this later.
Now that’s it for our list of ideas of what to wear to a barn dance. Hopefully you found something you liked, or at least got some inspiration!
Go out and enjoy yourself, because that’s what it’s all about at the end of the day.
We’ll leave you with another great tutorial for the Cowboy Boogie. Enjoy!
What Moves Will I Learn at a Barn Dance?
Moves such as right hand star, circle left, do-si-do will be called out by the caller as the music starts. So, you don’t have to worry about knowing the moves before you turn up to your first barn dance.
But if you would like to be ahead of the game, check out this tutorial with some basic moves you may need.
Dancewear | Useful articles and tips from the 🕺dance studio - Under Stand (Anderstend)💃 in Voronezh.
When you come to the ballroom, it is important to dress correctly. Not just beautiful, but right. And not because they are greeted by clothes, but because each type of dance requires appropriate equipment - comfortable, suitable for a particular type of movement, and also reflecting the unique style of dance. In this article we will tell you how to dress if you are dancing...
Clothing for this bright dynamic dance should be comfortable and not restrict movement.
Lockers often wear wide trousers or comfortable stretchy jeans, leggings, loose T-shirts, shirts, trowels. Hats, caps - any attributes of lockers. If you are not yet ready for such a bright “suit”, stop for now on comfortable sweatpants, a T-shirt or T-shirt, sneakers or sneakers.
Traditionally, poppers dress in a rather formal style: they wear strict (but rather loose shirts), jackets, shoes and hats. However, finding such extravagant outfits for everyday training is not so easy, because more and more often dancers can be seen in simple, wide clothes, without deliberate formality, in sneakers or sneakers.
House is a trendy club dance, so clothes for it should not only be comfortable, but also reflect fashion trends. It is not surprising that the dancers wear tight pants, then wide ones. In addition, house is a dance of communication with those who are close to you. In clothes for house you should be comfortable and cozy, you should feel confident and neat.
Hip-hop is a very democratic dance: perhaps any loose clothing is suitable for it. Sweatpants, T-shirts, caps (optional!), soft comfortable sneakers. And, of course, do not forget about knee pads that protect against injuries - this may sometimes be required (on the recommendation of the trainer).
Graceful girls dancing this dance prefer shoes with high stable heels, as well as light-fitting (and a little spicy) clothes made of elastic fabrics that do not restrict movement (these can be shorts, trousers, leggings - what you will be comfortable). To start classes, sneakers or light sneakers are suitable for you.
Clothing for Contemporary, this plastic and emotional dance, should be as comfortable as possible: as a rule, these are elastic suits (trousers, shorts, T-shirts, leggings). The dance is performed barefoot or in socks.
Attire for Latin dances is usually a mid-length dress or skirt with wide, flowing edges, shoes with low heels.
Of course, comfortable shorts, trousers or leggings are also suitable for training!
All staged dance directions require maximum comfort from clothing. Lightness and freedom of movement is the main thing to look for in dancewear. In directions with staged choreography, much attention is paid to the self-awareness of the dancer - he must feel in the dance as if on stage - brightly, confidently. In jazz funk it's even extravagant. You can experiment with outfits. Once you find yours, you will feel it!
Dancehall is a social Jamaican dance, so the clothes in the class should create a feeling of summer and warmth. Dancehall dancers often wear bright t-shirts, t-shirts (often both at the same time and preferably in different colors!). Multi-colored leggings and shorts of various styles - the main thing is to create an image!
Vogue dancers usually like to try on different outfits, experiment, surprise and even shock.
Any of your fantasies can be realized in training or at Vogue balls! Style is about vogue.
Waacking is a bright style, memorable for its presentation and imagery. Each workout is an opportunity for self-expression, including with the help of a suit! Dresses, jumpsuits, shorts, skirts - you can change each session. If all this is complemented by neat low-heeled shoes, you are already ready for the stage. 😉
Breaking is a very energy-intensive, technically complex style. It is very important for a dancer to take care of comfortable training clothes. We advise you not to wear clothes with large metal or plastic elements (locks, buttons on clothes) and remove accessories (bracelets, rings on your hands) - everything can interfere with you. Comfortable sportswear, sneakers or sneakers, knee pads - everything you need for training. Also, the trainer may advise you to purchase a hat (when you move on to learning elements using the head =).
The style that originated in hot Africa requires powerful energy inputs from the dancer: you will dance to rhythmic and very energizing music. We advise you to wear comfortable sportswear and shoes. You can even take a spare training t-shirt!
A dance that should help the dancer find his individual style and express himself in movement. Whatever helps you in this, you should use. Your image is included. Comfortable and suitable clothes for you - plus a fad to your confidence in training.
Non-dance directions involve active physical activity during the class. You will need comfortable leggings or sweatpants, a T-shirt or a trowel, comfortable shoes (for functional), socks for stretching, yoga stretching and classics. If you want to use your own yoga and stretching mat, you can bring it with you, but be aware that the studio has mats, blocks, straps - the necessary equipment for training.
Author: Karina Morkotenko
More articles:
How to dress for dancing / El Gato Tango
Dance is a contact sport! Remove keys, etc.
from the front pockets in front of exit to the dance floor. Then take off your watch, rings and bracelets! Watches and bracelets, especially on the right wrist, tend to scratch the partner's hand, arm, or neck. And no extravagant belt buckles! You can check what you want put on and determine if it is dangerous by rubbing your hand on this item. Decorations, Of course, you have to choose very carefully. Make sure you check the rings bracelets and belts for sharp edges or even small points that could get stuck in your partner's clothes or jewelry. Long necklaces can be dangerous, especially if you're spinning fast. Long chains with heavy brooches, dangerous when it spins. The same goes for long hair, especially horse tail. Sylvia has extremely long hair, and she braids and pins them up. With her spinning, her hair would be deadly! Lady avoid high hairstyles, and doubly so if they are varnished or sprayed. And don't forget check the nails and their defects that could damage the skin or clothing of the partner, if anything, take a nail file.
Regardless of gender, when choosing clothing for the upper body, it is important that it had high underarms and no baggy or loose sleeves, preventing partners from catching their hand back. This is an inconvenience because the partner will try to get around clothes instead of avoiding others dancers. A man will have to roll up the long sleeves of his shirt with cufflinks: buttons can get stuck in a woman's hair. Waist and bra should also not have excessive fabrics. No need to wear tight or tight underwear, just extra fabric can create problems and unwanted body contact. Fringes should also be avoided. where the partner's hands will be. Jewelery can sometimes get caught on lacing.
Long flying skirts often get in the way when spinning. Especially when they're tailored so that they fly out, above the middle of the thigh. The shorter the skirt, the higher the flight point. Long skirts give the appearance of a beautiful flowing fabric, but it is very important that the partner had enough space to put his knee between the legs of the partner - many skirts do not allow this.
Men who must wear a jacket and tie on the way out: take off your jacket and tie when you dance!
Be sure to wear an undershirt: drops of sweat are more visible on a regular shirt than on the multi-coloured rayon shirts that many of us wear in dance fashion. Avoid silk shirts without an undershirt.
TOP: Partners and partners must have quick and free access to the spins partners. Sleeveless t-shirts and tops are just fine. I am very uncomfortable lead a bare back, slippery with sweat. I much prefer fabric covering the shoulder blades and everything with which I will likely have hand contact. I also I prefer zippers to buttons and buttons: the places between the buttons often diverge, and you can get on slippery skin and get caught on the bra strap.
Outerwear hides where hands should not reach. And please if only you don’t have such small breasts that you don’t need a bra, wear his!
BOTTOM: I think women's pantsuits are not only attractive and flattering figure, but also especially suitable for swing dances.
Trousers of any kind beautiful. For dance mechanics, pants have no negative qualities.
Long skirts are fine as long as they are loose enough at the knees. Long skirts can be a nuisance if they are cut so that they fly high. After the trousers short skirts 10 cm above the knee are best. But not tight. Extremely short tight skirts - usually not a problem for dancing, but can be a headache pain for the owner.
JEWELERY: These in particular must be selected with the utmost care. Before putting on a bracelet, watch, brooch or ring, you need to run your hand over to ensure that there are no sharp edges that could cut or parts that can get stuck in clothing.
Brooches that are better not to be worn should be placed high on the chest, where contact with partner's clothing is the least likely. Necklaces must not be larger than a slit chest.
BELTS: Belt buckles covered with fabric belts are the best. Belts with many bells and whistles, especially from metal, are very dangerous.
