Club Gear: What to Wear Out

225 N Larchmont Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90004 (map)

Larchmont's comfortable-with-itself, fashion-forward, minimalist boutique feels like a place you'd go in Manhattan or Brooklyn, not Hollywood. So hit up "the village" between Hollywood and Hancock Park for cutting-edge frocks and accessories to help get into the right mindset before sauntering into Hyde.

631 N Robertson Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069 (map)

Fashion's golden boy really got back to his Angeleno roots with visually spectacular designs on Robertson Boulevard. And we're not just talking about the clothes--the space itself is a good starting point for anyone headed out on an aesthetically pleasing evening. Men and women alike will look nothing short of stellar wearing his clean lines with surprising bursts of color.

144 S Flores St, Los Angeles, CA 90048 (map)

Guys will have an easier time getting past the tight velvet rope if they're clad in achingly cool Filius duds and retro Derapage shades from this creative menswear shop. They'll also be doing girls who don't like the kind of guys who wear sunglasses at night a real service.

8117 W Third St, Los Angeles, CA 90048 (map)

Know this: If you're heading to downtown's cavernous speakeasy for any of its fun theme nights, or just for good times and well-crafted drinks, there's a strictly enforced dress code. And Third Street's legendary "It" boutique is a sure thing for the latest, greatest and soon-to-be trendiest fashions in L.A. (Or anywhere else for that matter.) So take that--velvet rope man with a clipboard and an earpiece!

1104 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291 (map)

Abbot Kinney's super-chic mainstay carries gloriously understated, rare frocks from Isabel Marant and Vanessa Bruno perfect for sitting on one of the lounge's white leather sofas. Rockin' pants from Rag & Bone are just right for when you're ponying up to the bar. Heist is really like the cool older sister leading you around on an evening of poolside cabana-hopping.

2710 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405 (map)

Just as this Viceroy hot spot is remarkably accessible and 'tude-free, relative to its Hollywood brethren anyway, the goods at Dolce Vita never cease to amaze in terms of their cost/value correlation. Edgy dresses, spectacular kicks and perfectly chic accessories are refreshingly affordable. Living the sweet life doesn't have to be a pride-swallowing drain on your wallet. Soak it up!

125 N Robertson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048 (map)

Brigitte would approve, mais non? Coco's dreamy impeccability and Karl's modern edges (this is the "concept" store, after all--head to Rodeo for pearl-fectly placed boucle jackets and ladies-who-lunch padded baggetry) are ideal for this super-charged Hollywood scene. People actually dance with abandon here, so just make sure you're comfy in all your black and white, layered necklaces and studded cuffs. The merch rotates in and out frequently, so ... trust ... your style will never look stale.

8221 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046 (map)

Even the French will agree that this particular limey has a way with design--especially his threads for les hommes. The hot pink, theatrical Melrose shop is a prime pre-gaming ground for a haute night out at L.A.'s brightest shining nightlight.

8620 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069 (map)

West Melrose's lavish full-service boite is right in keeping with the full force glam found in the rarified stratosphere of a multi-leveled club with a notable chef promoting "promiscuous dining." Ethereal, fashion-forward frocks by the likes of Zac Posen and Ruffian mingle effortlessly with whimsical looks from Frenchies Paul & Joe here. There's no reason Bardot's shiny clubgoers won't have the same experience.

7700 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046 (map)

The jury's still out on this new club's nightlife standing, but any kid desiring to look cool should pop into one of Melrose's savviest boutiques. With vibrant, eye-catching and chic clothes from all over the world--your wardrobe will only be guilty of total coolness.