What to wear to a tardeo: outfits for women and men in every season

"What shall I wear?" is the question that comes just before heading out. And a tardeo, Valencia's late-afternoon going-out ritual, makes it trickier than usual: it starts in daylight, ends at night, and in between there is a terrace, drinks, music and almost certainly dancing. The short answer is smart casual: neither everyday nor black tie.

This guide covers what works in each season, for women and men, what dress code different venues ask for, and the mistakes worth avoiding. If you have not chosen where to go yet, here are the best tardeo plans in Valencia.

The essentials in 30 seconds

• The style: smart casual. Dark jeans or flowing trousers, one piece that looks polished and good shoes.
• The key: an outfit that works by day and by night. Think in layers.
• Shoes: comfortable, because you will be standing and dancing. Clean, stylish trainers, ankle boots, loafers or sandals depending on the season.
• Avoid: tracksuits, sportswear, flip-flops, or vests for men at venues with a dress code.
• Dress code: terraces are more relaxed; clubs are stricter. At Azza, for example, the dress code is smart casual and entry is for over-21s.

What to wear to a tardeo in winter

In winter a tardeo starts in the sun and ends in the cold, so the coat is the star piece: a long wool coat, a leather jacket or a good blazer over something lighter.

• Women: dark jeans with a bodysuit or fine knit and ankle boots; a knitted or long-sleeved dress with opaque tights and boots; or tailored trousers with a top and a long coat. Colours that work: black, chocolate, burgundy and camel.
• Men: dark jeans or chinos with a fine knit, shirt or long-sleeved polo; an overshirt, jacket or coat; and clean ankle boots or leather trainers.
• Tip: dress in layers. You will want the coat on the terrace at sunset, and inside, with the music and the crowd, you will not need it.

Valencia's winters are mild, with highs of around 16–17 °C in December, but the temperature drops when the sun goes down, especially on a terrace. At Àtic the terrace has heaters and a covered, enclosed area, but you will still want your coat getting there.

What to wear to a tardeo in spring

The easiest season: long evenings and mild temperatures, although nights can still be cool.

• Women: a light dress with a denim jacket or blazer; a midi skirt with a T-shirt or shirt; flowing trousers with a top. Shoes: flat sandals, espadrilles or trainers.
• Men: a cotton or linen shirt, polo or plain T-shirt with chinos or light jeans; an overshirt or light jacket for later. Shoes: white trainers, loafers or boat shoes.

What to wear to a tardeo in summer

Once it is over 30 degrees, less is more: breathable fabrics and nothing too elaborate.

• Women: a linen or cotton dress, a two-piece set, a skirt with a top or palazzo trousers. Sandals or espadrilles, sunglasses and a small bag.
• Men: a linen shirt, polo or quality T-shirt with smart shorts or chinos. Loafers, clean trainers or espadrilles.
• Watch out: summer is when you see the most flip-flops and vests, and that is exactly what many venues' dress codes do not allow.

What to wear to a tardeo in autumn

Autumn is layering season: the afternoon can feel like summer and the night calls for a jacket.

• Women: a T-shirt with a blazer, a dress with a cardigan, a skirt with boots. Earth tones, dark green, burgundy or brown.
• Men: a T-shirt or shirt with a light jacket or overshirt, chinos or jeans. Ankle boots or leather trainers.

Is there a dress code for a tardeo?

There is no uniform, but there are rules depending on the venue:

• Terraces and rooftops: the most relaxed. Smart casual is the norm, a touch smarter at restaurant terraces.
• Tardeo venues with a DJ: casual, comfortable for dancing and ready to party. Many tardeos have a theme, such as 80s, 90s and 2000s music, and some people dress for the occasion.
• Clubs: the strictest. They usually ask for smart casual, closed shoes and no sportswear, and reserve the right of admission.

At Palau Alameda, entry to every space is subject to suitable clothing and the right of admission. At Azza the dress code is smart casual and entry is for over-21s. If you are unsure about a specific event, check its page or ask on WhatsApp before you go.

Outfits by plan

• A terrace tardeo at sunset, like the one at Àtic on Fridays and Saturdays from 17:00: smart casual, with a layer for when the sun goes down.
• A tardeo with a DJ, like AfterYou on Saturdays in La Gran Sala: comfortable enough to dance all afternoon, with a bit of sparkle if you fancy it.
• A club tardeo, like Vicente Buitrón on Saturdays or Danzza on Fridays at Azza: smart casual, closed shoes and no sportswear.
• A tardeo followed by dinner: a little smarter. A blazer or a nice jacket makes the switch without going home first.
• A company tardeo: smart casual, like a Friday at the office with a party touch. Here is how to organise a company tardeo.

Mistakes to avoid

• Wearing new shoes. You will be on your feet for hours: choose something already broken in.
• Dressing only for the afternoon. It cools down after dark, even in spring.
• Carrying too much. A small bag or belt bag, and the coat in the cloakroom if there is one.
• Sportswear at a club. It is one of the first things checked at the door.
• Forgetting what comes next. If the tardeo might turn into dinner or a night out, choose something that works for both.

Frequently asked questions

What should I wear to a tardeo?

A smart casual outfit that works by day and night: dark jeans or flowing trousers, a polished piece such as a bodysuit, a shirt or a blazer, comfortable shoes for standing and dancing, and a layer in case it gets cool.

What should I wear to a tardeo in winter?

Dark jeans or a knitted dress with tights, a fine knit or a shirt, ankle boots and a good coat. Dress in layers: it gets cold on the terrace after sunset and warm inside with the music.

Is there a dress code for a tardeo?

It depends on the venue. Terraces are more relaxed and clubs stricter: they usually ask for smart casual, closed shoes and no sportswear. At Azza, in Palau Alameda, the dress code is smart casual and entry is for over-21s.

Can I wear trainers to a tardeo?

At most tardeos, yes, as long as they are clean and stylish. At clubs with a dress code, smarter shoes such as ankle boots or loafers are a safer bet.

What should a man wear to a tardeo?

Dark jeans or chinos with a shirt, polo or quality T-shirt, an overshirt or jacket depending on the season, and clean trainers, ankle boots or loafers. Avoid sportswear and, in summer, flip-flops and vests.

Where can you go for tardeo in Valencia?

At Palau Alameda there is tardeo several days a week: AfterYou on Saturdays in La Gran Sala, Vicente Buitrón on Saturdays and Danzza on Fridays at Azza, and the Àtic tardeo on Fridays and Saturdays. Dates and tickets on the tardeo in Valencia page.