Attire and Etiquette for a Drag Show Performance

Let's Have a Blast at the Drag Show!

Whether you're a seasoned drag show enthusiast or about to attend your very first one, it's all about expressing yourself and having a good time! Here's a guide to help you get ready for a fabulous night.

Your Glam On: Outfit Ideas

Dressing for a drag show is an opportunity to let your creative juices flow. Remember, there's no wrong answer when it comes to looking fabulous! Here are some ideas to help you structure that fabulous ensemble:

Feminine Styles

Shine Bright in a Sequin Dress - Glam it up with a sequin dress and strappy pumps. Pair it with some chunky bangles for a chic look. Beachy waves are the perfect hairstyle to top it off!
Go for the Kill with a Catsuit - Catsuits are a popular choice among drag queens and make a perfect addition to your audience outfit. Keep it trendy with stilettos and big hoop earrings.
Exude Club Vibes with a Corset and Leather Pants - Corsets can be the star of your outfit, worn with or without a top. Leather pants and big jewelry will complete the look and give you an edgy, chic vibe. Don't forget the neon bob wig!
Prints Charming for Drag Brunch - Animal prints are classic and reliable for any drag brunch. Pair a loose animal print top with skinny jeans and black pumps. Add gold jewelry and a tight ponytail to complete the look.
Fishnets for the Win - Fishnet tights are sexy without being too much for a drag show. Wear them with denim shorts or a fishnet top under a simple T-shirt. Complete the ensemble with knee-high boots.
Keep It Cozy with Simple T-Shirt and Jeans - If you're not feeling too extra, a simple graphic or white T-shirt and skinny jeans will do the trick. Chelsea boots and flashy earrings will add the perfect amount of glam.

Masculine Styles with a Twist

Classic Button-Up and Jeans - A button-up shirt and jeans is a versatile outfit that works for every drag event, whether it's at a club or a cafe. You can dress it up with Oxfords or keep it casual with white sneakers.
Floral Power for Drag Brunch - Don a floral print button-up shirt and white chinos. If you want to take it a step further, pair the look with brown Chelsea boots.
Bold Blouse and Makeup - A women's white blouse with bold eyeliner can make you look like a pirate, but in the best way possible. Black skinny jeans and Dr. Martens boots add a finishing touch. Gold jewelry is the perfect finishing touch.
Keep It Simple for Drag Storytime - A simple graphic or white T-shirt and slim jeans, along with sneakers, is suitable for less intense events like drag storytime. A watch or some showy earrings will add some sparkle.

Dressing for the Event

Dress Up or Dress Down

Drag performers love to see their audience glow, so wear what makes you comfortable, whether it's a glamorous ballgown or a simple T-shirt. Wear what you want to share with others.

Tailor Your Look According to the Event

Drag shows come in various formats such as drag brunch, drag bingo, or drag parades. Dress for the kind of drag show you're going to. For example, it might not be appropriate to wear a skimpy bralette at a cold, outdoor event. On the other hand, 7-inch heels might be a bit too much for a sit-down brunch.

Venue Dress Code

Check the venue's dress code for specific events or general guidelines. Some venues may post a dress code on their website or social media pages beforehand.

Drag Show Etiquette

Tip the Drag Queens - Generously tip the queens. Tucking money into their clothes or approaching them on stage to hand them a tip is a big no-no. If they can't reach you, meet them halfway, but always respect their personal and performance space.
Cheer, Clap, and Make Noise - Drag queens thrive on the audience's energy. Clap, cheer, and make some noise. If the show is more low-key, such as a drag reading at a library, follow the lead of other audience members.
No Touching the Performers - Respect the performers' personal space. Don't approach them or touch them during the show.
Address Performers Correctly - Refer to queens as "she" and drag kings as "he." Not sure? "They" works in a pinch.
Sit in the Back If You Want to Observe - If you're not up for being part of the show, position yourself in the back. Drag performers often bring audience members up on stage or involve them in performances.
For an extravagant night out, consider merging fashion-and-beauty trends with diverse lifestyle choices by selecting a sequin dress or a catsuit for the drag show, adding a touch of personal flair to the entertainment experience.
To make a statement while maintaining comfort, consider opting for a masculine outfit with a twist, such as a floral print button-up shirt, and embracing the celebratory spirit of the fashion-and-beauty realm as well as the entertainment focused evening.