Ideale Men’s Style According To Members’ Club Curator Nikole Powers

Private members’ clubs, or members-only clubs, have become an omnipresent occurrence in major cities worldwide. These stylish venues that breed luxury and networking, where remote workers and entrepreneurs come to congregate, and where presentation is everything, are the latest aspirational and tangible must-have experience.

Nikole Powers, who is a seasoned private members’ club and culture consultant with over a decade of experience at elite venues like Soho House and Annabel’s [The Birley Clubs], where she worked with British business mogul Richard Caring, knows exactly what makes a man stand out for the right reasons. Her resume extends to the world’s most renowned private clubs and hospitality brands, including The Moore, Paris Society, NeueHouse, Fotografiska, Mila, and The Collins Club.

Powers now splits her time between Miami, and Los Angeles, curating the aesthetics of members’ clubs within her vicinity. “Working in private clubs for the last 10-plus years, I’ve seen a lot of good fashion – and bad,” she notes. “Over all your attitude and charm will take you a long way. It’s never about the brand, and good tailoring is important. Dressing for success is about effortlessness and knowing your vibe. If you look relaxed and natural in a suit, wear the suit. But if it doesn’t feel like you, don’t force it.”

From grooming to wardrobe choices, her expert advice on how men can refine their appearance and exude confidence in any setting is warranted as a private members’ club becomes a go-to experience. Powers describes it, “I spent about three years in London working at Annabel’s, which is one of the most iconic clubs there. I’ve also worked with NeueHouse, and did projects for Capital Records, Netflix, and BuzzFeed, mainly handling large corporate clients. I’ve had the opportunity to experience the full spectrum of what membership and hospitality look like, from the traditional London scene to New York and Miami.”

Men who desire entry to these lavish locations are recommended to elevate their style from what they already know, meeting the suggested standards of each club. “There’s a low-key swagger about men’s fashion,” Powers emphasizes attitude is everything. “You can be wearing anything, but if you have the right charisma and right attitude, it takes you a long way in life.” A well-dressed man who lacks confidence will still fall short, while someone with self-assurance can make even a simple outfit look compelling.

The private members’ club curator pays close attention to grooming habits when evaluating someone’s overall presentation. Powers details what she looks for. “Are you getting your haircut on a regular basis? Did you shave today? Are your teeth white? There are things that let me know you’re taking care of yourself. Personal upkeep plays a role in whether someone fits the club’s vibe.”

Key grooming essentials are standard for Powers including haircuts from trending barbers like Blind Barber, and skincare from baby care brands like Dr. Roberta Del Campo in Miami, or Jade Haifa Studio in Manhattan. There are also products from Yelle, Marlowe, Narcyss, Nature Spell, Humanrace, Burke Williams, Babor, Khiel’s, Natura Brasil, and Osea, that are effective and easy skincare options for guys. Hygiene makes the ideal man more acceptable for that private members’ club aura, keeping things fresh and well-maintained, while moisturizing and avoiding looking overly oily or dry.

While Powers emphasizes oral hygiene, utilizing products like Lumify Eye Drops, teeth whitening strips, and fragrances are simpler upgrades. “Fragrance goes a long way,” she details. “Being able to pick out a fragrance that nobody has smelled before can draw and seduce someone.” Fragrances that stand out are in any guy’s best interest, reaching for brands like Veronica Gabai, Initio, Mind Games, Parfum De Marley, Clive Christian, Parfum Cirque Du Soleil, Aroma360, Killian, and Infiniment Coty Paris, to name a few.

“Trying too hard is the biggest faux pas,” Powers adds. “Over spraying cologne, mixing too many trendy pieces, clothes that don’t fit like they’re supposed to. Too tight, too loose. And square-toe shoes? Just – no. Presentation matters. Treat yourself like a brand,” Powers says lightheartedly.

Staying true to yourself when finding that perfect outfit stands prominent for Powers once you get past daily hygiene. While some men gravitate toward bold logos or avant-garde streetwear, Powers advises balance. “Keep it simple, but also stay true to yourself. If you’re into streetwear like Gallery Dept. or Bottega, I love that look. But you can also wear jeans and a T-shirt. If you pull it off and that’s your personality, it works too.”

Her definition of dressing for success is a personal battle when it comes to guys, with each individual having their own taste. “Are you relaxed? The moment someone looks like they’re uptight, they don’t fit in their own skin, their clothes are buckling. I feel like this person isn’t going to [be] a good time.”

Brands like Bode, Cherry, Rhude, Gallery Dept., PAS UNE MARQUE, Heliot Emil, and Aimé Leon Dore, offer elevated streetwear looks for the more casual guy. Designers like Saint Laurent, Prada, Tom Ford, Zegna, and Jacquemus fit the more polished version of this guy, in Powers’ purview. Quiet Luxury from Brunello Cucinelli, Loro Piana, James Perse, and Nili Lotan, gives more sophistication to the aspirational elevated aesthetics.

“It’s never about how expensive the outfit is,” Powers points out. “It’s about your energy. Wear what makes you look relaxed and charming. The biggest giveaway that someone doesn’t belong, is when they look uncomfortable in what they’re wearing. Subtlety always wins in truly exclusive spaces.”

Fit and fabric matter more than brand names for Powers. Luxury labels don’t automatically equal style, Instead, the focus on quality is most important. “I would rather a guy who had five quality Brunello Cucinelli shirts in his closet than a guy with a closet full of fast fashion.”

Tailoring, especially for suits, and even denim, makes for attractive silhouettes. Investing in timeless pieces like a well-made blazer or leather jacket that lasts years benefits your wardrobe in the long run. “You can tell somebody quickly with a cheap button,” explains Powers.

”Nothing’s worse than a cheap button. Your fashion shouldn’t hurt the environment. If it does, stop! You don’t need to buy something new every 20 minutes,” she notes, stressing a guy’s capacity for sustainability.

She continues, “Invest in chic shoes, a good belt, and a personal style piece. Maybe a piece of jewelry, or cool sunglasses. I have a friend who’s from Louisiana and he always finds statement pieces that are indicative of the culture. Find your thing!” Shoe brands like Santoni, Beckett Simonon, Good Man Brand, Clark’s Original, G.H.Bass, or even a clean pair of sneakers from a brand like Axel Arigato, offer sophistication, but also individuality.

Accessories play a part in styling when elevating your taste for exclusivity at a private members’ club. “A nice watch is always a flex, but it’s old-school,” Powers notes. “The new-age crowd – many don’t even wear one. Get something that suits your personality and is the best quality you can afford. Just never buy fake. That’s embarrassing.” Powers doubles-down. “Don’t show up with a fake watch or knockoff designer. It’s embarrassing and obvious.”

Knowing your surroundings as a guy is key to reading a room to maximize your experience. “Think about your audience. Play into it while staying true to yourself. Look comfortable and relaxed. If you hit those three notes, you’re going to be okay.”

“Dressing well isn’t about spending the most, it’s about looking like the best version of yourself,” Powers affirms. “Always have clean shoes. Unless you’re going for a full-black biker look, scuffed sneakers or dirty dress shoes ruin the vibe.” A polished pair elevates your outfit. A vintage belt or a unique bracelet can add personality. Powers describes style as “In London, I dress smart. In LA, I’m in streetwear.”

Authenticity is magnetic, playing your hand to find your way into a private members’ club. Whether it’s an affordable vintage find or investing in a bespoke suit, wearing it with pride is the mission. “Look like you belong,” the members’ club guru, Nikole Powers, concludes. “If you don’t, they’ll know. But if you own your style – clean shoes, polished hair, confidence – you’ll walk right in.”