What to wear for European nightlife?

Sounds fine to me. I have been accepted into clubs while dressing less formally. As long as you don't wear worn jeans or t-shirts, you should be fine. And remember, the best way to get accurate style advice is to observe the local populations.

I don't know that I have ever seen anyone here with black dress shoes on unless they are going to work or a wedding. You might want to bring a cool-looking jacket along. Or some light cotton shirts. Other than that, everyone in Europe seems to shop at the same stores, C&A, H&M, etc. Wear what you are comfortable in. If you are going to go to any casinos though, they do have a jacket requirement. Not sure about a tie.

Just an observation ,, I was in Paris just recently and was shopping for stuff to bring home to my boys, ( 16, 18) and found the styles a bit different.

T Shirts do seem poplar there, but they are much more fitted, smaller, not baggy, and did not have sports logos on them as a rule, definately dressier feel . Same with jeans, much more fitted, no baggy jeans really, and I did not see khakis much at all. I am sure there are exceptions etc,, this is only what my daughter and I observed , and we did not go into fancy places really, more like chain stores etc. Celio, Zara, etc. Jean stores along Boulevard St Michel and CE... but it seemed consistant, baggy is out , fitted is in.
Hoodies were not all over the place either, more cotton type jackets, casual but fitted also.
Styling shoes were similar to runners. although obviously not for running or sports.

It really depends on where you want to go.

If you want to go to the velvet rope places with bouncers, you should try to look stylishly dressed - maybe a fitted, dark-colored button-up shirt, dark slacks or very dressy dark fitted jeans, black socks and black leather dress shoes. Sneakers or Wallabees aren't likely to get you through the door.

If you want to go to a pub, casual is the way to go. If you wore the outfit above, you'd feel overdressed.

Here's what I pack:

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=1440268

I picked the Ecco shoes because they can take me anywhere but are lightweight, comfortable and waterproof for travel. For fancy places, I'd wear the black pants and shoes and add a dark sweater and/or darker color button-up.

For something less dressy. I'd wear the lighter pants and a sweater or lighter color shirt. I'd still wear the black shoes

For something casual. I'd wear the lighter pants (I don't pack jeans because they're too heavy and hard to wash), a t-shirt under an unbuttoned shirt with sleeves rolled up, and a pair of trail runners.

If I were going to a pub to watch a game. I'd wear the warm ups, t-shirt, fleece and trail runners.

I travel outside of summer, so sweaters tend to be part of every outfit.

Europeans don't really wear anything formal in nightclubs such as: dresses sparkling tops neaither polo-shirts or shorts. I would say a pair of nice decent quality and fit jeans and a modern top would be fine. Also a pair of flats instead of Clarks would be fine as well.Keep the Clarks for walking around.
If you go to a Cabaret type of club, I would suggest to wear something more formal, not necessary a dress but a nice pant suit should be fine.I went to Moulin Rouge a few years ago and majority of the older ladies wore dresses or 2 piece skirt suit. The younger ones wore black pants and an elegant top.

Wear some really, really tight jeans and a skintight shirt. You'll fit in just fine.

Louis, I agree - maybe don't wear that sparkly dress :) Just in case it was missed, I believe Louis is looking for dressing advice for guys.

If you arrive and find out you need another piece of clothing to blend in then do what another posted suggested and stop by H&M or similar for something inexpensive but in-style. You will also even find lots of stores with fairly inexpensive, but in-style shoes (often displayed right on the street). You might not want to walk all around Paris in them, but definitely would be fine for a night out. It will be nice to have something from your trip you can wear once you get home too.

Lauren, I don't know about everyone else, but I was referring to what a guy should wear at a club. But of course, I was just being facetious! :)

fitted fitted fitted - we can't say it enough. Think METRO.

those fitted button-up shirts are great - get some in solids or tone/tone stripes, they'll take you everywhere, open neck and do one fold up on the cuffs at night, flip the collar if you really want attention.

gel in the hair and tons of cologne if you're clubbing.

baggy jeans or khakis are not the image of young or hip here. Even the preppy fraternity guys here wear fitted Ralph Lauren polos (flip the collar) and more fitted/straight leg khakis.

skinny ties and fitted sport coats are in. so are capris for men, ankle socks w/fitted adidas or puma sport shoes for everyday

agree w/pp - hit up an H&M or C&A for some cheap stuff. They're Europe's answer to Old Navy. Most large US cities have H&Ms btw.

think "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" stuff.