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Charm City isn't known for fashion-magazine looks. The mix of grit and hipster style has never fostered snooty dress codes. But if you want to see and be seen, we've scouted out Baltimore neighborhoods -- bars, restaurants, gyms, the farmers market and more -- to provide a guide to turning heads when you're out and about.
Mosaic
4 Market Place, Downtown. mosaic-baltimore.com
Lindsay Lohan, Samantha Ronson, Ray Lewis, Michael Phelps and Pauly D from "The Jersey Shore" have all partied at this club. There's probably no better place in Baltimore to rock the "Jersey Shore" chic.
Patron Sabrina Chainey compares it to clubs found in New York City.
"At Mosaic you dress up," the Canton resident said. "It's more upscale. You won't see the typical Power Plant atmosphere. I enjoy it there. When I like to get dressed up, I'll go to Mosaic."
How to stand out: Go over the top! Rock the bling. Flaunt that MCM bag. Add some animal-print fur. Guys shouldn't be afraid to slather on the hair product and show off with muscle shirts. Flashy button downs, big necklaces and rings will also do the trick.
Eden's Lounge
15 W. Eager St., Mount Vernon. edenslounge.com
With a mix of cozy sectioned-off couches and open spaces, the location affords plenty of opportunities for stylish movers and shakers to be seen.
"Some nights are a little more laidback. Other nights are a little more dressy," said Kimya Crawford of Windsor Hills. On Fridays and Saturdays, "Women will have on a strapless dress or skirt. Gentlemen usually have on a button-down shirt, sweater or designer shoes.
"I'm a jeans and a nice T-shirt type of girl. But ... I can always throw on a pair of stilettos."
How to stand out: A killer pair of heels is a must for women. Pair them with a clingy dress to stand out. Men can turn heads with a flashy collared shirt and designer jeans.
13.5% Wine Bar
1117 W. 36th St., Hampden. 13.5winebar.com
The wine bar offers an alternative from Hampden's traditional kitschy, hipster vibe. Still, the contemporary furniture matched with the variety of wine bottles stacked along the walls gives the bar a funky, welcoming feel.
"It is fun to go to for people watching because it's such an eclectic mix of people and styles," said Sophia Silbergeld, a Homeland resident. "You can see everything from Hampden hipsters to young professionals dressed up for a date or a night out. You can go in there really dressed up or dressed down and feel comfortable either way."
How to stand out: The bar's sleek decor is ripe for dressing up -- especially for women. A great cocktail dress is perfect for turning heads. A nice sport coat is a welcome touch for men.
Grand Central
1001 N. Charles St., Mount Vernon. centralstationpub.com
This gay bar is the best place to make a splash no matter how you're dressed. Chainey, the Mosaic patron, also frequents Central and puts it this way:
"You can get dressed up or dressed down," she said. "You'll always meet some interesting characters."
Thursday's ladies night typically means a more casual style, Chainey said. On Friday, the club becomes more of a "boy's night."
"On Friday I'll wear heels," Chainey said. "On Saturday ... you'll see more provocative dressing. There are a lot of pretty girls and dressed-up boys."
How to stand out: Good luck! With such a cross-section of people, there's stiff competition. Bold colors, shimmering materials and makeup that play off the strobe lights are a good suggestion. It also doesn't hurt to show off a little skin.
M&T Bank Stadium
1101 Russell St., Downtown. baltimoreravens.com
It's safe to say that M&T Bank Stadium is the best place to rock purple couture in the city.
"You really don't see much style at the stadium," said Rebecca "Byrd" Lowry, a die-hard Ravens fan. "Creative, yes; fashion, no. Sometimes toward colder games you see a few women in furs and nice shoes going into the private entrances."
While Lowry is a purist, she concedes that suites are perfect for more fashionable wear. "As long as they are wearing purple and are there to support the Ravens -- then strut it."
How to stand out: Get creative with purple! From makeup to coats to scarves, you can have fun buying purple merchandise. Girls can add gloves or knee-high boots to stay fashion-forward (and warm).
Club Charles
1724 N. Charles St., Station North.
The decor of Baltimore's hipster mecca -- complete with multicolored jukebox and dineresque padded red couches -- evokes a stylized nostalgia. The setting is perfect for the clientele of musicians and artists, according to owner Joy Martin.
"Anything goes," Martin said. "You'll see women in a fur coat. And you'll also see motorcycle jackets. Some women wear socks to their knees with high heels. They put it all together and it works. You see it first at Club Charles."
How to stand out: The speakeasy feel is perfect for vintage style. For guys, a leather jacket atop a fitted knit shirt can summon a James Dean spirit. Women can rock tartan skirts with feminine blouses or romantic dresses with plenty of movement. Polka dots -- on shoes, scarves or elsewhere -- are welcome.
Pazo
1425 Aliceanna St., Harbor East.
From the rich pomegranate and tomato shades of its earth-tone color scheme to the details of its gunmetal railings, Harbor East's popular tapas restaurant is all about being noticed.
"I love the atmosphere," said longtime patron, Maureen Gately of Essex. "It feels like New York. It's very chic and stylish. I get to put my heels on and a slinky dress. I can be trendy and formal at the same time."
How to stand out: Classy cocktail dresses and European-cut suits are always winners at Pazo. Deep, rich colors are also musts. "Wear something that you are going to move well in," co-owner Tony Foreman said. "I think people usually look their best in that space in something clean and strong -- good lines complementary to their frame."
Farmer's Market
Holliday and Saratoga streets. promotionandarts.com
As popular as the Sunday farmers' market has become, it's a great place to see people in a natural, casual state.
"There are a wide variety of people there," said Chelsea Williams, a Mount Vernon resident and frequent visitor. "You want to have that whole earthy, vegan look, but you want to look established. You want to look put together."
Although dress is relaxed, Williams said that there's only one type of bag to carry: reusable.
"You don't want to be seen carrying plastic," she said with a laugh.
How to stand out: Rock the bohemian look. In the hotter months, a stunning sundress is a great option. When it gets colder, an eye-catching trench or jacket works. A colorful, textured scarf will also do the trick.