Five Tough Doors to Open ... and What to Wear Inside

The Downtown L.A. Standard rooftop bar--Open only a month, already a tough door with a guest list. The clothes: Optional (there’s a pool). Otherwise, a mix of business suits and designer clothes. 550 S. Flower St., downtown L.A., (213) 892-8080.

Nacional--Newly opened Cuban-themed club. On Friday nights, you gotta know someone inside. The clothes: Dress continental sophistication. Helmut Lang sleek. A “no silicone” look. 1645 N. Wilcox Ave., Hollywood, (323) 962-7712.

Deep--Still a tight door. The clothes: minimal. 1707 N. Vine St., Hollywood, (323) 462-1144.

The Highlands--Muscle at the door. The clothes: Gucci and Gucci knockoffs. Shoulder pads, sequins, glitter and sunglasses inside the club. 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, (323) 461-9800.

SkyBar--Still very difficult to negotiate the door. The clothes: Prada, Prada, Prada. Slinky strap dresses, suits, occasional couture. Mondrian Hotel, 8440 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, (323) 650-8999.