DUPONT CIRCLE. Unless you're a regular on the society page, it may be a tad difficult to get into the exclusive 18th Street Lounge ... they don't let in just anyone. So put on your most stylish togs, look smart and be ready to work your way past the velvet rope. Once in, you'll find a room full of Washington's elite ­ from domestic and international politicos to the occasional celeb ­ sipping cocktails, filling the dance floor and rubbing the elbows of their designer threads. Live shows, DJs and theme nights highlight the weekly calendar. METRO: Farragut North or Dupont Circle

DUPONT CIRCLE. Formerly known as Badlands, this club caters to a gay crowd. It's a large club with a new wooden dance floor and a generously-sized projection screen. The clientele is typically young and trendy, and the club is open weeknights when most other dance clubs are cooling their heels. The downstairs lounge features comfortable couches, while the upstairs area has a long bar and more upholstered sofas, perfect for relaxing. Trendy dress.

DOWNTOWN. A nexus for style and fashion in Downtown's Chinatown area, Avenue gives 20-somethings a smart, sexy space to pose, posture and dance into the wee hours of the morning. This four-level, 19th-century lumber warehouse exudes confidence, vigor and a well-defined sense of urban chic: 18-foot ceilings, exposed brick walls, seductive lighting, marble-topped bars and an eclectic lineup of modern music (reggae on one level, Top 40 or hip-hop on the next). As you might expect, appearance is everything when it comes to making an appearance at Avenue, so make sure you're sporting your hippest threads. NB There's no cover if you get on the guest list via their Website by 9pm of the night you plan to attend. METRO: Gallery Place/Chinatown

GEORGETOWN. A modern bar with evocative design elements and a rep for potent elixirs made with fresh fruit purees, Blue Gin is one of those hotspots only the beautiful frequent ­ of course, the well-hidden entrance and discriminating door policy make its cool factor legendary. A minimalist, Euro-suave decor dominates the lounge with brown leather sofas, bold red walls and contemporary lighting. Meanwhile, the equally stylish dance floor pulsates from urban and house mixes. Blue Gin maintains a 25-and-up policy, ensuring that the place maintains its more mature vibe long into the night. METRO: Foggy Bottom

DOWNTOWN. Bravo! Bravo! is well known as a hot Latin dance club. The place is usually packed by midnight, and dancers of all ages and races show off their talents to salsa and merengue music. On Friday nights, the club sponsors an International Night, when reggae, international and house music keep the dance floor jumping. The clientele is mainly young professionals and college students. Wednesdays and Saturdays are 18+; Fridays are 21+. METRO: Farragut North