Classic Items Perfect for Creating Outfits for Dinner
15th of July, 2022
What to wear to dinner – casual to dinner party looks.
Sharing a meal is the perfect occasion to bring people together socially – whether it’s friends for a catch up, a romantic date, work colleagues after a day in the office, a special occasion, a birthday, or family events.
We have all been there, a last-minute panicked rush to find the perfect outfit for the right venue or the right company. It could be a casual bite at the local Italian restaurant, or a booking at the newest spot that has a month-long wait list. Whatever the destination, you want to dress for the occasion, so that is precisely why we have put together looks for your next dinner booking. Read on to be armed with a suite of stylish ensembles ready to go, so you can take that last minute stress out of getting dressed for your next dinner.
01. Outfits for Dinner with Friends
Booking a long awaited, well overdue dinner with friends can be one of the most exciting dates in your diary. Whether they are new friendships, old childhood friends or past work friends, this is an opportunity to figuratively (or literally) let your hair down for an evening, simply relax and enjoy each other's company. Ready to take that new top, skirt or leather boots for a spin? This is also the most perfect chance to try out new trends, whole looks and wardrobe additions, and after the last two years, we think any excuse to dress up will do.
A bright midi dress with summer-inspired accessories.
Have you escaped to warmer conditions? When the temperature hardly dips below 23 degrees, you’ll be dining out each night in open air al fresco settings most likely near a body of water – pool or ocean side. Thankfully you won’t have to pack a vast array of bulky layers, a midi dress made in a bold vacation-inspired print, crafted from a natural, breathable fibre such as cotton or linen will be the perfect option. We love a holiday outfit, but what we love more than a holiday outfit is a versatile outfit. A bottle green and white print will mean this dress is easy to mix and match with accessories – white, tan, black leather to raffia and straw. Better yet, once you are back from the seaside, you can wear it into the city with leather boots and a neutral trench coat – win-win.
A pussy bow blouse, high waisted shorts, strappy kitten heels and small knitted bag.
All over colour blocking in wintry emerald green – this outfit spells confidence while still being utterly sophisticated and considered. There is nothing that boasts sartorial style than leaning into one bold colour way. If you are luckily located in a more consistently warmer climate, then this outfit plus a lightweight trench coat or blazer will see you through most of the year for dinner dates. Investing in separates is the smart way to build up a wardrobe too, as you'll be able to mix and match these pieces for years to come.
02. Dinner Date Outfits
Whether it’s your first date or it’s date night, it’s important to look and feel your best when arriving for your reservation. Let us inspire you with outfits that take the stress out of dressing for even the most last minute dinner bookings.
A classic, feminine and flowing midi dress with a directional handbag and a kitten heel.
This look is directional and dressy but most importantly, it is ultimately comfortable. A stretchy waistband shows off shape, loose voluminous sleeves allow for ventilation in warmer venues and a longer, mid length looks sophisticated under all your winter coats.
Dress pants, kitten heels, a bold bag and romantic modern blouse.
Prefer dresses over pants? Or perhaps it’s far too cold to even consider a dress. You can cover up with stylish confidence and wear the pants, too. Tailored pants are a piece that are certainly transitioning into all dress codes and occasions, not just the boardroom – thanks to the high-low dressing trend. We love the balance of structure and softness here. Tuck a relaxed silk shirt or off the shoulder blouse into your wide leg, pencil to flare tailored pants. The trick to elevated style? Accessories. Playful and modern pieces such as colourful crochet or architectural leather bags, bold high-shine jewellery and statement strappy heels will do the trick.
A tiered mini dress with white leather boots.
This is the ultimate ensemble for the more relaxed, less formal dates in warmer climates. When styling in winter, simply pair with tights, a cosy longline coat and a scarf. Western-inspired leather boots in white are a directional way to ground this look while putting comfort first. Perfect for strolls between restaurants to rooftop bars and home again.
03. Looks for Attending Work Dinners
You work with your colleagues in a professional setting all week, and as work friendships develop, it's a great idea to get to know each other outside the office. Depending on how business formal your workplace dress codes are, you might want to keep an element of professionalism to your outfitting decisions. We think the easiest way to nail the balance is through blending key office classics with a little more fashion flair.
A knitted pencil skirt, chequered trench coat, ruched top and mules.
The pencil skirt has long been a steadfast staple in the corporate world for its flattering yet formal nature. While the lightweight, iconic trench coat continues to speak to its utilitarian roots, perfect over denim on the weekend to more fitted looks during the week. A bold ruched long sleeve top is the element that brings this out-of-office look together. Simply swapping out your regular workplace blouse or shirt for a modern and statement piece like this is all you need to inject a bit of personal style. And don’t forget the feet – opt for a bold, bright or strappy leather statement shoe here and leave the pumps or brogues under the desk.
Tailored wide leg pants, leather heeled boots, a trench coat and long sleeve top.
Leg lengthening, waist-defining pants and a languid, relaxed trench coat in grey check is a fresh take on traditional suiting. Just as strong together or separate, you will never regret the matching co-ord. Tailoring is a staple in the fashion world, there are more ways to style structured pieces than just for boardrooms and desks. A wide leg check pant is more adaptable than you may expect – easily wear these pants with a tucked-in t-shirt and fresh white sneakers, or a strappy heels and bold-coloured feminine blouse. Plus, the trench coat has endless appeal – wear it draped over your shoulders with a fitted formal dress, to layering it over jeans and a lofty knit. Doubling down on the chequered pieces for your work dinner? Break up the formality here with a fitted, long sleeve knitted top. Keep things neutral in chocolate to cream, or go for a bold colour pop – red, green to pink to offset the grey. Statement earrings, and extra high, pointed leather heel boots step up the outfit for after hours.
