Do you love going out to dinner? So do we! But if you’ve been invited to a dinner party, what should you wear? This article has outfits for dinner ideas you need, whether you are heading for a semi-casual dinner with friends or a more formal affair.
Let’s take a look at some outfits for dinner so you can nail down your outfit and concentrate on your food. Bon appétit!
What to wear for dinner
In this article, you’ll find advice and examples of what to wear for dinner for your next restaurant visit.
What can I wear for dinner?
What is the best dinner date outfit? Well, that depends on the restaurant and the occasion. And, of course, what you feel like wearing that day. Some restaurants have dress codes, so if you are going somewhere particularly special, make sure you check.
For example, the Sexy Fish restaurant in Miami won’t allow entry in flip flops or rubber shoes, and The Ivy in London asks diners to be mindful that many people will be there for a celebration.
How do I look classy for dinner?
Think casual elegance. You aren’t going to a black tie event, so you don’t want to look highly dressy, but you do want to mix casual and semi-casual elements with more formal pieces for a look that feels sophisticated and effortless.
outfits for dinner
Let’s move on to some specific examples of what you can wear when putting together your dinner outfits.
1. Statement jacket and jeans
We love mixing casual and formal elements in our outfits. Adding a statement jacket to your jeans is perfect if you are heading to a trendy restaurant with friends or you have a casual date night but you still want to look great.
Mango Sequinned Suit Blazer – Theory Sleeveless Silk Top – PAIGE Gemma Straight-Leg Jeans – Franco Sarto Lola Mary Jane Pump – Lilly Pulitzer Benton Clutch – Martha Calvo Ami 14K Gold-Plated Doorknocker Earrings
Nikki @40notfrumpy above adds a red jacket to her jeans and pairs with on-trend Mary Jane shoes.
Get her look with this similar tweed jacket (another option here), jeans, pumps and handbag (another option here).
2. dinner date outfit: a Sheer shirt
Add some subtle sex appeal with a sheer shirt. You can choose a fully sheer shirt and wear a camisole underneath, or opt for a shirt with sheer panels that already provides coverage where you need it. Add wide-leg pants and you have an outfit that is just as dressy as a dress.
Generation Love Agnes Silk-Blend Illusion Blouse – Callas Milano Anouk – Stretch Jersey Wide Leg A-Line Pant – Anne Klein Rosel Pumps – Cult Gaia Lael Crystal-Embellished Clutch – Tory Burch Disco Silvertone & Resin Drop Earrings
3. Statement necklace to update your favorite little black dress
You’re sure to have a black dress in your closet. And, the beauty of a little black dress is it can take you anywhere. To update your favorite dress, add a statement necklace. After all, when you’re sitting down, your top half will get all the attention.
LIKELY Tilden Sheath Cocktail Dress – Franco Sarto Lola Mary Jane Pump – Cult Gaia Lael Crystal-Embellished Clutch – COS Crystal Embellished Necklace
4. satin shirt and leather pants
Mix your textures by teaming a smooth material such as silk or satin with a ‘tougher’ pair of leather pants. A pair of embellished flats will keep you stylish and comfortable.
ANINE BING Mylah Shirt – PAIGE Sasha Faux Leather Wide-Leg Pants – Jack Rogers Jeweled Rondelle Loafer – Cult Gaia Lael Crystal-Embellished Clutch – Swarovski Mesmera Crystal Drop Earrings
Eugenia @theeageofgrace above (read her style interview here) adds a playful touch to her outfit with her feather sleeves.
Steal her look with this similar shirt (another option here). leather pants (another option here), sandals, handbag and earrings.
5. Silver shoes and a satin blouse
Silver shoes go with everything and are the perfect way to add glamour to your dinner outfits. For silver shoes inspiration, take a look at our article on the best silver shoes for a hipper and more youthful look.
Ramy Brook Lyla V-Neck Satin Blouse – PAIGE Genevieve Flared Jeans – Anne Klein Rosel Pumps – Cult Gaia Lael Crystal-Embellished Clutch – Éliou Miro Beaded Station Necklace
6. Wide leg pants
Wide-leg pants are on-trend and add a touch of carefree glamour to your dinner looks. Add a sequin top and a cardigan or blazer to keep you warm. Team your look with booties or heels, depending on how formal or casual you want to go with your outfit.
J.Crew Emilie Patch-Pocket Lady Jacket – TWP Sequinned Crewneck T-Shirt – Derek Lam 10 Crosby Baxter Wide-Leg Pleated Pants – Stuart Weitzman Stuart 75 Zip Bootie – Lilly Pulitzer Benton Clutch – Martha Calvo Ami 14K Gold-Plated Doorknocker Earrings
7. Wrap blouse
Just as a wrap dress will suit all body types, a wrap blouse is incredibly flattering. A v-neck elongates your figure and neck. The satin wrap blouse (below) comes in four colors and would look great with your bootcut or wide jeans.
Ramy Brook Pauline Wrap-Front Blouse – PAIGE Genevieve Flared Jeans – Stuart Weitzman Stuart 75 Zip Bootie – Cult Gaia Lael Crystal-Embellished Clutch – Tory Burch Disco Silvertone & Resin Drop Earrings
8. Jumpsuit
A stylish jumpsuit is a fantastic alternative to a dress when you’re dressing for dinner. The jumpsuit (below) comes in burgundy or navy and looks fabulous worn with a white blazer or a sequin cardigan.
Cinq à Sept Khloe Crepe Ruched Blazer – Black Halo Corinne Sleeveless Flared-Leg Jumpsuit – Franco Sarto Lola Mary Jane Pump – Kurt Geiger London Mini Shoreditch Leather Crossbody Bag – Jenny Bird Doune Chunky Hoop Earrings
Boma @mrs.gaf above opts for a print jumpsuit and black accessories.
Recreate her outfit with this similar jumpsuit (other options here and here), sandals and bag.
9. Long shirt and slim pants
A tunic shirt can be as casual or dressy as you want it to be. Wear with slim black pants and heels for dinner. Then, you can always wear the same shirt with your leggings or blue jeans and sneakers for casual weekend days.
Aje Vortex Printed Belted Shirt – PAIGE Constance Stretch Cotton Slim-Fit Pants – Stuart Weitzman Stuart 75 Zip Bootie – See by Chloé Hana Leather Mini Crossbody Bag – Martha Calvo Ami 14K Gold-Plated Doorknocker Earrings
10. outfits for dinner – Metallics and knitwear
Silver or gold look beautiful contrasted with cozy knitwear. Add knee-length boots, ballet flats or heels depending on the weather where you are.
Treasure & Bond Crewneck Rib Sweater – Ungaro Kennedy Plissé Lamé Skirt – Zeagoo Satin Midi Skirt – Calvin Klein Arista Knee High Boot – See by Chloé Hana Leather Mini Crossbody Bag – Lina & Lily Gold Glitter Floral Pattern Scarf
11. Off-the-shoulder top
An off-the-shoulder top is elegant and sexy at the same time. Wear them with a skirt or wide-leg pants for a formal look, then you can wear them with your favorite jeans for casual days.
Naadam Off-The-Shoulder Wool & Cashmere Top – Zeagoo Satin Midi Skirt – Calvin Klein Arista Knee High Boot – Kurt Geiger London Mini Shoreditch Leather Crossbody Bag – Jenny Bird Doune Chunky Hoop Earrings
Suzie @suzie.richetti above opts for an all-black outfit and adds a pop of color with her accessories. If you like to wear black, but find it looks harsh against your face, an off-the-shoulder top is a great idea as it leaves the skin around your face free from the dark color.
Recreate her outfit with this similar top, leather skirt, boots, handbag and belt.
12. dinner outfit for winter: a Sweater dress and boots
For dinner on winter days, a sweater dress will keep you both cozy and stylish. Add your knee-length boots and match your handbag to the print in your dress.
BOSS Fonzipona Stripe Rib Sweater Dress – Calvin Klein Arista Knee High Boot – See by Chloé Hana Leather Mini Crossbody Bag – Jenny Bird Doune Chunky Hoop Earrings
13. Embellished jacket
If you want to make sure you’re warm enough in the restaurant, then choose a jacket or cardigan that you can leave on as you dine. The Boden jacket (below) features a beautiful motif that is sure to get you compliments.
Boden Embellished Knitted Jacket – Theory Sleeveless Silk Top – Derek Lam 10 Crosby Baxter Wide-Leg Pleated Pants – Franco Sarto Lola Mary Jane Pump – Kurt Geiger London Mini Shoreditch Leather Crossbody Bag – Jenny Bird Doune Chunky Hoop Earrings
14. print dress
A dress is a classic outfit for a dinner date. Add drama to your look by choosing a beautiful pattern. The jersey dress (below) is easy to wear and has a very flattering shape.
Boden Jersey Maxi Wrap Dress – Stuart Weitzman Stuart 75 Zip Bootie – Kurt Geiger London Mini Shoreditch Leather Crossbody Bag – Martha Calvo Ami 14K Gold-Plated Doorknocker Earrings
Jas @thefashionstylefile above chooses a beautiful floral print and matches her shoes and bag to the flowers on her dress.
Get her look with this similar dress (other options here and here), clutch and sandals (another option here).
Which of these outfits is your favorite? What do you usually wear when you go to dinner?
More tips for your outfits for dinner
We’re sure you’ve got lots of ideas for putting together your outfit for your next dinner date. But what else should you think about?
What is the perfect outfit for a formal dinner?
You have lots of options for dressing for dinner. For a formal dinner, you could choose a dress, jumpsuit, suit or wide-leg trousers and a top in a beautiful color and material.
How should a woman dress for dinner?
So, how should a woman dress for dinner? Well, in the way that makes you feel most confident. Take into account any dress code, and the occasion, and adapt your outfit to suit.
Your outfits for dinner together in one capsule
Below, you can see some of the dinner outfits from above together in one capsule so you can think about how you can mix and match them to create lots of different outfits that would work for dinner, for parties, and for more casual days depending on how you wear them.
Continue reading:
- The Best Casual Party Outfits That Make An Impact
- What To Wear To A Cocktail Party
- WHAT TO WEAR ON CHRISTMAS DAY: All The Christmas Day Outfits You Need For Lounging, Lunching, Staying In Or Going Out
- What To Wear For A First Date To Feel Confident And Look Amazing
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Feature image by Nikki @40notfrumpy
Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.
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