Got an Important Dinner Date? We Have Outfit Inspo for You (2024)

We enjoy dressing for the office as much as the next person, but the "casual event outfit," where you get to impress everyone with your exceptional style (usually while eating food or having drinks), is a fun level up. A casual dinner can be with friends, the person you're seeing (or would like to date), family, work buds, or casual acquaintances—and it's one of the easiest places to inject some style into your outfit. The vibe can be "I've just come from work" all the way to "I went home, changed, and now you're getting a whole new outfit," but all along the spectrum there are opportunities to look and feel cool.

A cool dinner outfit is about thoughtful layering, depending on the circ*mstances. In colder weather, a coat gets you there but then is taken off; a vest, sweater, or even a sweater vest can be added or taken off depending on the temperature of the restaurant, and the whole look has to work no matter which layer you have on. Probably the most important part: You have to be comfortable enough to eat and move around. I maintain that a casual dinner outfit should be functional so that you can actually eat.

If you're so bored with your latest dinner outfits and need some fresh takes, or you've got an important event coming up (a date you're excited about, perhaps!), keep scrolling for the casual dinner outfits you can emulate immediately.

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Double Denim

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Starting with the classic Canadian tuxedo, a double denim look (with two pieces that are close in color but not exact) is such a fun, surprising fashion choice. A tweed blazer is the perfect outerwear.

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A Crop Jacket

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There's just a hint of "polished professional" here, but when combined with the jeans and cool shoe, it's a toned-down kind of vibe. The surprise here is the crop top, but if that feels like too much, opt for a white tee or tank.

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Thoughtful Layering

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This look contains multitudes: The structured shirt and chinos feel workplace adjacent, but the mules and cap skew more casual. The plaid bag and sweater over the shoulders tie everything together (pun not intended).

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A Great Coat

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If you want to look stylish but aren't interested in spending hours in front of your closet, pick easy base layers (white turtleneck and jeans), then go with a cool coat and contrasting bag to feel instantly elevated.

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A Statement Collar

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Alternatively, if you don't want to go big on the coat (or it's warmer weather), pick one aspect of the outfit and maximalize it. I love that this collar is absolutely huge, but the rest of the look is basic—and works for transitional weather.

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A Puffer Coat

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Puffers don't have to be boring! This one is in the style of a shearling bomber jacket, but looks like it was inflated like a balloon. The extra width makes a fun statement...plus you'll be super warm.

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A Big Vest

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If a coat feels so basic, an oversized vest is your pick. It's an underrated layering piece: It provides some warmth when you're outside, but it's breathable enough so you might not have to take it off when you're inside. But it's easy to take off and stow away if you need to!

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A Contrasting Bag

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If you're starting with a simple base layer like a dress but don't want to add a ton to it (or if the weather is warmer and you can't layer) go for a statement bag and shoes instead. One way to uplevel is to match your lipstick to your purse!

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A Casual Button-Down

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In warmer months, you can still layer by using an Oxford shirt worn open as a jacket. Wearing a tee you like underneath allows you to take the outer layer off when you need to—you could even tie it around your waist—but maintain some structure in the outfit when it's on.

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Cool Boots

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With the caveat that you need to be able to walk in whatever footwear you choose, a casual dinner can be a nice way to break out your statement shoes. This is particularly true if you don't have to walk a mile to get to the restaurant, but you do you regardless of the context.

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A Tonal Look

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A casual dinner look that might have started out as a casual workwear look, this outfit goes from the office to the restaurant with ease. The relaxed element comes via the jeans, and the professional chic elements come from the matching long coat and satchel.

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A Mini

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If you want to feel cute and stay as warm as possible (a cold weather date, perhaps?!), pair your miniskirt with tights, a matching cardigan, a big coat, and stiletto boots. Once you take your layers off, it gives a very different vibe.

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A Crop Top

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Weather and restaurant permitting, the crop top can absolutely be dressed up. Just make everything else in the look a tiny bit more dessy, from the coat to the non-distressed jeans to the leather fashion sneakers. The earmuffs give an unexpected fashion flair.

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Interesting Headgear

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Who knew that a studded French beret is the finishing touch your outfit needs? This is clearly a cold weather look—and the lace-up boots are functional as well as fashionable—but your accessories can add an edge to your outfit even when you're dressing to be warm. (And you can leave the hat on when inside!)

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A Maxi

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In warmer weather, your casual dinner look should still be fun but functional. This pretty maxi skirt still allows for freedom of movement as you share apps with friends. If you spill your food all over yourself as I do, though, maybe opt for a color other than white.

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Fashion Slippers

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Just because you're outside doesn't mean you can't be cozy! If you're swapping out your work heels for something flatter and more comfortable, just make sure they're not old and tattered. The socks help make the shoes feel more thoughtful instead of haphazard, too.

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Statement Jewelry

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The best, easiest way to dress up a simple outfit? Accessories! The big chunky necklace is obviously the star, but don't sleep on the studded quilted bag to add some dimension too. Rings and a matching mani take it over the top.

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Sparkle

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Speaking of jewelry! This base layer here is very simple white-on-white (make sure you layer with a tank underneath if the restaurant might be warm). Then the gorge butterfly bag, chunky rings, and layered chokers instantly add a cool-girl factor. Opt for sliiiightly shorter heels if you're going to walk a lot.

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Black Leather

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When in doubt, layer a leather or vegan leather jacket over your outfit. It's rarely a bad choice, and it usually adds a "tough" vibe that might be missing. This is a smart layering outfit, so the jacket and sweater can come off if the temperature inside is warmer.

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All-White

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If a black suit feels too boring, just switch it to another color. This cream suit set doesn't feel as heavy as a black suit; The rolled up hems also feel a bit casual, but the suit itself is structured enough to not look sloppy. (Wear a tube top underneath for layering purposes.)

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A Surprising Color

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I kind of want to be invited to a nice dinner so I can literally replicate this exact outfit. Silver/gray are cool colors at the moment (but they're also just cool colors in general, trendiness aside) so going tonal with a pearl-studded cardi and silver-coated denim is an unconventional and amazing choice.

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Some '90s Inspo

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Opting for a handbag, scrunchie, and split hem jeans will take you right to 1997. So to avoid looking costume-y, bring in some classic pieces like a brown bomber, button-down shirt, and pointed-toe heels. It's a really nice balance.

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A Thematic Bag

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I will admit that I first thought of this look for a dinner date, and I stand by it. Is it a little corny to wear your intentions on your shoulder? Sure, but how cute is that bag?! The right person will understand immediately and think it's funny.

Got an Important Dinner Date? We Have Outfit Inspo for You (2024)

FAQs

What is the best outfit for a dinner date? ›

For formal outings, women should wear an evening gown or co*cktail dress, though casual chic, check, or leather works for informal dates. Men can't go wrong with a suit and tie, but you can dress down for a relaxed dinner with a light jacket or athleisure.

What does your outfit say about you? ›

Your personal style exposes your personality, your attitude, your inner world and your energy. It is a life-affirming expression of your character and spirit. What you wear is a true representation of how you feel on the inside and how you present yourself to the world.

How do you answer what does fashion mean to you? ›

To a lot of us, clothing is often used as a form of expression. It can be used to convey messages, personality and even ideologies. Fashion can give a glimpse into someone's character, and we make assumptions before the person has even opened their mouth just by what they are wearing.

What is the perfect date outfit? ›

You want your outfit to feel as laid-back as the date. "Opt for a casual, easy vibe," Priyanka says. "Keeping it low-key is the main focus." As jeans are practically the definition of casual, they're an ideal choice. "Light-wash, high-waist denim with a T-shirt is a great look and also very classic," Priyanka notes.

Do you dress up for a dinner date? ›

"You can style it as casual or dressed up as the occasion calls for, such as a beautiful, romantic top pared back with jeans, or go all in [by] pairing it with a full skirt and heels," she says. According to Bellman, creating unexpected styling juxtapositions is another way to make a standout dinner date outfit.

How to dress for an evening date? ›

If you're looking for the perfect dinner date outfit, opt for a cute co-ord paired your fave heels and statement heels for a look we're loving. Or opt for a casual date night outfit with a classic jeans and a nice top combo that will banish any what to wear dilemmas.

What do I say about an outfit? ›

Let's take a look at these compliments..
  • 1 “That's a Beautiful Color on You” ...
  • 2 “The Fit is perfect on you” ...
  • 3 “That Pattern Looks Great” ...
  • 4 “You Look Comfortable in your Dress” ...
  • 5 "You Look like You're Having Fun in Your Outfit!" ...
  • 6 I Adore How You Always Have Something New and Unique on Whenever I See You.

How do you talk about your outfit? ›

The clothes I wear! [ Video]
  1. After work, I like to slip into a t-shirt.
  2. I love accessories.
  3. In the summer I wear a Panama hat.
  4. At work now, I have a dress code to follow.
  5. In my old job, I would wear slacks or chinos.
  6. I always wear tailor-made shirts.
  7. If I am going out to a restaurant, I usually go for the smart casual look.

How do I define my clothing style? ›

How to Define Your Personal Style in 6 Steps
  1. Step 1: Determine your personal style archetype. ...
  2. Step 2: Create a mood board. ...
  3. Step 3: Identify your signature styles. ...
  4. Step 4: Choose your outfits to suit your values and your lifestyle. ...
  5. Step 5: Modify your chosen styles to suit YOU. ...
  6. Step 6: Be confident.
Feb 20, 2022

How would you define your idea of fashion? ›

Fashion is a term used interchangeably to describe the creation of clothing, footwear, accessories, cosmetics, and jewellery of different cultural aesthetics and their mix and match into outfits that depict distinctive ways of dressing (styles and trends) as signifiers of social status, self-expression, and group ...

What is fashion in simple answer? ›

fashion is the most general term and applies to any way of dressing, behaving, writing, or performing that is favored at any one time or place.

What to wear on a dinner date for ladies? ›

Casual Dinner Date Outfits

The key to creating a casually chic date night outfit is mixing laid-back pieces, like cargo pants or denim jeans, with a bit of flirtiness with a sleek bodysuit. Consider pairing a bodycon bodysuit or waist-defining corset with a pair of relaxed straight-leg pants.

What to wear for an evening dinner? ›

If You're Going to a Restaurant, Here Are Some A+ Outfit Ideas
  • Satin Blouse + Straight-Leg Jeans. ...
  • Maxi Dress + Simple Accessories. ...
  • Cardigan + Slip Skirt + Knee-High Boots. ...
  • Statement Blazer + Slim-Fit Jeans. ...
  • Suit + Sneakers. ...
  • Printed Midi Dress + Crescent Bag. ...
  • Strappy Top + Black Trousers. ...
  • White T-Shirt + Mini Skirt.
Apr 15, 2024

How can I look more attractive on a date? ›

According to Experts, Here's What to Wear on a First Date to Get a Second One:
  1. Wear Something That Makes You Feel Confident.
  2. When in Doubt, Wear Red or Black.
  3. Avoid Wearing Orange and Brown.
  4. Wear Something Comfortable and Practical.
  5. Show Off Your Neck Instead of Your Chest.
  6. Avoid Looking Overly Trendy or Unapproachable.

How should a woman dress for dinner? ›

Consider opting for a casual dinner dress in a flattering silhouette, such as a flowy midi or a fitted sheath, that can be paired with heels or sandals to suit the ambiance. Alternatively, mix and match separates like a tailored blazer with a pair of well-fitted jeans or a stylish skirt for a more personalized look.

What is the best color to wear on a date night? ›

  • Darker shades of green can help you exude confidence. ...
  • Wearing blue might help you seem trustworthy. ...
  • Purple is considered to be the color of connection and relationships. ...
  • Wearing red might help you feel more attractive. ...
  • Incorporating magenta into your outfit can spark conversation.
Apr 24, 2024

What to wear for dinner at a nice restaurant for a woman? ›

Although a full-length gown may seem excessive for dinner, it's a great choice for restaurants with a formal dress code. If long dresses aren't your thing, you can also opt for a chic co*cktail dress. Try to choose high-quality fabrics, like silk, satin, or chiffon in colours that complement your skin tone.

Can you overdress for a dinner date? ›

You want to look cool, confident, friendly and fashionable. Let's work with what you can control: your wardrobe. Your jitters will back off when your fashionable style comes forward. You don't want to be overdressed for casual dates but being under-dressed might send the wrong message.

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