How to Dress Nicely for a Dinner Date
Dinner dates are not only a way to reconnect with a friend or partner, but also an excuse to dress up for the evening. When picking outfits to wear to dinner, it's important to look "nice," regardless of whether you're visiting a formal, semi-formal or casual venue. Besides wanting to look good for your date, you want to meet any restaurant dress codes. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Cocktail dress
- A-line skirt
- T-shirt
- Jacket
- Accessories
- Shorts
- Tops
- Jeans
- Blazer
- Slacks
- Button-up shirt
- Polo shirt
Instructions
-
Women
-
1
Wear a flirty cocktail dress in your favorite shade on your dinner date or stick with the standard little black dress. A cocktail dress is always in style and an appropriate look for a night out.
Women can show off their best features in a cocktail dress, such as shoulders in an off-the-shoulder style, enhance a small bust with a strapless number that features bust-line detailing or conceal a large tummy in a drop-waist dress. In addition, women can update a standard, solid dress with bold and trendy accessories.
-
2
Pair a blazer with a pattern A-line skirt and coordinating T-shirt for a nice look to wear to dinner. There are a wide variety of color and pattern combinations that can work for a skirt and shirt combination. Look to color-blocking for a trendy and bold look, or conceal unwanted trouble spots with a monochromatic look. Wear matching accessories and heels to complete the look.
-
-
3
Skip the standard dress look and go with dress shorts to wear out to dinner. Nice shorts come in silk, satin and polyester materials to dress up the look, while still remaining casual. Wear a coordinating top in a similar or in the same fabric, with additional detailing or print on the top. Carry a matching blazer in navy or black to wear if the restaurant is chilly or to add additional style to the outfit.
Men
-
4
Look fashionable yet casual, with jeans and a button-down shirt. The jeans should fit well and not sag in the buttocks or hip area. Darker, straight-leg jeans give a slimmer and dressier appearance; however, lighter jeans with no markings or holes look equally as good. The shirt should be ironed and in clean condition. If the weather is cooler, consider wearing a blazer over the outfit; warmer weather may warrant a short-sleeve shirt.
-
5
Wear a slightly more formal style of clothing to dinner with a button-up shirt and slacks. Dress the style up further by wearing a tie and jacket; however, it's not necessary to look "nice." Look for black loafers or dress shoes to complete the look.
-
6
Dress in a pair of shorts and a button-down shirt or polo shirt for a "nice" dinner date look at a casual restaurant. Men can wear flat-front or pleated shorts in a khaki or dark tan color with a coordinating shirt. The look is more casual than dressy but is still equally good looking.
-
1
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images
