New Yorkers Treat Restaurants Like Runways—6 Outfits Worthy of the Scene

Restaurant outfit ideas:

(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)

The places to be seen these days are no longer nightclubs but restaurants—after all, getting a reservation can be a competitive sport. The Yellow Bittern, chef Hugh Corcoran's restaurant that just opened in London, has taken this to the extreme, as you can only book a table at the 18-seat establishment by phone or postcard.

If (like Taylor Swift) dinner with friends is your idea of socializing and Resy is one of your must-used apps, then you will likely spend a lot of your time deciding what to wear for dinner. While "no jeans and sneakers" dress codes might generally be restricted to fine dining, there is something to be said for dressing up and making an occasion out of any dinner reservation. Whether it's an anniversary, a big birthday celebration, or just a Thursday night catchup with friends, below we bring you six outfit ideas that will be comfortable enough for feasting while still looking impeccably stylish. Keep scrolling to see the restaurant-ready outfits I'm loving at the moment. Just be careful of spills.

1. Silk Blouse + Statement Earrings

Restaurant outfits: silk blouse

(Image credit: @iliridakrasniqi)

Style Notes: When people can only see the top half of your outfit, it makes sense to make the neckline the focal part of your outfit. A silk shirt always looks elegant, but the in-built scarf takes this to another level. Just go easy on the soy sauce and ketchup.

2. A Navy Shirt + Ballet Flats

Restaurant outfit ideas: Lizzy Hadfield

(Image credit: @lizzyhadfield)

Style Notes: This is a casual outfit that will still feel polished enough for any eatery. Dress up your black pants and navy button-down shirt with silver jewelry and red ballet flats.

3. Dark Denim + Slingbacks

Restaurant outfit ideas: Sylvie Mus

(Image credit: @sylviemus)

Style Notes: Dress up your denim by opting for a darker wash and swap your sneakers or flats for a pair of slingbacks.

4. Black Suiting + Satin Slippers

restaurant outfit ideas: Lucy Williams

(Image credit: @lucywilliams02)

Style Notes: This is the perfect outfit for special occasions. The relaxed, oversize cut of the suit makes it feel less corporate, while the pleated strapless top and satin pumps make it feel more evening appropriate.

5. A Bubble Hem + A Pop of Red

restaurant outfit ideas: bubble skirt and red top

(Image credit: @deborabrosa)

Style Notes: Midi or maxi length bubble-hem skirts create an elegant tulip shape. The red sleeveless top with a scarf detail makes this more La Dolce Vita.

6. Black Dress + Crystal Accessories

restaurant outfit ideas: black dress and crystal accessories

(Image credit: @thandimaq)

Style Notes: This sheer Simone Rocha dress looks even more beautiful when paired with crystal-encrusted accessories. Why not treat every Saturday dinner reservation as if it's New Year's Eve and pile on the sparkle?

This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

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Emma Spedding
Freelance Fashion Editor

Emma is a freelance fashion editor with over 15 years experience in industry, having worked at The Telegraph, Grazia and, most recently, British Vogue. Emma was part of the founding team of Who What Wear UK, where she worked for six years as Deputy Editor and then Editor—helping shape the team into what it is today is one of the biggest privileges of her career and she will always see herself as aBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing girl, contributing to both the US and UK sites. Whether she's writing about runway trends or spotlighting emerging brands, she aims to write about fashion in a way that is democratic and doesn't promote over consumption.