There are two things you should know about me. First, I love a laid-back look, and second, going out to eat is my favourite pastime. My idea of post-work fun is discovering new cuisines, low-key bars and secret tasting menus that I can tell my friends and colleagues about. But sometimes, knowing what to wear for my dinner dates can be tricky, especially as the weather shifts from cooler to eye-wateringly warm. My heavy jeans and jumpers have been flung to the bottom of my floorboardrobe (guilty!) and I’ve been left looking for my new staples instead that are perfect for all my summer dinner plans, but still feel casual and cool.
Ever on the hunt for a lo-fi look, I looked to the experts (i.e, the ever-fashionable people popping up on my social feed) to help inspire the outfits I’m looking for. The brief is this: I want a throw-on-and-go outfit that's as casual as it is chic; think pieces made from seersucker, linen and cotton (which are a must as the temperature warms) but that have a polish to them, too.
I’ve done some digging and found five of the best casual summer dinner looks which feature summer staples, statement fabrics, minimalistic colour palettes and trending silhouettes. Scroll down to see the looks: there's something here for everyone!
5 Outfits to Recreate for Casual Summer Dinner:
1. Maxi Dress + Crochet Shoes + Bangles
Style Notes: A maxi dress is exactly what comes to mind when I think casual summer dinner, but if there's one thing I’ve learnt, it’s that warm weather is a time to ditch the heel. With clammy feet and sweaty, well, everything, the added discomfort of a heel, even a kitten, is not what I’m looking for when creating a casual look. Instead, I’d opt for a little crochet number like Ingrid Edvinsen’s flats. A casually cool shoe silhouette brings a chic edge to an otherwise simplistic look, which is perfect for the summer’s workday that turns into a refined meal.
Shop the Look:
This dress is going to work just as hard for you in the winter months as it does in the summer.
What's not to love about the ceramic bangle trend?
These are the exact ballet flats that Ingrid is wearing in the picture above.
These look far more expensive than their affordable price tag.
A chunky ring is always a good idea.
2. Halterneck Top + Black Bermuda Short + Crochet Hat
Style Notes: For me, the best summer casual dinner outfits are made up of pieces I already own. With this summer's trends awash with longline short styles and halterneck tops, I was pleased to realise these two staples were already in my wardrobe—and when paired together, as Debora Rosa has done, they create a look that feels effortlessly elegant. Styled with a simple flip-flop and a casual crochet hat, the outfit transitions from day to night with complete ease. I’m sold!
Shop the Look
This is the kind of top I would choose when recreating the outfit.
These have gone straight into my basket!
These are selling out fast so if you like them, I'd be quick!
I will never tire of looking at this beautiful bag.
If you're on the hunt for a crochet style, look no further.
3. Denim Jacket + Maxi Babydoll Dress + Trainers
Style Notes: For me, the best evenings occur when you start the morning strolling Notting Hill markets, followed by a few drinks and pickie bits in Regents Park around lunch and then finish at a Berenjak-style restaurant. In London, your outfit needs to meet the evolving criteria and match the ever-changing weather, so I will be stealing the style of Luena Gama for the foreseeable future. A light denim jacket will keep you warm for the evenings when it cools, a babydoll maxi is a perfect dress for both warm and cool weather, and the Miu Miu x New Balance collab trainer is not only to die for but also works in both dressier and casual settings. It truly is the perfect combo.
Shop the Look:
Simply sublime.
A denim jacket will serve you well, whatever the weather.
I saw someone styling this pair of Miu Miu trainers on my TikTok FYP today and I have been sold ever since. With a narrow shape, flat sole and simple pop of colour, they have all the makings of a viral hit!
If the Miu Miu x New Balance 530 SL suede sneakers are *just* outside your price point (as they are mine), this pair from Free People are a great alternative.
I live by a pair of statement sunnies and this pair from Miu Miu stay at the top of my wish list.
4. Maxi Skirt + Vest + Sunglasses
Style Notes: In my humble opinion, an all-navy look is undeniably elegant. A tone that exudes casual refinement, it struck me instantly when Tia Dewitt appeared on my screen in a monochromatic ensemble—a causal dinner outfit winner! Comprised of a maxi skirt, racer tank layered with a matching scoopneck and Onitsuka Tiger trainers, this outfit works because of the summery, laid-back simplicity of it. Perfect for a dinner al fresco.
Shop the Look:
In colder weather, I would style these with the Uniqlo navy silk trousers, oversized leather bomber and ballet flats for a similar feeling look.
This skirt makes me want to completely rework my aesthetic.
These slip-on mesh trainers are perfect for warm weather styling.
The gift that keeps on giving, regardless of the season.
If there's one summer tote I think is worth the price, it has to be this Dragon Diffusion number.
5. T-bar Heels + T-shirt + Bermuda Shorts
Style Notes: I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again, simplicity is key when looking for an impactful casual dinner outfit, and Marilyn nails it. A tan brown oversized tee, tucked into black bermuda shorts and finished with a tan t-bar wedged heel…this may look simplistic, but it creates a look that's as practical as it is stylish and I’m desperate to recreate it.
Shop the Look:
The perfect basic tee.
The perfect addition to my capsule wardrobe.
How gorgeous?
The Ceramic jewellery trend wont be slowing down anytime soon.
These are as comfortable as they are chic.
-
It's Settled: Fashion People in NYC Are Obsessed With This Non-Denim Skirt TrendLet Ciara show you how it's done.
-
My Love Language Is Summer Linens and Cottons—J.Crew and Anthropologie Speak It FluentlyHeat-wave approved.
-
The Pretty Summer Top You'll See in Every New York Park This SummerWine included.
-
Linens, Trousers, and Button-Downs, Oh My! These 30 Banana Republic Sale Picks Are Summer MagicUp to 60% off.
-
This Anti-Trend Item Makes Every Summer Outfit a SuccessWrinkly clothes have never been cooler.
-
These 30 Simple Yet Elevated Picks From theReplica Store Anniversary Sale Are Giving Major Rich VibesHello, instant confidence boost.
-
Get With the Program: The 6 Summer Denim Trends We're All Wearing Instead of Baggy JeansThe season's hottest batch yet.
-
Bermuda Shorts, Bloomers, and Cutoffs, Begone—Expert Dressers Only Care About These Elegant Shorts*The* shorts of the summer.
