If You're Going to a Restaurant, Here Are Some A+ Outfit Ideas
Want to know what to wear to a restaurant? We can help with that.
In my eyes, a meal out presents the ideal opportunity to unearth those dressier items from the back of my wardrobe. A dinner date is just the excuse I need to try on everything I own and come up with some of my best dinner outfit ideas.
And I'm not the only one who enjoys this novelty. Just last week, I noticed people next to me wearing dresses and heels to eat a burger in a pub—and why not? If you want a night away from your tracksuit bottoms or leggings and are ready to turn up the glam for dinner (or breakfast, brunch or lunch!), below I've listed 13 outfit ideas that feel fabulous but not too OTT for all your upcoming reservations.
From elegant skirt looks to jeans-and-nice-top combos that are bound to impress, there's a dinner outfit idea for everyone (and every setting) here. Many of these examples work particularly well thanks to their featured footwear and accessories, so be sure to consider the finishing touches when you're styling up your ensembles. Strappy sandals are always a dinner-date winner in our eyes, and you can't go wrong with an amazing bag.
Like what you hear? Keep scrolling for restaurant-ready outfits to try on your next meal out, whether you're going to Pizza Express or The Ritz.
What to Wear to a Restaurant, According to Fashion People
1. Shirt + Straight-Leg Jeans + Block Heels + Clutch
Style Notes: Jeans, a nice shirt and heels will always do the trick. Need further proof? Just take a look at Mary's chic ensemble.
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2. Long-Sleeved Shirt Dress + Shoulder Bag + Mesh Ballet Flats
Style Notes: Long sleeves and ankle-grazing hemlines are often essential for summer evening looks when the chill sets in. Keep them classic, chic and tonal for the win.
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Opt for a long-sleeve tee if there's a chance you'll have to queue outside or travel to your restaurant of choice!
3. Waisted Blazer + Tailored Trousers + Statement Heels
Style Notes: A blazer and jean look takes all the stress out of getting dressed. Opt for a slightly formal style to elevate your denim.
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Between the colour and the cinched-in waist, this blazer is just gorgeous.
Floral-Appliquéd heels are the easiest way to make an outfit look more expensive.
4. Tank Top + Mini Skirt + Ballet Flats
Style Notes: This is a round-the-clock look that will never fail you. Let a mini skirt and chic ballet flats take your basic tank tops to new levels of cool.
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5. Floral Dress + Heels
Style Notes: Slipping into a floral slip dress is the quickest way to look totally put-together, especially one in a fluid fabric.
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6. Strappy Top + Black Trousers
Style Notes: A strappy cami works for most occasions, but the silk-satin variety is ideal for a monochrome dinner look.
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7. Blazer + Linen Shorts + Platform Heels
Style Notes: Blazers are an antidote to those evenings when you don't know what to wear. Opt for a classic colour and shorts in a complementary hue.
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8. High-Neck Top + Maxi Skirt + Shoulder Bag
Style Notes: A cool-girl styling tip is to go monochrome with your more formal outfits . And we all know a black maxi skirt will take any outfit into dressy territory.
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A brown bag will make all your outfits feel more polished.
9. Red Dress + Simple Accessories
Style Notes: A red midi dress will feel super comfy but also looks instantly elevated. Add some simple accessories and you're set!
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10. Waistcoat + Tailored Trousers + Ballet Flats
Style Notes: There's something effortlessly stylish about a waistcoat co-ord teamed with minimalist ballet flats. Add a statement bag and swap in heels if your restaurant of choice is a no-flats zone.
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Try wearing these with heeled mules and a bodysuit for another evening-ready look.
11. Off-Shoulder Top + White A-line Skirt
Style Notes: When all else fails, an amazing white skirt with a simple black bardot top is a combo to rely on.
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12. Colourful Shirt + Leather Trousers
Style Notes: A bold shirt will take any outfit up a notch. Pair your statement shirt with leather trousers and chic sunnies for an effortless result.
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13. Strapless Dress + Backless Heels
Style Notes: Put your trusty jeans away for a night in favour of a sultry strapless dress. No need to even think too hard about the rest of your outfit—this will be the centre of attention.
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Bébhinn Campbell is an Edinburgh-based fashion and lifestyle writer and editor. She started her first blog at age 14 and went on to intern at print and digital publications in Berlin and London, including Dazed Confused and Indie magazine.
A job at a fashion startup took Bébhinn from Ireland to Scotland in 2019, where she now works as a freelance journalist and copywriter covering everything from travel and interiors to styling advice. As a contributor toBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , Bébhinn always keeps her eyes peeled for emerging trends and looks worth writing about. She prides herself on her ability to cut through the noise and identify solid investment buys, exciting new brands and fresh takes on classic design.
In her spare time, Bébhinn enjoys perusing Edinburgh’s best vintage shops, working through her out-of-control book collection and watching dog reels on Instagram.
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