Knowing what to wear to a dinner party was something I didn't need to consider until a few years ago. Any decent friendship group worth their salt wouldn't have inflicted their grotty first-time flats and poor culinary skills upon a Friday night, and instead, it was all about going out somewhere to find the fun.Night-out dressing in itself is a tricky thing, presenting itself with the same old conundrums time after time: Should I wear high heels, or will it ruin my evening if we end up schlepping from bar to bar? It's raining, but isn't it inherently uncool to carry an umbrella? What if everyone else is super casual, and I've chosen that night to crack out avintage gown?
All of these irritations can be soothed by the nice, comforting, grown-up confines of having dinner either at your own place or going over to someone else's. There are no guarantees that the food won't be worthy of aMasterChef fail, but you can ensure that the fashion standards are kept high. In fact, it's one of the greatest opportunities to break your wardrobe wide open and wear some of your most exciting things (or finally purchase that standout piece you've had your eye on). Keep reading to see what to wear to a dinner party, plus the style benefits of doing such a civilized thing.
1. Relaxed Separates
(Image credit: @lucywilliams02)
Style Notes: Choose fuss-free silhouettes in comfortable fabrics like Lucy did—a dinner party is a perfect opportunity totry outthe silk midi skirt trend.
Shop the look:
Interior
The Locasia Patchwork Color-Block Cotton-Jersey Top
Consider me influenced.
Topshop
Bias Cut Satin Midi Skirt
This deep brown shade is so versatile for autumn.
2. Cozy Up
(Image credit: @chloepierreldn)
Style Notes: You want to feel relaxed at your host's table, and nothing takes your peace like therealisation that you should've worn another layer. A knitted dress is the perfect solution, promising to keep you cosy while still looking polished. Plus, they're so easy to dress up for the evening.
Shop the look:
Mango
Perkins-Neck Ribbed Dress
Look to Mango for chic knitted dresses in a varietyof shapes and sizes.
Arket
Rib Jersey Dress
I love Chloe's neutral style, but for something bolder, opt for a striking blue shade.
3. Keep It Simple
(Image credit: @sabinasocol)
Style Notes:Jeans and a nice top. It doesn't get easier than this age-old combination, and the idea can bejazzed up to feel more dinner-party friendly: Simply layer a cardigan over a cami and add earrings.
Shop the look:
J.Crew
Featherweight Cashmere Cropped Cardigan Sweater
You can also buy this cashmere cardi in gray, navy, lilac, red, and black.
Citizens of Humanity
Paloma High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans
These high-rise, wide-leg jeans are an all-around winner.
4. LBD
(Image credit: @emmarosestyle)
Style Notes: There's not an occasion in your calendar that a little black dress won't work for. Just add some gold-toned jewellery and strappy heels.
Shop the look:
Reformation
Mara Dress
A whatever-the-weather, whatever-the-occasion dress you can always rely on.
& Other Stories
Velvet and Pearl Embellished Mini Dress
This feels very Parisian—which, of course, means we love it.
5. Blouse Party
(Image credit: @lenafarl)
Style Notes:You'll be spending much of your evening seated at a table, so think about what's happening with the top half of your outfit. Perhaps it's time torock the statement-sleeve blouse you've beenthinking about.
Shop the look:
By Malina
Wilder Metallic Blouse
Thisblouse will no doubt get a lot of wear as we head into the festive period.
Ba&Sh
Top Mae
I'll wear this with leather trousers and boots for an easy yet festive look.
6.Slouchy Suiting
(Image credit: @greceghanem)
Style Notes: A loose-fitting suit is the fashion world's answer to just about every outfit conundrum. Go with trainersfor low-key get-togethers and pointed-toe boots or heeled mules forsmarter gatherings.
Shop the look:
COS
Draped-Sleeve Mélange Wool Blazer
Set to be your ride-or-die blazer.
COS
Pleated Wide-Leg Wool Trousers
In my humble opinion, COS makes the best tailored trousers of any high-street brand.
7. Elevated Loungewear
(Image credit: @bubblyaquarius)
Style Notes: There are tons of matching sets on the marketplace that look luxe but feel like pj's. This feather-trimmed Sleeper co-ord just needs a pair of low heels to make it outside appropriate.
Shop the look:
Sleeper
+ Net Sustain Feather-Trimmed Crepe De Chine Pajama Set
An evening involving feathers will always be fun.
Zara
Rhinestone Heeled Slingbacks
These slingbacks willwork hard for you throughout the party season and beyond.
8. Something Sparkly
(Image credit: @emilisindlev)
Style Notes:If your besties are coming around to chez toi, make the most of the wardrobe at hand and use this as a testing ground for the brave sequin-adorned look you're not quite sure the bus stop can handle yet.
Shop the look:
Simon Miller
The Hustle Lou Sequin Minidress
Strong mermaid vibes.
Rixo
Lara Dress
I'd wear this dazzling dress with black satin heels and silver accessories.
9. One-Piece Wonder
(Image credit: @charlottekuhrt)
Style Notes:Choosing to wear a jumpsuit doesn't have to feel fussy or OTT—see how simple Charlotte Kuhrt's all-in-one is?
Shop the look:
Rivet Utility
Foxy Open-Back Silk-Blend Satin Jumpsuit
I bet this looks so flattering on.
H&M
Rhinestone-Strap One-Shoulder Jumpsuit
Layer a cardigan on top if your host's home is chilly.
Next Up: 24 Going-Out-Outfit Formulas That It Girls Always Rely On
This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.
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