What should a man wear to a dinner date?

A reliable formula: dark tailored trousers or dark jeans, a crisp shirt with the collar open or a fine knit, and an unstructured blazer or overshirt, finished with leather shoes or Chelsea boots. It works across most restaurants. Dress it up with the blazer or down without it depending on the venue.

How dressy should I be for dinner?

Match the restaurant. A neighbourhood bistro wants smart casual; a tasting menu or rooftop place wants something closer to cocktail. When you can't tell, look up the venue's photos. The lighting, the tables, and what other diners wear tell you everything. It's better to be a touch over than under for dinner.

What's a good dinner-date outfit for women?

A slip dress with a jacket or fine knit, or tailored trousers with an elegant top, both finished with heeled boots or sandals. Aim for one considered, comfortable outfit you can sit through a long meal in. A dinner date is no place for something you have to keep adjusting.

What to Wear to a Dinner Date

A dinner date sits a clear step above coffee or casual drinks. There’s an evening-out quality to it that invites a little more polish, but the goal is still effortless rather than dressed-to-the-nines. You want to look like you made an effort without looking like you agonised over it.

Read the restaurant

The venue sets the bar. A relaxed bistro or wine bar wants smart casual; a tasting menu, a rooftop, or anywhere with a view wants something closer to cocktail. If you’re unsure, the restaurant’s own photos answer it. Lighting, table settings, and the other diners tell you the register. For dinner specifically, lean a touch dressier than you think.

What to wear

Men

Most restaurants: dark trousers or dark jeans, a crisp shirt or fine knit, and an unstructured blazer or overshirt. Leather shoes or Chelsea boots.
Smarter venues: trade jeans for tailored trousers and keep the jacket on; a refined knit under it works beautifully.
The move: the blazer is your dial. On for polish, off for ease, without changing anything else.

Women

Most restaurants: a slip dress with a jacket or fine knit, or tailored trousers with an elegant top, finished with heeled boots or sandals.
Smarter venues: a cocktail-leaning dress with considered jewellery and a small bag.
The move: one elegant layer you can keep on or shed lets a single outfit cover a range of rooms.

Getting it right

Comfort through a long meal. You’ll be seated for hours. Choose pieces that sit well and don’t dig in.
One step up from day. A dinner date is the place to be slightly dressier, not to recycle the office or the gym.
A single focal piece. A great jacket, a good dress, or one striking detail beats trying to make everything a statement.

What to avoid

Anything too tight to eat in: a meal is the wrong time to hold your breath.
Strong fragrance at the table: it competes with the food and the company.
Daytime scruffiness: trainers and a tee can undersell the effort an evening out deserves.

Shoes and accessories

For men, leather shoes or boots and a simple watch. For women, a comfortable heel or smart flat and a small bag. The aim is an outfit that looks considered the moment you arrive and still feels easy three courses later.