Key Highlights

  • Fine Dining: For a three-course meal at an upscale restaurant, consider a smart blazer with flannel trousers or dark chinos, paired with a plain shirt and optional tie. A poloneck can add stylish sophistication, while a classic navy suit ensures a polished look.

  • Informal Dining: For a more casual setting, opt for cords, chinos, or dark jeans with a collared shirt. Layer with a merino wool or cashmere sweater and a lightweight jacket for added warmth and style.

  • Casual Dining: For a truly relaxed vibe, go for dark jeans with Chelsea boots or minimalist trainers. A shawl-collar cardigan or a grandfather shirt keeps it stylish yet comfortable.

  • Finer Points: Enhance your outfit with a pocket square, classy socks, a sleek watch, and a leather wallet to make a lasting impression.

Perfecting Your Look for Dinner Dates

With a dinner date on the horizon, the last thing you want to stress about is what to wear. A few simple tips can ensure you make a great impression, regardless of the setting.

Whether you're headed to a dress-to-impress Michelin-starred restaurant, an informal dinner at the local bistro, or a quick bite at a no-frills burger joint, a dinner date is the perfect opportunity to showcase your style. While we may not hold a doctorate in dating, we have extensive experience in men’s fashion. If you’re wondering what to wear on a dinner date, we’ve got you covered.

The following outfit suggestions will help you look your best, leaving you with one less thing to worry about. Go forth and impress!

Dressing for Fine Dining

If you’re planning to impress with a no-expense-spared, three-course meal at an upmarket restaurant, it’s essential to dress accordingly. Fine dining calls for serious style, so consider these outfit options to ensure your look is memorable for all the right reasons.

Blazer, Shirt, and Tie

For fine dining, pair a smart blazer with grey flannel trousers, dark chinos, or cream chinos. Solid navy is safe, but try patterns like windowpane or houndstooth. Choose a plain shirt in white, pink, or light blue.

Blazer and Open-Neck Shirt

A tie is recommended but optional. A crisp white shirt with the top two buttons undone can look sharp if the rest of the outfit is well-coordinated, balancing formality and relaxed elegance.

Blazer and Poloneck

A polo neck is a stylish alternative. Black, navy, and charcoal are safe, but bold colors like red or burgundy also work. Pair with slim-fit dark jeans and quality leather shoes.

Suit

A suit is safe but can look too business-like. Opt for a classic navy suit or try a check pattern or double-breasted suit for a distinctive, polished look.

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Informal Dining Dinner Date

Planning a dinner date in a less formal setting allows for more casual attire, but effort is still key. Relaxed dining is about looking stylish, respectable, and confident while feeling comfortable in your outfit.

Cords, moleskins, chinos, or clean, dark jeans are great choices if paired with a smart top. A collared shirt adds the necessary polish and lets you introduce color or pattern.

Add a plain crew- or V-neck sweater in merino wool, or splurge on cashmere. Finish with a lightweight jacket for added warmth and a clean, fitted look.

Casual Dining Dinner Date

For a truly informal dinner date, avoid a three-piece suit. Aim for a relaxed yet stylish look with comfortable pieces.

Consider dark or navy jeans paired with suede or leather Chelsea boots, or minimalist leather trainers. A shawl-collar cardigan or a grandfather shirt can add a touch of sophistication.

The key is to look stylish, not sloppy. Comfort doesn’t mean compromising on style, so ensure your outfit is well-coordinated and put together.

The Finer Points

If you’re planning to impress with a no-expense-spared, three-course meal at an upmarket restaurant, it’s essential to dress accordingly. Fine dining calls for serious style, so consider these outfit options to ensure your look is memorable for all the right reasons.

Pocket Square

A pocket square adds unparalleled personality to your outfit. Whether a plain white or a colorful pattern, it elevates your look. Ensure it complements, not matches, your outfit's tones. Get creative with folds for maximum impact.
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Socks

Socks may seem small, but they can make or break your outfit. Avoid novelty socks; stick to classy, simple options like grey, navy, or black cotton. Ensure they're in good condition—no faded or worn-out pairs.
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Watch & Wallet

A sleek watch instantly upgrades your look; choose one that makes a subtle statement. Opt for a handsome leather bi-fold wallet—no logos—to complement your style impeccably. Accessorise yourself to impress your date.
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