Dinner plans at eight.
It’s 7:15.
Half your closet is currently on your bed and somehow the answer is still “I have nothing to wear.”
We know the feeling.
Instead of trying on another twelve outfits, start with where you’re actually going. The right dinner outfit for a little neighborhood restaurant isn’t necessarily the right one for cocktails and a reservation somewhere you’ve been waiting three weeks to try.
Here’s an easier way to decide.
For a casual dinner
Casual doesn't have to mean boring.
If everyone else is probably showing up in jeans, start there and make the top do more of the work.
Try straight or wide-leg jeans with a fitted top, an off-shoulder knit or a good blouse. Add a belt, simple jewelry and the shoes you save for when sneakers feel a little too casual.
The goal is to look like you made an effort without looking like you misunderstood the reservation.
For somewhere nice
This is where a midi dress earns its place in your closet. Choose a silhouette you feel good in, add a small bag and simple heels or boots, and stop there. If dresses aren't your thing, tailored trousers with a fitted or draped top can feel just as dressed up.
A good rule: if one part of the outfit makes a statement, let the rest calm down.
Interesting neckline? Keep the jewelry simple.
Statement trousers? Pair them with a cleaner top.
Very good dress? Let the dress be the reason everyone is looking.
For a date
Wear the thing that makes you feel attractive before anyone else has even seen it. That might be a fitted black dress. It might be trousers and a tiny top. It might be something completely different.
The important part is that you aren't spending the entire night pulling something up, pulling something down or wondering if you chose the wrong outfit.
If you're uncomfortable standing in front of your mirror, you're probably going to be uncomfortable after two hours at dinner.
For dinner that might turn into drinks
This outfit needs range.
You want something that looks appropriate sitting at a dinner table but doesn't suddenly feel too sensible at 11:30.
A fitted midi dress works. So does a top with an interesting neckline and tailored trousers. A mini with a blazer or jacket gives you another easy option.
If you're unsure, black is very good at handling this particular problem.
For the reservation you really dressed for
You know the one.
You made the reservation weeks ago. You've already looked at the menu. There will probably be pictures.
Wear the dress.
This is not the evening to save it for “something special.”
This is the something special.
Still standing in front of your closet?
Ask yourself three questions:
- Where are we going?
- How dressed up is everyone likely to be?
- What do I already own that makes me feel really good?
Start there instead of trying to build the world's greatest outfit every time you leave the house.
Getting dressed should be part of the fun of going out.
Dinner plans at eight.
It’s 7:15.
Half your closet is currently on your bed and somehow the answer is still “I have nothing to wear.”
We know the feeling.
Instead of trying on another twelve outfits, start with where you’re actually going. The right dinner outfit for a little neighborhood restaurant isn’t necessarily the right one for cocktails and a reservation somewhere you’ve been waiting three weeks to try.
Here’s an easier way to decide.
For a casual dinner
Casual doesn't have to mean boring.
If everyone else is probably showing up in jeans, start there and make the top do more of the work.
Try straight or wide-leg jeans with a fitted top, an off-shoulder knit or a good blouse. Add a belt, simple jewelry and the shoes you save for when sneakers feel a little too casual.
The goal is to look like you made an effort without looking like you misunderstood the reservation.
For somewhere nice
This is where a midi dress earns its place in your closet. Choose a silhouette you feel good in, add a small bag and simple heels or boots, and stop there. If dresses aren't your thing, tailored trousers with a fitted or draped top can feel just as dressed up.
A good rule: if one part of the outfit makes a statement, let the rest calm down.
Interesting neckline? Keep the jewelry simple.
Statement trousers? Pair them with a cleaner top.
Very good dress? Let the dress be the reason everyone is looking.
For a date
Wear the thing that makes you feel attractive before anyone else has even seen it. That might be a fitted black dress. It might be trousers and a tiny top. It might be something completely different.
The important part is that you aren't spending the entire night pulling something up, pulling something down or wondering if you chose the wrong outfit.
If you're uncomfortable standing in front of your mirror, you're probably going to be uncomfortable after two hours at dinner.
For dinner that might turn into drinks
This outfit needs range.
You want something that looks appropriate sitting at a dinner table but doesn't suddenly feel too sensible at 11:30.
A fitted midi dress works. So does a top with an interesting neckline and tailored trousers. A mini with a blazer or jacket gives you another easy option.
If you're unsure, black is very good at handling this particular problem.
For the reservation you really dressed for
You know the one.
You made the reservation weeks ago. You've already looked at the menu. There will probably be pictures.
Wear the dress.
This is not the evening to save it for “something special.”
This is the something special.
Still standing in front of your closet?
Ask yourself three questions:
- Where are we going?
- How dressed up is everyone likely to be?
- What do I already own that makes me feel really good?
Start there instead of trying to build the world's greatest outfit every time you leave the house.
Getting dressed should be part of the fun of going out.
