Flummoxed over what to wear to your next dinner party? Whether you’re having a low-key evening at a friend’s or attending an extravagantly elegant soiree, nail the dress code with these foolproof dinner-party-outfit ideas. There are no guarantees that the food will be worthy of an epic MasterChef final, but you can be sure 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 shop for something completely different!). Either way, you’re in for a real treat with this selection of dinner-party-outfit ideas sure to dazzle well past dessert.
Fancy Pants
Nothing says party time like a pair of jazzy pants. And what better occasion to show them off than a dinner party organised by your nearest and dearest? Whether they’re embellished, patchwork, or harem, funky trousers are guaranteed to get you noticed, and the right pair will have you turning heads all night long!
Channel the dinner party spirit with wide-leg, multi-striped trousers, which go perfectly with a neutral top. Also, look out for some swanky tassel earrings to stick in your hair for good measure.
Something Sparkly
A little sparkle is always a good idea for livening up your dinner-party ensemble. Many girly girls have at least a hidden passion for glitter, sequins or anything else that sparkles, and the right kind of twinkling fashion item can be the pièce de résistance for your entire outfit – as long as you don’t go overboard. When it comes to glitter and dinner parties, subtlety is what sings.
Find your inner sparkle and wear a simple yet sophisticated glitter-encrusted top to your next dinner-party event. And the best part? All it takes is a single-colour skirt to elevate this piece to outfit excellence.
A Sleek LBD
OK, so maybe you don’t have access to Dior Couture – or feel that you can emulate celebs like Marion Cotillard – but this classic look is a breeze to emulate. For a dressy dinner party (or one for which you’re not quite sure what the dress code is), there’s nothing better than rocking a sleek little black dress that oozes sophistication from every seam.
Bring a touch of subtle chic to your dinner-party wardrobe with an asymmetric scallop trim dress; complete the look with a pair of strapless shoes, and don’t forget your clutch bag!
A Complementary Clutch
Whatever the occasion, don’t go anywhere without a court-holding dinner-table bag. Arrange yours neatly by your place setting or drape elegantly from a dining chair for enhanced conversation-starting impact. Combining the effortlessness of high-street fashion but making it a little more glam, you’ll be amazed how this small statement piece can create such a big impression.
Think about choosing a textured bag with a slightly-above-average front flap; such a design will showcase the bolder aspects of your personality while at the same time highlighting your commitment to an overall classy ensemble.
The Highest Shoes You Own
Forget those wobbly nights out at the pub. At home – or rather, somebody else’s – you’re free to take your heel game to the next level. Because you’ll be spending most of the time sitting down at a table or making casual conversation around the room, you don’t have to worry about scuffing, stains or anything else that might get them very dirty very fast. Loosen up your dinner-party look with a pair of encrusted heel ankle strap sandals for a finish that shows just how stunningly fabulous you truly are.
