What to Wear to a Dinner Party: 9 Easy Yet Stylish Looks That Always Impress

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 a vintage 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 a MasterChef 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

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(Image credit: @lucywilliams02)

Style Notes: Choose fuss-free silhouettes in comfortable fabrics like Lucy did—a dinner party is a perfect opportunity to try out the silk midi skirt trend.

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2. Cozy Up

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(Image credit: @chloepierreldn)

Style Notes: You want to feel relaxed at your host's table, and nothing takes your peace like the realisation 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.

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3. Keep It Simple

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(Image credit: @sabinasocol)

Style Notes: Jeans and a nice top. It doesn't get easier than this age-old combination, and the idea can be jazzed up to feel more dinner-party friendly: Simply layer a cardigan over a cami and add earrings.

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4. LBD

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(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.

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5. Blouse Party

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(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 to rock the statement-sleeve blouse you've been thinking about.

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6. Slouchy Suiting

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(Image credit: @greceghanem)

Style Notes: A loose-fitting suit is the fashion world's answer to just about every outfit conundrum. Go with trainers for low-key get-togethers and pointed-toe boots or heeled mules for smarter gatherings.

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7. Elevated Loungewear

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(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.

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8. Something Sparkly

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(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.

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9. One-Piece Wonder

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(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? 

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Next Up: 24 Going-Out-Outfit Formulas That It Girls Always Rely On

This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.

Hannah Almassi
Editor in Chief

Hannah Almassi is the editor in chief of Who What Wear UK. Hannah has been part of the the Who What Wear brand since 2015, when she was headhunted to launch the UK sister site and social channels, implement a localised content strategy and build out the editorial team. She joined following a seven-year tenure at Grazia magazine, where she led front-of-book news, fashion features and shopping specials as fashion news and features editor. With experience in both print and digital across fashion and beauty, Hannah has over 16 years in the field as a journalist, editor, content strategist and brand consultant. Hannah has interviewed industry heavyweights such as designers including Marc Jacobs and Jonathan Anderson through to arbiters of taste including Katie Grand and Anna Dello Russo. A skilled moderator and lecturer specialising in the shift to digital media and e-commerce, Hannah’s opinion and work has been sought by the likes of CNBC, BBC, The Sunday Times Style, The Times, The Telegraph and MatchesFashion.com, among many others. Hannah is often called upon for her take on trends, becoming known as a person with their finger of the pulse of what’s happening in the fashion space for stylish Brits.

Hannah currently resides in Eastbourne with her photographer husband, incredibly busy son and highly Instagrammable cat.