What to Wear to a Fancy Restaurant: 4 Foolproof Outfits

last updated 13 September 2018

What to wear to a fancy restaurant? It's a perennial style dilemma that can catch out even the most confident of dressers. If we're honest, though, fancy dinners are just one (more) big excuse to get dressed up. So, where on the earth do you start? Dresses, trousers, skirts? Let's begin by ruling things out.

Different restaurants will have different rules, but generally speaking, trainers are a no-go at posh establishments. The same goes for casual sweatshirts and anything branded with a sports logo. "Smart casual" or "elegant casual" are preferred by many restaurants, but that certainly doesn't mean "casual" in the sense we know it. Michelin-star eateries care not for trends such as athleisure or ripped denim. In hospitality language, "casual" means "comfortable."

It might sound daunting, but in our experience, we've found that just about anything can be elevated to make the dress-code cut. Erring on the side of caution, we've decided to steer clear of jeans (while some restaurants are more lenient, others will turn away patrons because of them). However, there are plenty of other delights to be had that will guarantee you a table in a prime spot, as opposed to near the door or the loos.

Keep scrolling and you'll soon discover choosing what to wear to a fancy restaurant isn't so difficult after all.

Silk Dress + Printed Heels

If in doubt, dresses are always a fail-safe, fancy-restaurant option. It's demure but also on trendy. Try wearing a luxe satin number like Alex Steadman with snake-printed heels for a modern look.

Ghost

Natalie Dress in Peacock

This jade hue will look gorgeous on pale, olive and dark skin stones alike.

Reiss

Ellen Snake Cutout Detail Sandals

Snake print is still all the rage for A/W 18. Buy these now and we promise you'll wear them all season long.

Warehouse

Organic Disc Earrings

These hammered-disc earrings will give any ensemble a glossy finish.

Suiting + Fun Accessories

Suits will never look out of place in grand surroundings, but you needn't opt for a dark hue. Instead, make like Freddie Harrel and try a light shade. Then, inject some fun into your ensemble with colour-pop accessories.

Topshop

Slouch Suit Blazer

Try wearing this chic cover-up with jeans and kicks when dress codes need not apply.

Topshop

Slouch Suit Trousers

High-waisted trousers are incredibly flattering on hourglass and pear shapes.

Velvet

Samantha Blouse

This breezy blouse will look chic paired with khaki green, too.

Sam Edelman

Sam Edelman Clover Velvet Pumps

Velvet and with a heel height you can actually walk in? These shoes are the stuff A/W 18 dreams are made of.

Shrimps

Antonia Faux-Pearl Embellished Bag

Every It girls carried this bag in cream, but we think the pink version might be even better.

Elegant Midi + Cashmere Knit

For those of you who always feel the chill, try pairing a cashmere sweater with a glossy midi skirt. While other jumpers are borderline too casual, close-fitting cashmere is as luxe as knitwear comes. Just add elegant heels.

John Lewis & Partners

Cashmere Roll-Neck Jumper

Black cashmere is an investment you'll never regret.

Marques'Almeida

Asymmetric Tie-Dyed Cotton Wrap Midi Skirt

The asymmetric hem on this midi skirt gives it a couture feel.

Charles & Keith

Oversized Bow Detail Satin Slingbacks

Elevate any look to chic new heights with the addition of a bow-adorned heel.

Miniskirt + Classic Shirting

That's right—miniskirts can still work with fancier surroundings. Go for styles where the hem sits below your fingers, and then style it with a crisp white shirt and sleek accessories for an elegant spin.

H&M

Cotton Shirt

Who'd have thought you could get a white shirt for less than a tenner?

Caroline Constas

Koren Wrap-Effect Silk-Blend Satin Miniskirt

Pair with loafers and a chunky knit for an off-duty spin.

Kurt Geiger London

Lisle Block Heels

Pair these peep-toes with a vampy black pedi.

L.K.Bennett

Taylor Bronze Velvet Bag

Velvet bags are set to be big news this season, and this is our pick of the crop.

Now let's get onto the really important stuff, like what you're going to order for dinner…

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Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.