What to wear to fine dining
Dress in tailored pieces in dark, quiet colours with closed, polished shoes. A jacket for men and a dress or smart separates for women are the safest choices; leave the trainers at home.
Two outfits that work
Black midi dress, navy blazer, kitten heels
- black crepe midi dress
- navy tailored blazer
- black kitten heels
- small black clutch
A black midi dress with a blazer is timeless, sits well for hours and works for any dining room.
Navy jacket, white shirt, wool trousers, leather shoes
- navy tailored jacket
- white dress shirt
- charcoal wool trousers
- black leather shoes
A tailored jacket, crisp shirt and wool trousers meet most smart dress codes without a tie.
By weather
| Hot22° and up | Light wool or crepe, and a thin wrap or jacket; avoid very light colours that mark. |
|---|---|
| Mild10° to 21° | The outfit as planned, with a coat to check in. |
| ColdBelow 10° | A wool coat that can be left at the cloakroom, closed shoes with grip and a warm layer under the jacket. |
Do and don’t
- Choose dark, tailored pieces
- Wear polished closed shoes
- Ask about a dress code when you book
- Keep jewellery and scent light
- Wear trainers or sportswear
- Wear very casual denim or shorts
- Choose strong prints
- Carry a large bag to the table
Check the night before
- Check the restaurant dress code
- Press the shirt or dress
- Polish shoes
- Check for stains and loose threads
- Pack a spare tie or scarf
Questions people ask
Do men need a jacket at a fine dining restaurant?
Often yes, and sometimes a tie. Check the restaurant’s website or ask when you book.
Can I wear jeans to fine dining?
Rarely. Dark, smart jeans are accepted in some modern places, but tailored trousers are safer.
What shoes should I wear to a fine restaurant?
Polished leather shoes or closed heels or flats. No trainers or sandals.
What colours are best for fine dining?
Black, navy, charcoal, deep green and burgundy. They look calm and smart in low light.
Pick Fine dining in FeinLens and see what you already own
FeinLens builds complete outfits for this occasion from photos of your own clothes, dressed for the forecast where you’ll be.
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