4 Fancy-Restaurant Outfits We'd Never Regret Wearing

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

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(Image credit: @thefrugality)

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.

Related: These 11 Dresses Will Make You Stand Out in a Sea of Printed Floral Midis

Suiting + Fun Accessories

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(Image credit: @freddieharrel)

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.

Related: 10 Pink Outfits We Dare You Not to Smile At

Elegant Midi + Cashmere Knit

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(Image credit: @tineandreaa)

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. 

Related: How to Make Your Cashmere Jumpers Feel Brand-New

Miniskirt + Classic Shirting

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(Image credit: @lucywilliams02)

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. 

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

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over twelve years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content 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, works closely with influencer talent on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media. Previously, Maxine appeared on TV 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, she was offered a position on the Look magazine fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. She went on to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others. Maxine works remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh.