When you’ve been in a relationship for as long as I have (we’re talking 16 years), it’s not unusual for date nightsto lose their sparkle. Though, when I speak to my single friends about their upcoming dates, often, they too are less than enthused about prepping for them. Gone are the days, however, when "sexy” was the dress code to adhere to for date nights. Whether it’s your first or 50th, it’s important that you stay true to yourself and wear an outfit that reflects who you are and your individual style.
Still, no matter how self-assured you are, there’s always the conundrum about how fancy your outfit should be.Are jeans too casual? Will heels make me look overdressed? To help cover all of your date-night outfit needs, I’ve scoured the internet to find 12 impressive looks that’ll work for low-key daytime meetings all the way to late-night dinners in the most exclusive restaurants. What’s more? I’ve also found the pieces to re-create them. Scroll on for your ultimate date-night outfit guide.
1. LEATHER BLAZER + MIDI DRESS
(Image credit: @aprillockhart)
Style Notes: Leather blazers have the power to give any outfit a cool overhaul, including pretty dresses.
Shop the look:
COS
Double Breasted Leather Jacket
A blazer I always come back to.
Jigsaw
Crepe Scoop Neck Dress | Cream
A dress fit for so may occasions.
Coperni
Spiral Zebra-Print Leather Bag
Who doesn’t love statement arm candy?
2. SATIN TOP + STRAIGHT-LEG JEANS
(Image credit: @daniellejinadu)
Style Notes: Jeans and a nice top will always serve you well. For fashionable kudos, opt for straight-leg denim and a satin blouse.
Shop the look:
Nanushka
Neline Draped Slip Satin Top
The halterneck adds an evening touch.
Abercrombie & Fitch
Curve Love High-Rise 90s Straight Jeans
High-rise jeans look great with tops tucked in.
& Other Stories
Strappy Block Heel SAndals
A block heels adds comfortable to these shoes.
3. VELVET SUIT + SPARKLY SHOES
(Image credit: @emmaleger)
Style Notes: If you know your date is going to take a fancy turn, slip into velvet suiting for the perfect formal but fashionable balance. This timeless duo isn't just for party season!
Shop the look:
H&M
Silk-Blend Velvet Blazer
A single-breasted blazer always looks effortless.
H&M
Silk-Blend Velvet Trousers
Wear with the matching trousers, or switch in a faux-leather pair.
Mach & Mach
Double Bow Embellished Pumps
4. SLINKY TOP + PLEATED MINI
(Image credit: @dawn.tan)
Style Notes: Dresses are always a date-night fail-safe, but skirts and tops look just as sleek. Stick to monochromatic or neutral palettes, and you can’t go wrong.
Shop the look:
Reformation
Jeremiah Silk Top
A top you can wear with jeans and trainers, too.
Whistles
Pleated Mini Skirt
I owna miniskirt just like this andget so much wear out of it.
Monica Vinader
Gold Vermeil Alta Capture Charm Necklace
If in doubt, I always add a chain necklace to my outfits.
5. SWEETHEART TOP + WIDE-LEGTROUSERS
(Image credit: @femmeblk)
Style Notes: Wide-leg trousers are now a wardrobe staple, whether you wear them to work or at the weekend. Make them feel more "date night” with a sweetheart-neckline top and a top-handle bag.
Shop the look:
Reiss
Daisy Sweetheart Neck Top
This silhouette continues to be so popular.
Monki
High Waist Wide Leg Trousers
Black and brown is such a luxe combination.
Bottega Veneta
Andiamo Small Intrecciato-Leather Handbag
A bag you’ll carry for the rest of your life.
6. SKIRT SUIT + BAGUETTE BAG
(Image credit: @jeannine.roxas)
Style Notes: The appeal of suits and co-ords is that they take all the effort out of assembling your outfit but look seriously pulled-together.
Shop the look:
Reformation
Trista Jacket
I just know this set is going to fly.
Reformation
Aurelia Skirt
Very Chanel-esque.
Prada
Leather Shoulder Bag
A forever buy.
7. LBD+ BEADED BAG
(Image credit: @oliviamarcus)
Style Notes: Is there any occasion a little black dress doesn’t work for? This year, the best options feature subtle rhinestone embellishments, which can be dressed up or down depending on your date location. If it’s on the fancy side, up the ante with a beaded bag.
Shop the look:
Self-Portrait
Crystal-Trim Textured-Knit Mini Dress
My dream dress.
Ganni
Beaded Satin Bucket Bag
Leopard print is making a comeback.
Monica Vinader
Ziggy Huggie Earrings
Finish with a simple hoop.
8. SLIP DRESS + CARDIGAN
(Image credit: @andi_mun)
Style Notes: If you’re still not sure whether to dress smartly or casually for your date night, turn your attention to the cardigan. With the ability to make even the fanciest dresses feel more casual, pair yours with a frock in a similar colour, and finish with whatever shoes you feel most comfortable in.
Shop the look:
Sézane
Gaspard Cardigan
Fluffy knitwearalways feels so luxurious.
COS
Lace Panelled Slip Dress
Love the peek-a-boo detailing on this one.
Russell & Bromley
Gaucho Knee High Block Heel Boot
You’ll always get the wear out of a pair of classic tan knee boots.
9. STATEMENTJACKET+ JEANS
(Image credit: @monikh)
Style Notes: The last thing you want to be is cold when the sun goes down, so why not make yourjacket the focal point of your look? Look for streamlined styles that won’t look odd being left on, and wear them with a simple top, jeans and mules.
Shop the look:
Rixo ⋆
Milly Patchwork Red Green Brown
Yep, it's Monikh's exact jacket.
& Other Stories
Slim Cut Jeans
A fashion editor-favourite.
Manolo Blahnik
Gable 70 Buckled Suede Mules
Follow Carrie Bradshaw’s lead, and make every date night a Manolo moment.
10. MINIDRESS + KNEE BOOTS
(Image credit: @raeannlangas)
Style Notes: Minidresses and knee boots are one of my favouriteoutfit combinations and always my go-to for co*cktail-based date nights.
Shop the look:
Réalisation
The Rainey Dress
I always look for minidresses with long sleeves.
Frida & Florence
Lucifer Gold Earrings
Complete the look with statement earrings.
Paris Texas
Leather Knee-High Boots
White boots will make every outfit you wear them with feel fresh.
11. KNITTED CO-ORD + CLASHING BOOTS
(Image credit: @sasha.mei)
Style Notes: We’ve already covered the fact that co-ords are a date-night style saviour. If you love clashing colours, try wearing a bright two-piece with a pair of statement boots or a bold bag.
Shop the look:
Sézane
Sami Jumper
This jumper-and-skirt set is so cute.
Sézane
Naelle Skirt
You'll wear this across all seasons
The Reformation
River Knee Boot
So sleek.
12.Cotton Blouse + Black Jeans + Heeled Pumps
(Image credit: @taniceelizabeth)
Style Notes: Monochrome dressers, this one is for you. Washed black jeans feel more evening-friendly than classic blue, especially if you add heeled pumps.
Shop the look:
Align
Jocelyn Oversized Barrel Sleeve Shirt
Easy to dress upor down, depending on the date.
Arket
Rose Cropped Straight Stretch Jeans
Arket has so many flattering cuts to choose from.
Gucci
Women's Mid-Heel Slingback With Horsebit
It's date night, so why not treat yourself?
Next Up:8 Timeless Outfit Formulas To Rely On In 2024
This story was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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