12 Easy Date-Night Outfits Worth Getting Off the Sofa For

When you’ve been in a relationship for as long as I have (we’re talking 16 years), it’s not unusual for date nights to 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

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(Image credit: @aprillockhart)

Style Notes: Leather blazers have the power to give any outfit a cool overhaul, including pretty dresses. 

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2. SATIN TOP + STRAIGHT-LEG JEANS

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(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. 

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3. VELVET SUIT + SPARKLY SHOES

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(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!

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4. SLINKY TOP + PLEATED MINI

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(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. 

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5. SWEETHEART TOP + WIDE-LEG TROUSERS

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(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. 

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6. SKIRT SUIT + BAGUETTE BAG

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(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. 

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7. LBD + BEADED BAG

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(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. 

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8. SLIP DRESS + CARDIGAN

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(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. 

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9. STATEMENT JACKET + JEANS

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(Image credit: @monikh)

Style Notes: The last thing you want to be is cold when the sun goes down, so why not make your jacket 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. 

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10. MINIDRESS + KNEE BOOTS

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(Image credit: @raeannlangas )

Style Notes: Minidresses and knee boots are one of my favourite outfit combinations and always my go-to for cocktail-based date nights. 

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11. KNITTED CO-ORD + CLASHING BOOTS

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(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. 

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12. Cotton Blouse + Black Jeans + Heeled Pumps

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(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.

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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.

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.