What to Wear to a Dinner Party: 6 Easy Yet Stylish Looks That Always Impress

Knowing what to wear to a dinner party was something I didn't need to consider until a few years ago. Any decent friendship group worth their salt wouldn't have inflicted their poor culinary skills upon a Friday night, and instead, it was all about going out somewhere to find the fun. Night-out dressing in itself is a tricky thing, presenting itself with the same old conundrums time after time: Should I wear high heels, or will it ruin my evening if we end up schlepping from bar to bar? It's raining, but isn't it inherently uncool to carry an umbrella? What if everyone else is super casual and I've chosen that night to crack out a vintage gown?

All of these irritations can be soothed by the nice, comforting, comfortable, grown-up confines of having dinner either at your own place or going over to someone else's. There are no guarantees that the food won't be worthy of a MasterChef fail, but you can ensure that the fashion standards are kept high. In fact, it's one of the greatest opportunities to break your wardrobe wide open and wear some of your most exciting things (or finally purchase that standout piece you've had your eye on). Keep reading to see what to wear to a dinner party, plus the style benefits of doing such a civilised thing.

1. Waistcoat + Jeans 

Style Notes: A mix of dressy and casual separates is an easy outfit formula to follow. The top, earrings and bag feel fancy, while the baggy jeans and classic boots level out the look to create the perfect dinner party ensemble. 

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2. Cosy Jumper + Midi Skirt

Style Notes: You want to feel relaxed at your host's table, and nothing takes your peace like the realisation that you should've worn another layer. A knit jumper and midi skirt pairing is the perfect solution, promising to keep you cosy while still looking polished. Now you just have to decide whether to wear comfy flats, or even comfier slippers!

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3. Sparkly Dress + Metallic Accessories 

Style Notes: If your besties are coming around to chez toi, make the most of the wardrobe at hand and use this as a testing ground for the brave sequin-adorned look you're not quite sure the bus stop can handle yet.

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4. Nice Top + Mini Skirt

Style Notes: Instead of a 'nice top' and jeans, make it more party-ready with a mini skirt and tights duo. Just add some gold-toned jewellery and slingback heels (yep, they're back) to be the hostess with the mostest. 

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5. Black Dress + Classic Accessories 

Style Notes: Here for you no matter your plans, the LBD is the most loyal dress you can own. Bandeau styles are key this season, and you could always liven up your top half (that'll be most-seen at the dinner table) with lashings of jewellery. 

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6. Suit + Roll Neck Top

Style Notes: A loose-fitting suit is the fashion world's answer to just about every outfit conundrum. Go with trainers for lowkey get-togethers and pointed-toe boots or heeled mules for smarter gatherings.

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Next Up: 9 Going-Out Looks That Don't Feel Try-Hard

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.