11 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 15 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 11 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 + PLISSÉ PLEATS

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@aprillockhartStyle Notes: Leather blazers have the power to give any outfit a cool overhaul, including pretty dresses.
2. SATIN TOP + STRAIGHT-LEG JEANS

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@daniellejinaduStyle Notes: Jeans and a nice top will always serve you well. For fashionable kudos, opt for straight-leg denim and a satin halter.
High-rise jeans look great with tops tucked in.
A wise shoe investment as we head into spring.
3. VELVET SUIT + SPARKLY SHOES

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@emmalegerStyle Notes: If you know your date is going to take a fancy turn, slip into velvet suiting for the perfect formal but fashionable balance.
Wear with the matching trousers, or switch in a faux-leather pair.
Sparkly shoes will elevate any look.
4. SLINKY TOP + PLEATED MINI

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@dawn.tanStyle 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.
If in doubt, I always add a chain necklace to my outfits.
5. SWEETHEART TOP + WIDE-LEG TROUSERS

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@femmeblkStyle Notes: Wide-leg trousers are trending in a big way right now. Make them feel more “date night” with a sweetheart-neckline top and a top-handle bag.
These sleek trousers come in sizes 6 to 22.
6. SKIRT SUIT + BAGUETTE BAG

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@jeannine.roxasStyle 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.
Zara is hell-bent on bringing back the skort. (That’s skirt-shorts if you missed them the first time around.)
7. LBD + BEADED BAG

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@oliviamarcusStyle 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.
This looks just like the designer iterations that came before it.
8. SLIP DRESS + CARDIGAN

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@andi_munStyle 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.
You’ll always get the wear out of a pair of classic tan knee boots.
9. STATEMENT COAT + JEANS

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@monikhStyle Notes: The last thing you want to be is cold on your date night, so why not make your coat 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.
Follow Carrie Bradshaw’s lead, and make every date night a Manolo moment.
10. MINIDRESS + KNEE BOOTS

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@raeannlangasStyle Notes: Minidresses and knee boots are one of my favourite outfit combinations and always my go-to for cocktail-based date nights.
White boots will make every outfit you wear them with feel fresh.
11. KNITTED CO-ORD + CLASHING BOOTS

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@sasha.meiStyle 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.
This set is brand new but already gaining a cult influencer following.
Try wearing this skirt with a white tank and sandals come summer.
Mock-croc finishes always look so expensive.
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