12 Date Night Outfit Essentials (2024)

12 Date Night Outfit Essentials (1)

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Whether it’s your first date or your 50th, pulling together a date night look can be exciting. But more often than not, a little inspiration is needed when figuring out where to go and, of course, what to wear—especially if you’re feeling slightly overwhelmed by your closet.

Jami-lyn Fehr, founder and CEO of

Modiste, will always run the risk of being “too dressed up” when it comes to dates. “I take every opportunity to dress up, and I’ve never felt uncomfortable with the idea of being slightly overdressed,” she tells Bazaar. “Date night gives me a reason to pull together an outfit that both flatters my figure and nods to my personality!” Fehr doesn’t let a relaxed setting stop her from adding a bold accessory. Even if she’s opting for her brand’s simple cashmere top and vintage jeans, she’s adding a pair of heels for extra confidence. When she’s feeling particularly daring, Area and Blumarine are her go-to brands for their signature sparkly pieces.

Our date night guide below features three phenomenal restaurants with corresponding date night looks. Whether you can make it to one or not, we hope the accompanying looks help spark inspiration for your next night out.

Glamorous Details at Drusie & Darr

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NASHVILLE—Experience fine dining like you never have before at Drusie & Darr, celebrated chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s debut in the American South. Fehr, a Nashville resident, is familiar with the glamorous restaurant’s artful interior and modern menu. “I was so thrilled when it was announced a Jean-Georges restaurant would be opening in Nashville several years ago,” she says. “Outside of the food, it’s got the most stunning interior design.”

Inside the Hermitage Hotel, the restaurant has a storied dining room that features a simple palette of leather, metal, wood, and stone; it’s decorated with lamps made from mother-of-pearl and bespoke curved banquettes. According to Fehr, the restroom interior is as beautiful as the main dining room, and she suggests stopping inside without a reservation, even if just for a quick Instagram shoot. If you’ve been looking for an excuse to dress to the nines, this is your date night spot. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary or nothing at all, we suggest a sleek maxi dress and sultry high heels with soles that match a striking red lip.

Anna October Betty Maxi Dress

Anna October Betty Maxi Dress

$675 at Shop BAZAAR

Anna October’s dresses are the epitome of femininity! Somehow, her understated silhouettes flatter every body type, and I always feel my best in one of her pieces,” says Fehr.

The empire waistline of the brand’s Betty maxi dress is so classic, and the simple colors make styling it so easy.

This is the perfect date night lipstick. The creamy, satin finish on this red hue instantly draws attention to your lips, and can add a pop of color to an otherwise simple ’fit.

Christian Louboutin Rosalie Leather Red Sole Stiletto Sandals

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Christian Louboutin Rosalie Leather Red Sole Stiletto Sandals

And while red lipstick is sexy, we’d argue that red soles are even sexier. These strappy Christian Louboutins should be your go-to for formal dates. If given the chance, Fehr will always choose a similar option: “Heels give me confidence a flat can’t quite provide, especially if I’m on a first date.”

Sophie Bille Brahe Jardin de Peggy Pearl & 14k Gold Necklace

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Sophie Bille Brahe Jardin de Peggy Pearl & 14k Gold Necklace

What’s more classic than a string of pearls? Wear them layered around your neck or at full length to highlight the delicate beauty of each freshwater gem.

Lush Pink Interiors at Contessa

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MIAMI—Take a trip to Lake Como without leaving the States at this glamorous Old World–inspired restaurant. As you step inside the lush two-story space at Contessa, expect to be blown away by the rich designs, from pristine marble floors to dreamy chandeliers. This dining destination is in the heart of Miami’s design district, so don’t expect to see your fellow patrons in anything but their best co*cktail attire. With a vast menu of traditional Northern Italian cuisine and classic co*cktails, choose a colorful look to match the vibrant, energetic atmosphere.

Emilia Wickstead Fortuna Dress

Emilia Wickstead Fortuna Dress

It would be best to keep Miami’s party scene in mind for this date—you’ll want to wear something to dinner that can also transition into a going-out dress for the after-party. This darling Emilia Wickstead mini is just as beautiful with a pair of chunky heels as it is with a pair of sky-high stilettos.

Melissa Kaye Lenox Tennis Bracelet - White Gold

Melissa Kaye Lenox Tennis Bracelet - White Gold

$12,450 at Shop BAZAAR

Melissa Kaye’s Lenox tennis bracelet is simple but luxurious. It will catch the light beautifully without feeling too in-your-face.

Maison Margiela Tabi Pumps

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Maison Margiela Tabi Pumps

While Margiela’s Tabis aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, if you love the split-toe shoe, you can’t go wrong with these block-heel pumps. Made from soft Napa leather, these are the perfect neutral option to add a little quirkiness to any look.

Jacquemus Bambinou Small Padded-Leather Shoulder Bag

12 Date Night Outfit Essentials (12)

Jacquemus Bambinou Small Padded-Leather Shoulder Bag

Carrying Jacquemus’s padded shoulder bag in a fitting sky blue is as close to carrying a cloud as most of us will ever get. It’s big enough to hold your phone, wallet, and lipstick, but also small enough to fit comfortably under your arm or around your shoulder.

Outdoor Dining at Twenty Three Grand

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NEW YORK CITY—Beneath a state-of-the-art, retractable greenhouse, Twenty Three Grand is an oasis in the middle of SoHo. Enjoy brunch, lunch, dinner, or just co*cktails in both the indoors and outdoors. The menu features global flavors with a Mediterranean flair—feast on everything from fried olives and tuna carpaccio to angel-hair pasta and prime-rib burgers. Casual but elevated pieces are ideal for this eatery, as you’ll want an outfit that fits the vibes of both the green-filled terrace and the cozy bar. For outfits, think white waistcoats, wide-legged trousers, and a classic handbag that matches the deep teal booths you’ll be sitting in.

Blumarine Vest With Rose

Blumarine Vest With Rose

$695 at Shop BAZAAR

One of Fehr’s top brand picks when she’s looking to be bold is Blumarine. Even its basics are decked out with playful details, like this vest with a rosette in the middle. Make the statement style more casual with informal bottoms—Fehr suggests pairing elegant tops with vintage Levi’s for a more effortless look.

Bottega Veneta Teen Jodie Intrecciato Bag

Bottega Veneta Teen Jodie Intrecciato Bag

$3,300 at Shop BAZAAR

This iconic Intrecciato Bottega Veneta bag is made even more special in this rich, teal suede. If you’re looking to expand your wardrobe from only neutrals to more color, use this as a starting point.

TWP New Didi Wide-Leg Trousers

TWP New Didi Wide-Leg Trousers

$550 at Shop BAZAAR

Khaki wide-leg trousers are a must-have for any wardrobe. Easy to wear to the office with a blazer or on a date with a chic crop top, this pair from TWP will give you so many options.

Alaïa Vienne Mule - Blanc

Alaïa Vienne Mule - Blanc

$860 at Shop BAZAAR

A necessary addition to your shoe collection is a pair of flat mules. We adore these ones by Alaïa. They’d look just as at home on a beach as they would in an office—or on a hot date, of course.

12 Date Night Outfit Essentials (2024)

FAQs

What to wear for a date night? ›

You want your outfit to feel as laid-back as the date. "Opt for a casual, easy vibe," Priyanka says. "Keeping it low-key is the main focus." As jeans are practically the definition of casual, they're an ideal choice. "Light-wash, high-waist denim with a T-shirt is a great look and also very classic," Priyanka notes.

What is the perfect date outfit? ›

For women, go with a little black dress or a casual blouse and jeans finished with feminine accessories and a natural makeup look. Stick to solid colors or small-scale prints and avoid anything with loud patterns and obnoxious colors that may distract your date.

What should a 60 year old woman wear on a first date? ›

Long-standing classics such as a good quality pair of denim jeans and a crisp white shirt are always a winning combination. Depending on the location and occasion, you can dress this look up, with heels/smart leather shoes and jewelry, or dress it down with sandals.

How do you make a day to night outfit? ›

Day-to-Night Dress

To create a daytime look, pair it with a denim jacket and comfortable flats. For the evening, switch to heels, add a clutch bag, and accessorise with statement jewellery. It's a simple yet effective way to make a dress work for day or night wear.

What to wear on a date night for a female? ›

If you're looking for the perfect dinner date outfit, opt for a cute co-ord paired your fave heels and statement heels for a look we're loving. Or opt for a casual date night outfit with a classic jeans and a nice top combo that will banish any what to wear dilemmas.

How to dress for a date female? ›

A midi-length dress and strappy heels are perfect for a dinner date. A strappy floral dress will go well with sandals if you are headed to a park. A casual sport fit is perfect for a sporty activity like bowling. A crop top and a pair of jean pants are perfect for a club date paired with sneakers and a sling bag.

What is the best color to wear on a date? ›

Wear red to exude confidence and passion.

Red is the color to wear when you want to make an impression. "Wearing red on a first date showcases passion, excitement, and confidence," says Wasser.

What not to wear on the first date? ›

While some of us tend to look overly sexy on a first date, others tend to be way underdressed. Even if you have a bikini-ready body, do not wear leggings, a hoodie, or your worn-out sneakers on your first date. You'll give the impression that you have no interest in putting forth the effort to look nice.

What Colour is best to wear on a date? ›

Black is your go-to colour. A new study by Britain's University of Lincoln suggests that black beats red as the colour of choice when it comes to finding new love. The study explains how red increases the perceived sexual receptivity of the wearer, while black increases how fashionable the person is thought to be.

How to look stunning on a date? ›

Eye-catching pieces make a great impression, too, be it a uniquely cut top, printed pants, or sculptural earrings. Depending on the date, you can opt for elevated casual looks, like white sneakers with a dress, or a T-shirt and jeans with a pair of pastel kitten heels.

How to look attractive on a first date? ›

Do your best to look healthy for your date. Both men and women are attracted to physical indications of health, such as shiny hair, clear skin, bright eyes, and a fit body. Try to have a symmetrical face.

What color dress to wear at night? ›

When in doubt, black, gray, white, and red can work with basically any skin tone. Take the season into account when choosing a brighter or darker shade; lighter colors do well in warmer weather, while darker shades are more popular in winter.

What is night dress code? ›

Evening wear generally entails white or black tie and suits for men, and formal dresses, co*cktail dresses or gowns for women.

How do you dress classy for a night out? ›

With careful color, material, and accessory selection, a suit can be your ideal option for going out. Look for a soft fabric, a bright or pastel color, and embellishments that keep the look more relaxed and removed from corporate connotations.

How to dress for a simple date? ›

BEST FIRST DATE OUTFITS FOR WOMEN
  1. Crop Top And Jeans.
  2. Tank Top And Skirt.
  3. Jumpsuits.
  4. Floral Dress.
  5. Bodycon Dress.
  6. Off-shoulder Top And Pants.
  7. A T-Shirt and Jeans.
  8. Slip Skirt with Top.
Aug 18, 2023

How to dress for a date female casual? ›

When planning a look, your go-to staples are an ideal starting point, whether that's a T-shirt and jeans, a pretty dress, a matching set, or a jumpsuit. Eye-catching pieces make a great impression, too, be it a uniquely cut top, printed pants, or sculptural earrings.

What should date night look like? ›

A date night is an occasion where a couple dedicates time to be spent together, usually alone, with the purpose of reconnecting and bonding. A date night usually consists of a main activity, such as a dinner and/or a movie, or a few activities planned one after the other.

What should a woman wear on a dinner date? ›

What Is the Ideal Dress Code for a Dinner Date? The best outfit for a dinner date varies based on the restaurant's dress code. For formal outings, women should wear an evening gown or co*cktail dress, though casual chic, check, or leather works for informal dates.

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