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 fiftieth, 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.
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Style Notes: Leather blazers have the power to give any outfit a cool overhaul, including pretty dresses.
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.
A single-breasted blazer always looks effortless.
Wear with the matching trousers, or switch in a faux leather pair.
Sparkly shoes will elevate any look.
Style Notes: Dresses are always a date-night failsafe, 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.
I own this miniskirt, and get so much wear out of it.
Style Notes: Wide-leg trousers are trending in a bit way right now—make them feel more “date-night” with a sweetheart neckline top and a top-handle bag.
This silhouette continues to be so popular.
These sleek trousers come in sizes 6 to 22.
A bag you’ll carry for the rest of your life.
Style Notes: The appeal of suits and co-ord is that they take all the effort out of assembling your outfit, but look seriously pulled-together.
I just know this Zara set is going to fly.
Every look benefits from a baguette bag.
Zara is hellbent on bringing back the skort (that’s skirt shorts if you missed them first time around).
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.
My dream dress.
This looks just like the designer iterations that came before it.
Finish with a simple hoop.
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.
Cashmere always feels so luxurious.
A versatile dress staple.
You’ll always get the wear out of a pair of classic tan knee boots.
Style 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 streamline styles that won’t look odd being left on, and wear them with a simple top, jeans, and mules.
I’ve had my eye on this coat for months.
These went straight into my H&M basket.
Make like Carrie Bradshaw and make every date night a Manolo moment.
Style Notes: Minidresses and knee-boots are one of my favourite outfit combinations, and are always my go-to for cocktail-based date-nights.
I always look for mini dresses with long sleeves.
Gold jewellery like this never dates.
White boots will make every outfit you wear them with feel fresh.
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.
This set is brand new but already gaining a cult influencer following.,
Try wearing this skirt with a white tan and sandals come summer.
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