Dress To Impress
It doesn't matter if you're just a regular guy in the city or an A-list celebrity, eating at a fine-dining restaurant demands a certain level of effort in what you wear. While certain clothes like jeans and leggings will instantly send you right back out the door, there are a few comfort picks you can never go wrong with. Here are 10 things you should never wear to a fancy dining place, and 10 you can always fall back on.
1. Flip Flops
Save these open-toed footwear for the beach. Flip flops are by no means appropriate clothing to show up at a fine-dining restaurant in. You're certainly going to get more than a few stares if you attempt to wear one inside, and in extreme cases, you'll be turned away.
2. Jeans
Jeans are typically an easy go-to pant you can put on and wear wherever, but not when it comes to fine-dining. They're far too casual and will instantly make you feel out of place. Remember, you're not dining in at some local pub or eatery, you're at an expensive restaurant that demands its customers match its aesthetic.
3. Sweatpants
The staple pant that every couch potato loves, sweatpants need to be left at home. While you might be okay wearing them to the grocery store for a quick snack run, you don't want to go anywhere near a fine-dining establishment in one of these. It's one way to make yourself look instantly under-dressed.
4. Sweatshirts
Of course we can't leave out the other half of this matching set; sweatshirts are just as much of a no-go as sweatpants. They may be the perfect lazy top, but they're by no means acceptable in an expensive restaurant. It's one of those tops that just simply can't be "dressed up."
5. Basketball Shorts
Are you heading to the basketball court at your local park, or are you going to a fancy restaurant? If it's the latter, it's important that you look the part. You can't just show up in anything, let alone basketball shorts. These flowy and baggy clothing will definitely get you sent on a one-way ticket back outside the building.
6. Muscle Tanks
The rule of thumb is, if it's something you'd wear to the gym, it doesn't have a place at a fine-dining restaurant. It doesn't matter how hard you flex those muscles, the host or hostess isn't going to budge. You definitely want to cover up when you're going to these sorts of establishments.
7. Sports Bras
Ladies, you're no exception! Just because you can wear a sports bra to the gym and lounge around in one at home doesn't make it acceptable to wear out to a fancy place. So no, it's probably not a good idea to fit in a quick gym session before heading over to eat.
8. Leggings
Leggings might just be the most comfortable pair of pants a woman can own, so it's sad to hear these aren't approved at fine-dining establishments either. Even if they're in the color black, it's not enough to convince us, or your waiters, that it's formal wear.
9. Crop Tops
Crop tops might be cute and summery or simply comfy to throw on, but they're a tad too inappropriate for a place as formal as a fine-dining restaurant. You're likely going to show too much skin, something that tends to be frowned upon at these types of establishment.
10. Sneakers
We know those Air Jordans are incredibly expensive, but high price tags don't mean they're automatically accepted in fancy dining rooms. Considered to be casual wear, you'll have to trade in those precious sneakers for something more formal like dress shoes if you want to be permitted inside.
1. Blazers
Super chic and formal, blazers are great pieces of outwear to throw over your outfit for a more sophisticated look. The sharp, refined edges make you look more put together and can easily dress up any outfit you've quickly put together.
2. Dress Pants
Skip the joggers and sweatpants and opt for dress pants if you want to fit in at a fine-dining restaurant. Make sure you pick one that fits well - baggy dress pants can look just as casual as pajamas! As a bonus, these articles of clothing are surprisingly more comfortable than you think too.
3. Elegant Skirts
Skirts at an appropriate length are acceptable for fine-dining restaurants, especially if they look well-fitted and graceful. Consider ones made out of satin, silk, or chiffon if you really want to look expensive and match the atmosphere of the restaurant.
4. Suit & Tie
Nothing beats the classic suit and tie combo for men. It's the perfect formal wear that works at any event, bringing gentleman-flair wherever you go. Make sure you get it tailored so it accentuates your body; baggy fits can still look a bit messy even if they're accepted at fancy establishments!
5. Cocktail Dresses
You can never go wrong with a mature and lovely cocktail dress that highlights your best features. These classy looks can make any woman look beautifully elegant, especially when it's in a color you shine in. Pair it with some lovely jewelry and you've got a look that will turn heads.
6. Blouses
Not a fan of dresses? Don't worry, if you're more of a pants kind of girl, you can always pick a beautiful blouse that still fits the fine-dining criteria and looks feminine and gorgeous. Find a well-fitted one and it'll scream "girl boss" in the best way possible.
7. Dress Shirts
If you're not looking to wear an entire suit and tie to a restaurant, simply go for a dress shirt with dress pants. Slightly more casual yet still formal and sophisticated, it's perfect for guys who don't like being super confined by their clothes. You can even unbutton the top for a more sexy look!
8. High Heels
The nice thing about wearing heels to a fine-dining restaurant? You're sitting for most of the time anyway! So you'll get the gorgeous look without all the pain. Because really, nothing pairs better with a lovely dress than the perfect pair of heels to match.
9. Dress Shoes
With sneakers, sandals, and flip flops all prohibited for guys, you might be wondering what's left for you to wear on your feet. The answer: dress shoes. These classic shoes complete any formal look for men, giving them a refined appearance from head to toe.
10. Trousers
If you don't like dresses or skirts, girls can always opt for a comfortable yet formal pair of trousers. Whether you like them flowy or fitted, both are accepted! Just make sure there's enough stomach space for all the delicious food you're about to consume.
