What To Wear To A Casual Dinner

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ruffle blouse // high-waist jeans // bow tweed heels // satchel c/o // sunglasses

One of the best parts about living in New York is all of the amazing restaurants that are just a hop, skip, and a jump away. It is easy to get together with friends for dinner and drinks on any given night. I am always trying to get together with a friend or two each week to either try a new restaurant or return to an old favorite.

Growing up my parents would always make my sister and I dress up when leaving the house. They would say when you leave the house you represent the family, and you never know who around you knows who you are. Meaning one of my dad’s co-workers or someone who knows my grandparents, etc. So when I go out, even if it is just a casual dinner, I try to  dress up.

ruffle blouse // high-waist jeans // bow tweed heels // satchel c/o // sunglasses

When I do go out to dinner with friends I try to wear something casual yet a little elevated. This is an exact look I would wear; casual with the high-waist jeans, elevated with the ruffle blouse and tweed heels. What I love about each piece is that they are timeless and versatile. This outfit could easily be worn with booties or loafers. The ruffle top I could pair with dress pants or a skirt. And the best party? I know I could wear each item in a few years and still feel on trend.

Dressing to go out to dinner can sometimes be the hardest outfit to figure out. Should I go casual? Should I dress up? What if everyone shows up in athlesiure and I am walking around in a ruffle top and heels? The answer is do what makes you feel the most comfortable. To me, dressing up makes me feel my best. I’d rather be the most dressed up person in the room than the least. Even if I am wearing jeans and a simple blouse, I want to look put together and nice. This dinner outfit makes me feel both put together but not over the top.

*If you are looking for NYC restaurant recommendations, check out my guide here

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