Looking for dressy dinner outfit ideas that go beyond your usual black dress? Think a burgundy blazer, a shiny pleated skirt or a cream top with matching wide-leg pants.
These looks range from dressed-up jeans to long gowns for dinners with a more formal dress code.
You can keep things simple or go all out with sparkle. Start with a piece you love, then decide whether you want little gold-colored details or a whole matching red outfit!
Dinner outfits worth saving
black blazer and sheer florals
We’re starting off strong with this gorgeous black blazer and sheer floral skirt. I love the long sparkling earrings, but that rounded gold-colored clutch is my favorite detail.
Pair yours with pointed black slingbacks to follow this look. Keep the skirt’s shorter opaque underlayer in mind when choosing a similar combination.
burgundy and gray
If you are looking for something simple to put together, this one is for you. The burgundy button-front top looks so pretty with gray wide-leg pants.
The matching bag and little bow flats make this a lovely option if you’d rather skip heels. Add small hoops to finish it off.
cream neckline and taupe skirt
I am obsessed with this cream and taupe pairing. The draped neckline is so pretty above the long skirt, especially with that little pendant necklace.
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Try a small structured bag like the one here. There’s also a beige jacket carried over one arm if you want another piece to build into your outfit.
emerald green and gold
Want to go all out for a formal dinner? This long green one-shoulder dress is such a beautiful place to start. I love the gathered detail across the waist.
The collage pairs it with a matching green clutch and gold-colored sandals. Choose the wide cuff if you want a little extra shine.
black mini and flowing sleeves
How cute is this little black dress? Those long, flowing sleeves give you something a little different from a plain fitted mini.
Follow the collage with sheer black tights, glossy pointed pumps and a small shoulder bag. The black flower-shaped bracelet details are a sweet finishing touch.
high neckline and glossy pants
Don’t want to wear a dress? No problem! Try this sleeveless high-neck top with glossy black wide-leg pants and ankle-strap heels.
For dinner outfit ideas dressy enough for a night out without lots of extras, this is a lovely starting point. I’d add small silver-tone earrings and leave the neckline bare.
red from head to toe
This red dress may just be one of my favorites here. I love the gathered waist and the long ties hanging below the mini hem.
The red sandals and top-handle bag keep the whole combination bright. Don’t forget that little heart-shaped bag detail if you want something extra cute.
sparkling top and ripped jeans
The sparkle fans are going to love this! A gold-colored top sits under a black blazer, with ripped blue jeans keeping the outfit a little more casual.
Save this for a dinner spot where jeans fit the dress code. The pointed black pumps and patterned clutch are the details I’d keep.
cream layers and gold bangles
I love this all-cream outfit with its long asymmetric top. The wide-leg pants and pointed shoes look so pretty underneath.
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Try stacking gold-colored bangles like the ones here. The little chain-strap bag adds another touch of shine without bringing in a new color.
Read also: 20 Outfit Ideas for a Dinner Party at Home
burgundy blazer over black
If you’re looking for an outfit to build around black basics, go with this burgundy blazer. Its rich color and visible sheen look gorgeous over a black V-neck top and slim pants.
Push the sleeves up to show a stack of bracelets. Black pointed pumps finish this combination.
cream halter and matching pants
This is another pretty cream outfit, but it’s a little different from the one above. I love the fine vertical texture and the diagonal hem on the high-neck halter top.
The rounded gold-colored bag is such a lovely extra. You could keep the jewelry small and let that bag be your main accessory.
floral bustier and wide legs
How cute is this black-on-black combination? The strapless floral bustier has a curved neckline and a cropped hem above the high-waisted pants.
Keep the wide legs and little chain-handle bag if you want to follow this look. A black blazer would be a nice optional layer.
silver sparkle and one shoulder
I am obsessed with this sparkling silver skirt. It’s so pretty with the plain black one-shoulder top, especially with the hem ending above those ankle-strap heels.
Don’t feel like you need lots of jewelry here. The small earrings and black clutch already look lovely with all that sparkle.
copper pleats and cream
If you love a shiny skirt but don’t want the silver look, this one is for you. The copper-colored pleats look gorgeous beside the pale long-sleeve top.
Tuck your top into the waistband to try the same combination. A gathered cream clutch and pale sandals keep the accessories simple.
long brown dress
This is actually one of my favorite colors for an evening dress. The deep brown looks so beautiful with the gold-colored bangles and dangling earrings.
The long halter dress has a low curved neckline and a glossy finish. Try a patterned clutch like the one here if you want to add a print without changing the dress.
Read also: 20 Tea Party Dresses for Women With Florals, Ruffles and Pretty Pastels
black florals and gold accessories
Want a little more detail around the neckline? This sheer floral top has a high neck and short, loose sleeves over an opaque black bodice.
I love the wide-leg pants with that stack of gold-colored bangles. Add an ornate clutch to follow the same dressed-up combination.
ivory dress and pearly details
How pretty is this ivory dress? The thin straps and softly draped neckline keep it simple, while the accessories bring in lots of little pearly details.
The embellished sandals are my favorite part of this collage. Pair them with round drop earrings and a pale rectangular clutch for a formal dinner look.
navy twist and brown heels
Don’t want to add sparkle and want something a little simpler? Look no further because this navy top and dark wide-leg jeans combination is for you.
I love the twist at the waist. Brown pointed pumps and a matching bag dress it up, with gold-colored earrings adding a small finishing touch.
black skirt and flower earrings
This is another gorgeous way to wear a black blazer over a sheer floral skirt. The oversized pale flower earrings are what make this version a favorite.
The black clutch and ankle-strap sandals keep the rest of the outfit in one color. Try your hair in a low bun if you want to show off earrings like these.
pale yellow and ruffles
Last but definitely not least, we have this pretty pale yellow dress. I love the delicate print and the ruffles running along the uneven hem.
The thin halter straps and front slit give it plenty of detail already. Keep the pale sandals and small light-colored bag if you want to try the same combination.
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And as you know, I seriously love seeing your takes on the looks and ideas on here - that means the world to me! If you recreate something, please share it here in the comments or feel free to send me a pic. I'm always excited to meet y'all! ✨🤍
Xoxo Camille