Your Guide To Elegant Date-Night Style, By 6 Fashion Insiders
Whether you’re going out for dinner, drinks or an evening at the theater, these fail-safe styling tips will help you master chic date-night dressing
TyLynn Nguyen, designer and content creator
“Classic, elegant, with a little bit of seduction” is how LA-based designer and content creator TyLynn Nguyen describes her date-night style. “Each outfit here represents how I look when I am feeling my best. They are so comfortable but still elegant and sensual. It’s the perfect mix,” adds Nguyen, whose favorite brands include Alaïa, Kiki de Montparnasse and Matteau. “You must like yourself in what you are wearing! If you feel amazing, date night will be amazing.”
When it comes to accessories, Nguyen prefers to keep things simple: “My favorite watch, diamond studs or hoops, a simple ring and a dainty bracelet” are her fail-safes. As for shoes? “It depends on the dress. If it’s a shorter dress, I love a flat. If it’s a longer dress, I love a heel.”
Chrissy Rutherford, writer and content creator
“I really love to dress up for dates, but it has to be something I still feel comfortable in,” says Chrissy Rutherford. Her go-to date-night look? “A polka-dot dress, black knee-high boots and a trench coat.”
“For a first date, I try to stick to more memorable colors like green. My friend Maria Avgitidis Pyrgiotakis (@matchmakermaria) coined #greentheory and always encourages women to wear green or blue for first dates. Green represents prosperity, generosity and luck – all good things to project for a first date.”
“The sparkly silver 16Arlington ‘Solaris’ dress (pictured here, left) does wonders for the décolletage. It’s enticing but not over the top. The Zimmermann mini dress (pictured in the opening image, top) is the epitome of feminine energy with its sweet 3D florals, while the ruched Tove polka-dot dress (pictured here, right) strikes the perfect balance between sophistication and youthfulness.”
Lucy Williams, content creator and interiors consultant
“I’m a true 2000s girl at my core, so I’m often in jeans and a nice top for date night,” says London-based content editor Lucy Williams. “I would always rather be underdressed versus overdressed, so I tend to favor relaxed silhouettes and then add fun accessories to make it feel more special.”
“I think really big statement earrings are a great date-night accessory, as they make an impact across a table and can elevate a simple T-shirt or cashmere sweater to feel really chic. I naturally feel more comfortable and myself in flats but I love a pointed or very square toe to make them feel less ‘daytime’.”
“I always turn to Toteme and Khaite for those forever-chic tops you can pair with wardrobe staples for a classic dinner date. I think Acne Studios does relaxed and sexy perfectly, too, and I love the idea of a Stouls suede halterneck or pants for a sexy but still low-key date night vibe.”
Sylvie Mus, stylist
“Chic with casual details” not only perfectly sums up Sylvie Mus’s date-night style, but her style overall. For the Paris-based stylist, simplicity is key in building any look, and she often turns to brands like Róhe and Khaite for minimal pieces she can wear for all kinds of occasions, from sleek halterneck dresses to simple tanks and cashmere knits.
When it comes to date night, her thoughtfully curated wardrobe means she’s always appropriately dressed for the occasion and can be ready at a moment’s notice. “If I had 15 minutes, I would wear a slip dress with a cardigan and kitten heels,” says Mus. As for accessories, a simple clutch is all she needs.
Abi Hoffman, content creator
“My date-night style is based around the philosophy of tension and contrast – a biker boot and a baby-doll dress, a tweed jacket and leather pants,” explains New York-based content creator Abi Hoffman. “Pairing a neutral outfit with colorful accessories and shoes allows me to feel playful yet sophisticated; I love a kitten heel and a visually interesting handbag. I feel most put-together when I finish with an interesting earring or a long necklace.”
“Above all, an outfit is your best form of self-expression. Pieces that make you feel confident and represent your personal taste are essential. I love to style a date-night look around an evening jacket – it allows you to have a reference point that is easy to style with a variety of garments.”
“I love this red Gabriela Hearst co-ord (pictured); it is a refined yet unique silhouette that is both practical and elevated. The suede Nour Hammour trench offers a range of styling options, paired with an Alaïa heart bag for a perfect pop of color and playfulness.”
Sarah Lysander Svendby Carter, model
“When it comes to date night, I want to wear something that you wouldn’t find me wearing day to day. I tend to have relaxed hair and makeup, and relatively casual styling juxtaposed with a statement piece, like a faux-fur jacket,” says the London-based model Sarah Lysander Svendby Carter. “Comfort is a priority, so I’m guilty of loving a flat. It brings me joy to know ballet flats are very in right now, but I also love a kitten heel to dress up a look,” she adds.
“Self-Portrait is always a go-to when dressing for a glamorous occasion, but when the weekly cinema dates come around, I love throwing on loose Loewe pants alongside a cozy The Elder Statesman knit. You can wear such a simple outfit and create interesting silhouettes just by adding an oversized jacket or a long, tailored coat.”
“Finally, you can never go wrong with a little black dress. In the winter months, I’ll throw a classic leather jacket over the top and accessorize for the occasion – a gold statement earring always draws my attention when adding the final touches to a look.”
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