What to Wear: Date Night Outfits

Restaurants and businesses are mostly open again, which means our social lives and dating lives are picking back up. Check out these date night outfits to get inspired for your next outing!

Ever feel like you forgot how to get dressed after a year indoors? This feeling can be especially prevalent when it comes to looks for a night out. Whether you’re unsure of what to wear for a first date or stuck in an outfit rut for dinner with your spouse, we’ve got you covered. We’ve selected pieces that work for the season and strike the right balance between comfort and looking polished, fun, and a bit sexy. Wear these wherever your night takes you!

Midi Ribbed Knit Dress + Strappy Heeled Sandals + Clutch

Midi Dress

Ribbed knits and midi dresses have been huge for a few seasons now, but it turns out they’re more than fleeting trends. The ribbed midi dress has proven to be a new wardrobe staple thanks to its ability to be styled for so many occasions and transition between seasons. We love that the midi length offers a breath of fresh air after the reign of mini dresses in the 2000s and the surge in popularity that maxi dresses saw in the 2010s. Of course, none of these staple lengths are “out,” but it’s always nice to refresh our wardrobes with new silhouettes. Midis offer the most versatility of the bunch by pairing with virtually any footwear.

The ribbed knit fabrication ticks every box for your date night outfits. It’s comfortable due to built-in stretch. It’s a little sexy with a curve-hugging design. Lastly, the ribbed detail offers some forgiveness for a flattering effect. If you prefer a bit more room, you can also find A-line options that skim the body rather than hug it. This easy outfit base can be worn and re-worn so many ways depending on how you accessorize, so have fun trying different pairings!

For another twist on the look, keep an eye out for matching sets of ribbed midi skirts and tanks!

Sandals

For a dinner out, pair your dress with a pair of strappy sandals. Low kitten heels are very on-trend right now and make a great option here. If you’re looking for extra comfort or planning to do a bit of walking throughout the night, try a strappy block heeled sandal. This is another wardrobe essential that you will get tons of use out of for years to come.

Clutch

To finish the look, add a fun clutch bag. Choose an option with details that speak to you, whether it’s an unusual color, playful embellishments, or an interesting shape. Not sure where to start? Try an unstructured leather pouch-style clutch to keep with the effortless night out look.

Black Low-Cut Bodysuit + Distressed Shorts + Oversized Blazer

Bodysuit

For the next of our date night outfits, start with a bodysuit. Bodysuits are great when you want something fitted on top because, unlike a tight tank or tee, they will stay perfectly in place. No need to re-tuck or spend the night adjusting your clothes. Plus, they create a smoother, more streamlined look by eliminating fabric bunching. This makes the perfect pairing with heavy fabrics on the bottom or oversized layers on top.

Opt for a low-cut bodysuit to show off a little skin. A deep V-neckline is flattering for just about anyone and easy to find when shopping, so start here. Look for an option in black to start – like any other layering basics, neutrals are the first you should stock up on. Black is always a safe bet for date night, too!

Shorts

Next, add a pair of distressed denim shorts. Light vintage washes and rigid types of denim are our go-to choices this season for a modern, updated look. For shorts, go for a longer inseam than you might have tried in years past. Try a 5-8” inseam for a bike short length or 10-12” for a true Bermuda length. These not only give a more polished and appropriate look for a night out, but they are also flattering and in style this season. We love that fashion is moving toward longer shorts again – it gives you the option for more coverage without aging you! Put these on your list of must-try items for the summer.

Blazer

A bodysuit + denim shorts look is a great place to start, but it doesn’t feel quite date-night-ready yet. Add some effortless sophistication to the outfit with an oversized blazer. This is another piece that should already be in your closet because it works for casual wear over a t-shirt, for work when paired with trousers, and now you can transition it to date night too.

To nail the oversized look, search for options with a loose, straight silhouette that still fits well in the shoulders. You can try one with a bold structured shoulder (very popular this year!) or an unstructured, drapey construction depending on your preferences and body type. Try it in a textured weave or a sateen finish to add another dimension to the look.

Black Fitted Jumpsuit

Jumpsuit

A classic black jumpsuit is another perfect foundation for your date night outfits this spring and summer. Think of them as a fresh take on the little black dress. Timeless, elegant, and a fail-proof option that you always want to keep on hand. For date night, go for a more tailored silhouette that shows off your figure. Darting at the bust and a seam or tie at the waist will help to give it shape. Try yours in lightweight suiting fabrics or crepes for a sleek look that works year-round.

When choosing the silhouette for this wardrobe essential, opt for shapes that work for many occasions.  Sleeveless options will allow for easier layering. Consider a neckline that is date-night-friendly but doesn’t plunge too deep, like a standard v-neck, so it can be dressed down for daytime outings later. Tapered ankle-length legs and wide-leg crops are both great!

Accessories

To offset the serious tone of a tailored jumpsuit, pair yours with more playful accessories. In general, this is always a cost-effective tactic and key to a capsule wardrobe: invest in quality, versatile, timeless pieces like a fitted black jumpsuit, and switch them up season to season with your accessories. Add a pop of color and some statement drop earrings to inject personality into the look. As for shoes, you have tons of options! Casual dates at the park or grabbing ice cream call for a clean leather sneaker. For a nice dinner date, try a mule, slingback, or ankle tie sandal. Peep-toe pump booties are another great option.

Wrap Up

Try these date night outfits as starting points for your next night on the town! They’re made up of wardrobe essentials so you can put them together from your own closet and you’re easily able to put your own spin on them.

Missing a couple of items from these looks? Reach out to us and we’ll help to hunt down the right date night pieces for you. We offer personal shopping and styling services, either in person or virtually, to best meet your needs. We would love to help you refresh your look for any occasion!

For more what-to-wear guides and styling insights to keep your wardrobe current, check out our blog page!