What To Wear To A Dinner Party This Season

With the fading days of summer comes the party season just over the horizon. Although we’re not quite brave enough to mention the ‘C’ word right about now (Christmas), it’s the perfect time to start thinking about dinner party attire.

Dinner parties are the event of the season, to cosy up inside with your closest friends and family while cooking up a storm. There’s nothing quite like it.

So we’ve got the LKB guide to dinner party dressing, from cocktail dresses to new modes of black tie dressing. We’ve got the outfits that’ll have you feeling confident and looking glamorous.

Effortless glamour for cocktail parties

From dinner parties to cocktail parties, the secret to a winning outfit is with effortless glamour. So how do you achieve that? Firstly, you want to choose a dress you feel comfortable in and that suits you. A longer dress can be an instant show stopper, perfect for attaining that effortless glamour. We love the Boyd dress for this - with added points for the metallic finish.

However, for those more petite when it comes to height, a hemline falling too low can feel less glamorous. That’s not to say cocktail dress glamour isn’t for you, make a statement in other ways. Use colour to bring confidence, like with the Esme dress in a cherry red.

Dressing for dinner parties at home

If you’re the designated host for the night, you know it can be busy. From serving drinks to adding the finish touches to any food - you want something that is drop-dead gorgeous but also allows you to feel comfortable as you pour the wine and flambé the dessert.

The Hillary Black Scalloped dress is a perfect option for just this. It’s a fitted knit with stretch to give you movement while cinching you in.

It’s a simple and minimal design that is versatile for any event - just add a slick of red lipstick and statement accessories to finish the look. With the outfit sorted, now you can focus on your guests.

The power of tailored pieces

Although a staple dress is a saviour when it comes to dinner parties, that’s not to say they’re the only option. With new modes of formal dressing coming into play in recent years, look towards separates and tailoring to offer a point of difference when it comes to dressing for dinner.

Opt for a tailoring piece like the Seydoux suit made from a statement cherry red silky fabric. It feels celebratory and feminine while feeling different to a dress.

Also, reuse this for other occasions. A suit can be wonderfully versatile, enabling you to mix and match the jacket and trousers with other pieces to wear them for work to the weekend.

Make a statement with evening gowns

There may still be times where you truly want a show-stopping piece, for those black tie events and fancier balls. These events that call for an evening gown to see you transformed.

Although black tie events are less common as smarter casual dressing takes the fore, having a hero evening gown in your wardrobe is a must. Try a style like the Peony for wearable glamour, with a figure skimming silhouette.

Elevating your look with accessories

So, while you’ve got your outfit ready from dresses to silken suits, you need accessories to elevate your dinner party look.

First and foremost, let's talk about shoes. Use shoes to elevate and add to your outfit to take your look to the next level. If you’re going demure and classic with your outfit, make a statement with a shoe like the Fern in a plum suede.

Timeless but sexy, our Fern courts are what we like to call a 'modern classic'. Beautifully-made in Spain from plum suede, this LKB signature style is perfect for occasions and events or to dress up everyday looks.

Or make an outfit your own, and opt for a flat shoe that can still make an equal statement. Our favourite for this season is the Delta Slipper Mule.

Beyond footwear, there’s also jewellery and clutch bags to add to your look. For clutch bags, a simple satin option is always a staple to have to hand. Try something like the Connie clutch, with a gold chain strap for wearable options.

A statement earring or an on-trend pearl finish can add an opulent feel to tie together your dinner party attire.

Fashion tips to achieve dinner party confidence

When it comes to dinner party confidence, the key is to feel your best. The easiest way to do that is feel comfortable while adding in luxurious colours and fabrics.

Whether that’s with simple tailoring or with an evening gown. With new modes of dressing, make dinner party dressing your own. Add in your own personality and expect compliments.