STYLE – What to Wear to a Dinner Party

The minefield of dress codes can be a tough one to walk, but here we lay down a few guidelines for what to wear to a dinner party…

WITH YOUR COLLEAGUES:

If you have a formal job, wear a formal outfit. There is nothing more disconcerting than a colleague in home clothing without prior warning. Go for a causally tailored suit by J Crew. Mix it with an unusual watch, or a slip on a pair of slightly quirky shoes. Work functions can be boring, so you need a talking point. If the shoes don’t have a back-story, make one up. If your office has a ping-pong tale this post does not apply to you. See below instead.

J Crew Suit Jacket, £365 from mrporter.com

WITH A GROUP OF ACHINGLY FASHIONABLE FRIENDS:

Do not be fooled into thinking that wearing a Hawaiian shirt will make you appear quirky and nonchalant. Hawaiian shirts were cool two years ago, and these people will know that. Instead, wear a collarless button-down from J-Crew—they will all be wearing them in two months, so move fast—and a battered leather boot. Do not wear Timberlands, they are too chunky, or a slim-line Jodhpur boot from Russell and Bromley, for obvious reasons. Meet somewhere in the middle.

Belstaff Boots, £495 from belstaff.co.uk

WITH YOUR EXTREMELY CONVENTIONAL NEIGHBOURS:

This dinner is a formality and is going to be extremely awkward. Head next door wearing a worn-out cardigan. It is fashionable yet homely, and will exude a sort of bohemian accessibility. If you are really going for it, team it with a soft plaid shirt.

Gucci Cardigan, £505 from mrporter.com

WITH A DATE:

If you want the date to work out, wear a slim white Charvet shirt. If you are anticipating a horrendous evening, sling an ill fitting, lightly pinstriped blazer on top.

White Shirt, £330 from mrporter.com