5 Chic Outfit Ideas for Your Next Night Out – What To Wear To Dinner in Paris

If you’ve been a subscriber or follower for a while, you probably saw that I attended Paris Fashion Week last year. I shared all of the details here as well as my unique Paris packing list in this post. But this post is for anyone who’s either visiting Paris and needs dinner outfit ideas or just wants some outfit inspiration for their next date night or dinner out. Paris isn’t called the City of Love for nothing…there are so many romantic (and delicious) places to have dinner in Paris. Sometimes the idea of dressing up for dinner can make you feel the romance even more…but choosing what to wear can make you feel a little pressured to look extra nice (especially in Paris). Below, I’m sharing 5 outfit ideas that you can wear to dinner in Paris…or wherever you are! 😉

What To Wear To Dinner in Paris

Tips

The dress code for most nice restaurants and bars in Paris, especially for evenings, ranges from elevated casual to dressy. This leaves a fairly wide variety of outfit options. Here are a few tips to get you started.

• Bring Layers – A chic blazer, moto jacket, elevated cardigan, lady jacket, or leather jacket as a third layer will instantly elevate your outfit and add sophistication and polish.
• Basics are Best – If you want to look elegant, wearing your elevated basics or quiet luxury pieces is always a safe bet. You can always add some glam with your jewelry, a pretty silk scarf, or other accessories.
• Stick to a Neutral Palette – Neutral shades like black, navy, gray, and white are always going to look super chic.
• Choose an Elegant Bag – For dinner, a sleek clutch or handbag will look elevated. Save your backpacks, athletic bags, and large totes for exploring and sightseeing.
• Chic Shoes – For fine dining, consider booties, ballet flats, slingbacks, elevated sandals, or heels.

Black Jumpsuit

I was in Paris in winter (late February) so it was pretty cold. But no matter what time of year you’re there, you can’t go wrong with a black jumpsuit! It’s a staple in every woman’s closet…especially chic French women. It’s easy to take a black jumpsuit and style it for any occasion, but I love it for dinner or date night because it’s SO easy.

I’m wearing a black Maje jumpsuit that has a flattering cinched waist and v-neckline and is super comfortable. I styled it with a Dior belt to cinch the waist even more and really elevate the jumpsuit for dinner in Paris. I’m wearing a pair of white and black Balmain booties I’ve had for a while and love…they’re just such fun statement booties! The jumpsuit has a straight leg so when paired with booties, it creates that baggy effect that’s so on-trend right now. I completed the look with a Chanel bag and earrings. If you’re wearing this look during winter, throw on a black coat for extra warmth. The exact jumpsuit and booties are no longer available, but I’ll link some similar options below.

Beautiful Maxi Dress

The next piece you should pack for Paris, no matter what plans you have, is a chic maxi dress. If you can find the right maxi dress, you can wear it to dinner, lunch, sightseeing, etc. I’m wearing a black and white striped Tory Burch maxi dress that has a tiered skirt and ruffle details at the bust. It has an elastic band at the top so it actually stays put. For dinner, I’d wear it with my classic Balmain blazer I’ve had for a few years and some pumps or strappy heels.  Complete the look with some chic accessories like classic gold earrings, trendy sunglasses, and a beautiful black handbag. By the way, this isn’t a maxi I’ll just wear in Paris…I styled it during the summer with sandals for a date night in Colorado! Unfortunately, the exact dress sold out quickly, but you can wear a similar maxi to achieve the same look. In fact, I just ordered a similar slip dress that would be perfect for warmer weather. I’ll share additional options below.

If you’re looking for even more summer date night outfit ideas, make sure you check out this post next!

Elevated Blazer & Jeans

When you think “dinner in Paris”, you probably don’t think to wear jeans. But, depending on the restaurant, you CAN wear jeans. I would probably opt for the jumpsuit or dress if you’re headed to a Michelin-starred restaurant, but if you have a more casual dinner planned, go with your favorite pair of jeans! In this look, I’m wearing a pair of dark wash skinny jeans with a ruffle-detailed button-down and my Balmain blazer. Then I added a pair of sexy thigh-high boots that really take the look up a notch.

When you’re planning your Paris wardrobe (or packing for any trip), consider taking casual clothes and special pieces so you can mix and match to really elevate your more casual looks. If you don’t want to pack a blazer, consider elevating the look with a nice blouse instead of a button-down. If the boots aren’t your style, try a pair of classic black booties, pumps, or pointed-toe flats instead (if you’re doing dinner in Paris, leave the flip-flops or tennis shoes at home). Just a few small tweaks will maximize your options and make packing for a trip easier.

White Tweed Jacket & Trousers

Another beautiful outfit idea for dinner in Paris is an all-white look. If all white isn’t for you, try a monochromatic look in cream, pale pink, brown, red, green, or…old faithful…all black! I love how elegant and sophisticated an all-white outfit looks and the look I’m wearing above feels super Parisian. I’m wearing a beautiful white Maje knit tweed jacket. I love the spread collar, contrasting black and white colors, luxe gold buttons, and the lovely fit. This would be a beautiful piece to wear to the office with black pants or with jeans for a more casual look. I styled it with white Maje pants that have super wide legs and luxe buttons starting from the knee down to the ankle. The gold buttons make the pants a basic with a twist. I’m wearing heels, a white beret, and a Chanel bag to complete the look.

Sequin Blazer & Jeans

It’s said that French women rarely wear color so this one is a bit of a wild card for Paris, but a perfect dinner outfit almost anywhere else! I’m wearing a pink sequined Alice + Olivia blazer. This blazer is such a fun statement piece with the all-over sequins and bright pink color. I styled it with a white long-sleeved button-down that has chic ruffle details that make it an elevated basic with a twist. The straight-leg L’Agence jeans I’m wearing have been a heavy hitter in my wardrobe for the last few years. They’re the perfect leg silhouette that’s on-trend but not too trendy, the fit is amazing, I love the high rise, and I loved them paired with my Veronica Beard platform booties.

Are you headed on a fun trip with romantic dinners anytime soon? Or just planning a date night where you live? Let us know which outfit you’re going to recreate in the comments below!

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