As moms, we spend a ton of our time in the thick of family life. So, every now and again, we deserve a fun night out for ourselves! One of my favorite ways to recharge and reconnect is by spending quality time with friends over dinner. It’s more than just a quick meal—it’s the perfect time to catch up, make new memories, and laugh the night away.
It’s also the perfect excuse to step out of those cozy sweatpants and into a cute outfit. Dressing up can feel like a huge task, but it’s the best opportunity to wear something that makes you feel confident. That’s why today, I’m sharing a roundup of cute outfit ideas for dinner with friends. Because you deserve to feel fabulous, mama!
10 Cute Friends Dinner Outfit Ideas for Every Style and Occasion
Feminine Fitted Top With Wide-Leg Trousers
A feminine fitted top is the perfect piece for a touch of refinement. It doesn’t look too “over the top” business casual, but it’s structured and polished enough for a night out with friends. Pair it with some wide-leg trousers in a light lilac color for a unique feminine twist!
The fitted top pairs perfectly with the baggier style of the trousers to balance everything out. Finish it off with chic white slingback pumps for a fashion-forward look.
Cozy Sweater Dress With Ankle Booties
A sweater dress is the perfect start for chillier dinner date outfits. Not only are sweater dresses super warm, but they can be dressed up or down for any occasion.
I love this turtleneck knit dress in “Ecru” because its neutrality makes it easy to pair with a variety of shoes—like these slouchy ankle boots. They take a stylish yet relaxed approach to traditional heels. Opt for a taller boot if you want something that adds a little drama. These are also perfect for adding extra warmth.
Oversized Blazer With Straight-Leg Jeans
Blazers aren’t just for work settings; they’re a staple for casual outings. They’re fantastic when you want something polished but still comfortable and roomy.
This brown malt blazer redefines casual comfort. I love how it’s still neutral, but not in a typical black, cream, or tan shade. Pair it with straight-leg jeans to relax the look, and finish with a pair of Adidas Sambas. Now you have a street-style inspired dinner outfit that still looks sophisticated and put-together!
Off-the-Shoulder Top With High-Waisted Jeans
When you want a spring or summer feminine look, off-the-shoulder tops are a stunning pick. They’re still sophisticated, but they provide unique visual interest.
Start with this off-the-shoulder short-sleeve top. I love the black one, but it comes in several colors. To balance the fitted silhouette of the top, pair it with high-waisted wide-leg jeans to create a stunning contrast and complete your look with a pair of pointed-toe pumps. Now, you’re ready to go!
Denim Jacket With Slip Dress
If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I’m a huge fan of denim jackets. They’re a timeless staple and offer endless versatility—making it the perfect piece when dressing for casual dinners!
For that perfect springtime look, we’re layering a denim jacket on top of a midi slip dress. I love the floral pattern of the dress, and it’s perfect to keep in your wardrobe for baby shower looks or even a dressier Easter outfit.
But for dinners with friends, a classic denim jacket can maintain a relaxed and refined vibe, providing structure to a the flowy dress. A pair of trendy ballet flats keeps this outfit casual but polished.
For more stylish denim inspo, check out this post on how to wear a jean jacket!
Button-Up Shirt With Linen Trousers
Oversized button-ups are another one of my favorites. They’re ridiculously comfortable, but they still work to create a fabulous outfit.
For a summer dinner date look, a monochrome outfit is chic and easy to style. Tuck an oversized button-up into airy linen trousers for a breathable, stylish, and comfortable outfit. You can complete the look with either Adidas Sambas for something fashionably relaxed or a pair of kitten heels if you want to elevate this casual look a bit more.
If you’ve been hesitant about incorporating oversized button-ups into your wardrobe, check out this post for outfit ideas and helpful styling tips!
Cropped Sweater With Pleated Midi Skirt
A cropped sweater is perfect for every season, especially during transitional periods when the temperatures are in those weird in-betweens.
If your dinner date is somewhere a bit more elegant, a cropped wrap sweater is stylish and sophisticated. If the location doesn’t necessarily call for dressier attire, you could opt for a standard cropped crewneck sweater instead.
Pair either top with a white pleated matte skirt for an airy, comfortable look. The skirt is super refined, so you’ll look polished either way! Finish it off with a pair of tan strappy heels.
Comfy Cardigan With Skinny Jeans
To all the ladies who are still rocking skinny jeans, this one is for you! I love slim/skinny bottoms because they give me an excuse to pull out my over-the-knee boots. It’s a chic combo that I think I’ll love forever.
For this outfit, grab a pair of high-waisted black skinny jeans and layer on a sleek pair of over-the-knee boots. The bottom half of your look is neutral enough to go with any top, but I opted to layer a long, comfy coatigan over a basic piece for added warmth and style. It’s a fabulous, voguish look that still keeps comfort in mind.
Silk Blouse With Wide-Leg Jeans
I adore how a silk blouse looks luxurious and elegant, but it’s incredibly comfortable and versatile. For example, pairing this cream silk blouse with tailored trousers is the perfect work-day look.
But when you pair it with wide-leg jeans, you have a chic, easygoing outfit, perfect for dinner with friends. As with many of the looks I’ve discussed, you can pair this blouse with trendy sneakers for something casual or a pair of white ankle boots for a chic touch.
Faux Leather Blazer With Flowy Midi Dress
When I want an updated and sophisticated version of an edgier leather jacket, I instinctively reach for a faux leather blazer. It’s great for dinners with friends and the perfect piece to keep in your wardrobe for endless occasions.
A faux leather blazer can pair fabulously with any look, but I chose a flowy midi dress for this outfit idea. The blazer adds structure to the flowy look but doesn’t make it look too rigid or uncomfortable. Complete the look with a pair of strappy, comfortable sandals.
How To Dress Up For Dinner With Friends
Elevate your looks with accessories.
Even the most casual look can feel dressier with the right accessories. Whether you opt for a structured handbag, gold or silver jewelry, or a stylish belt, they can all refine your outfit. For more minimalist outfits, stick to dainty jewelry. Grab a bold belt or a pair of eye-catching earrings if you want more of a statement.
Consider where you’re dining.
You don’t have to go to a high-end restaurant to have a good time with your friends! But, you will feel more comfortable dressed for the occasion. Always consider where your dinner will take place, and dress the part. This can help you decide whether to go more “business-casual” inspired or relaxed and refined.
The right shoes can make or break your look.
Even though I provided shoe options with every look, don’t be afraid to have fun and add your style to each outfit idea. If you love the idea of a faux leather blazer and a flowy midi dress but sandals seem too relaxed for where you’re going, switch them out for some stylish slingback pumps! The right shoes can tie everything together.
Keep your outfit limited to one statement piece.
When you’re putting together outfits, you don’t want it to feel like each piece is competing for attention. Choose one statement piece—whether it’s an off-the-shoulder top or bold wide-leg trousers—and pick items that compliment that. This keeps your look balanced and more put-together.
There are many ways to look and feel fabulous for a dinner date with friends.
As a mom, setting time aside for yourself is important. A dinner date with your friends is the perfect way to do this—and choosing the right outfit is half of the fun! There are tons of versatile looks you can wear, no matter the season or vibe.
I’d love to know what outfits you’re wearing for your relaxed night out with friends. Share your comments below, and then head to the blog and follow my Instagram for more mommy-related lifestyle tips, outfit inspo, and exciting travel guides! Did you know I also have a podcast? You can listen here!
