From Polished to Relaxed: The 10 Best Casual Dinner Outfits

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Laidback dinners are the perfect time to relax, bond with your companions, and showcase your unique style. They’re an opportunity to get creative and add personality to simple looks, from statement blazers to cozy sweater dresses.

A well-stocked capsule wardrobe can build dozens of dinner outfits. With the right inspiration, you can flex the same skirts and slip dresses to all types of dinner dates, cocktail parties, and movie nights.

Check out these casual dinner outfits that effortlessly adapt from relaxed to refined.

10 easy outfit ideas for dinner parties and dates

Whether you want to lounge in your favorite denim or show off a new mini skirt, casual meals are a chance to be yourself. Browse these outfits for a dinner, date, or night out and find your next signature look.

1. Wide-leg pants and cardigan 

Wide-leg pants are comfortable and easy to wear, and a button-up shirt is the ideal pairing piece. While these two create a perfectly balanced outfit on their own, a simple cardigan elevates the look and adds a layer of warmth. Step into a pair of loafers, and you’re ready to kick back with a glass of wine.

You can dress this down by swapping the pants for black jeans. Dark-wash denims are our favorite cheat code for dressy events—they’re flexible and casual, but sharp.

2. Satin blouse and statement blazer

A satin blouse is a stunning addition to a dinner outfit, but pairing one with high-waisted jeans keeps the vibes low-key. We love this casual yet stylish look with a bit of height—try strappy heels for a dinner date or slingbacks for a friendly get-together. 

This versatile outfit already flexes casual and dressy, but it can also make a bolder statement. Add a cropped blazer with puff sleeves for a dramatic silhouette.

3. Comfy sweater and maxi skirt

We’re obsessed with the cozy combo of sweaters and maxi skirts. This is one of our favorite dinner outfits for women—while it’s sophisticated, it’s also subtle enough to match the tone of most gatherings. The relaxed drape of both pieces also creates a trendy silhouette—oversized shirts and sweaters are in vogue, and we’re here for it. 

For a quick variation, choose a fitted sweater with a sweetheart neckline. The long skirt maintains the flowy frame, while the open top contrasts with a sleek, tailored look.

4. Sweater dress and knee-high boots

A sweater dress is one of the best dresses for casual dinners as it’s a quick way to create an elegant vibe without being overly formal. This outfit is one-and-done: Pair a sweater dress with knee-high boots and you’re set. Accessorize with a beret if you love a finishing touch.

We adore an autumn color palette for sweater outfits—opt for orange, brown, and gold for a seasonal aesthetic. Switch things up with a cool palette of blue and silver for an unforgettable date night look.

5. Pale blazer and smooth skirt

Wear a pencil skirt and blazer for a sleek, contemporary aesthetic. We love this ensemble in cream and white, especially with a dash of baby pink via some pointed-toe pumps. Pick a double-breasted blazer and there’s no need to worry about a matching top—layer it over whatever you like and let it take center stage.

Love the idea, but need to tone down the couture? Swap the pencil skirt for a pair of white jeans to make it more relaxed.

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6. Casual tee and long skirt

A get-together with a close friend might call for a more relaxed outfit, especially if you’re staying close to home. Keep it laidback with a simple top, a long skirt, and sneakers. This comfortable look adapts to any wardrobe and personal style, whether you have a closet filled with graphic tees or polo shirts.

Stock up on everyday essentials easily with ThredUp. Use our “Occasion” search filter to sort our vast collection into various situations, including “Casual” and “Cocktail Party.”

7. Midi dress with jacket

Pair a denim jacket with a floral midi dress for something light and breezy. This outfit has strong warm weather vibes, so it looks perfect with open-toe footwear, like block-heel sandals. Go with classic medium-wash denim and navy floral for summer or dark-wash denim and orange floral for early fall.

You can make this one dressier with a simple jacket swap—trade the denim for a linen blazer or leather jacket.

8. Skinny jeans and cardigan

Skinny jeans and a slim cardigan are sleek and fashion-forward, yet functional. We adore this outfit for evening dates, a trip to the movies, or a night out with friends due to its configurability. Personalize this look with your favorite denim—low-rise bottoms offer a nostalgic 2000s style, and high-waisted jeans provide a bit more comfort.

Skinny jeans go with all styles of shoes, because they slip into or around your footwear easily. Our favorites are ankle boots for a tucked-in look, or chunky skate shoes for a streetwear vibe.

9. Preppy sweater vest and chinos

Prep style is ideal for an effortless yet put-together outfit. It’s sophisticated and polished but always practical. Try a classic Ivy League look: a button-down shirt, a sweater vest, and chinos. Add a pair of loafers or boat shoes for a dressy birthday dinner outfit.

Variations on this look are easy. Wear a pleated skirt instead of chinos, swap out the vest for a full sweater, or add a structured blazer for an extra layer.

10. Slip dress, striped jacket, and boots

A black slip dress is a closet staple. It’s endlessly versatile—depending on the pairing pieces and accessories, it adapts to dinner dates, girls’ nights, and evening drinks. For this look, we’re leaning toward a statement: a monochrome striped jacket and bold ankle boots. 

Amp up an already daring outfit with sunglasses and glitzy jewelry, or take it down a notch with an understated leather handbag.

Create outfits for casual dinners with ThredUp’s preloved gems

ThredUp is a gold mine of practical basics and elegant accessories. Assemble striking dinner outfits without breaking your budget—thrift pieces in every size, color, and style for up to 90% off the retail price. 

Before you shop, generate countless apparel ideas with Style Chat. Describe your favorite aesthetic and the dinner’s dress code, and we’ll build you a custom look. Once you’ve got your inspo, we’ll show you preloved options from our collection, and you can add them to your cart. 

With ThredUp, your perfect secondhand outfit is just a few clicks away.

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