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January 7, 2025

What To Wear to a Birthday Dinner: Outfit Ideas for Special Nights

Finding the perfect birthday dinner outfit should be as exciting as the event itself. Whether you’re celebrating at a casual picnic or an upscale restaurant, it’s important to feel confident. So, we’ve rounded up seven outfit ideas that work for any venue. This inspo will help you assemble a creative look that matches the party’s vibe and your personal style.

Read on to learn what to wear to a birthday dinner and find an effortless solution for every activity.

7 birthday dinner outfit ideas for any dress code

Here are seven birthday outfits you can build with wardrobe staples.

1. Effortless and adaptable

A simple peplum top and jeans is a casual yet stylish combo that’s perfect for a birthday celebration. Add a little flair with a colorful blouse, and swap your blue denim for black jeans to give the outfit some edge. Finish it off with a light blazer and leather pumps.

While this combo may seem relaxed, it’s actually one of the most versatile outfits for a birthday dinner. With a few changes, it shifts from casual to dressy—elevate this idea by swapping in high-waisted trousers and a neutral top.

With ThredUp’s Style Chat, you can adjust the formality of any idea in seconds. Describe your idea and then use prompts like “More formal” or “More casual” to shift the suggested garments and vibe.

An image of two women side by side. The one on the left wears a blue peplum top, distressed jeans, and ankle boots. The one on the right has on a cream peplum top and wide-leg trousers.
Image generated by ThredUp’s AI-powered Style Chat

2. The little black dress

A woman wearing a  little black dress and light brown high-knee boots.
Source: iStock/triocean

This is one of the best dresses to wear to a birthday dinner (or any party at all, really). It’s foolproof—with a little accessorizing, you can make this wardrobe essential more formal or minimalist.

Grab your old favorite and spice it up with a cropped jacket and knee-high boots for a striking evening look. Wanting to experiment a little? Try a unique take on this staple cocktail dress and wear a billowing kimono sleeve midi or an off-the-shoulder ruffled frock. Pair these garments with dark tights and simple heels for more elegant dinners.

3. Maxi elegance

A woman wearing a floral maxi dress, sandals, and summer hat.
Source: iStock/NeonShot

No matter the season, a sleek maxi dress and designer bag tops the list of formal dinner outfits. A simple gown with heeled sandals is perfect for a summer party, but add a pair of tights and swap the sandals for boots to prepare for winter.

Remember that these pieces aren’t just for fancy galas—a breezy floral maxi dress is an effortless choice for a relaxed birthday lunch with friends. And accessorize with ballet flats and a waist-defining belt for a timeless combination.

4. Comfortable and preppy

A woman wearing a classic combo of tailored chinos and a cotton blazer, layered with a button-down shirt underneath, with boat shoes.
Source: Image generated by ThredUp’s AI-powered Style Chat

Preppy fashion pairs sophistication and practicality, perfect for a celebratory night out. This Ivy League-inspired aesthetic is dressy, but you won’t be overdressed. It’s also suitable for long or outdoor parties, since natural fabrics and tailored frames keep you comfortable for hours.

To build this look for yourself, start with the classic combo of tailored chinos and a cotton blazer. Layer a button-down or camisole underneath, and finish the outfit with polished footwear, like boat shoes.

5. Leather chic

A woman wearing a black leather jacket, a black skirt, and chic high boots.
Source: iStock/Aleksei Isachenko

Leather and knits are the perfect combo for casual birthday dinners, as they’re laid-back but still eye-catching. We love wearing a neutral turtleneck with a leather skirt, tights, and ankle boots. Dark sunglasses and a classic purse are the perfect accessories.

For chilly fall days, add a leather jacket and a wool scarf. But if it’s warm out, swap the sweater for a flowy long-sleeve shirt.

6. Sleek and cropped

A woman wearing a red top and a white skirt with colorful prints on it.
Source: iStock/Andry5

A matching crop top and high-waisted midi skirt are perfect for any occasion. Wear this ensemble to a semi-formal dinner, then toss these separates back into your capsule wardrobe and style them differently for the next party. 

We adore a cap sleeve crop top, a high-rise pencil skirt, and simple strappy heels. Grab the top and bottom in black to make matching easy, or use ThredUp’s Improved Search features to find the perfect shade. Specify the color you need using a sentence like “pencil skirt in olive green.” 

7. Last-minute style

A woman wearing a red jumpsuit with hills and a brown bag walking down the street.
Source: iStock/Szepy

This is ideal for anyone who doesn’t have time to plan an elaborate getup. Just step into a fitted jumpsuit, grab a chic bag, and throw on your favorite heels—you’ll be ready in five minutes. These basics create a stunning outfit, but you can add extras like a waterfall blazer or thin belt to accessorize.

Since jumpsuits are flexible and comfortable, they’re one of the best birthday outfits for dinner and dancing. If you’re going to be on your feet all night, opt for a pair of ballet flats instead of high heels.

How to dress for birthday dinners: Key considerations

Still not sure which outfit to choose? Here are tips for picking the perfect birthday party outfit for any event.

Mind the dress code

Every party has a dress code, even if it isn’t written in a formal invitation. Ask the host what’s appropriate—outfits will likely fall into a common category, like smart casual or cocktail attire.

You can also use the time of day to inspire your clothing choices. Afternoon get-togethers tend to be more relaxed, while evening parties are more formal.

Pro tip: Check the venue’s dress code, too, as many upscale restaurants have specific requirements.

Balance fashion and practicality

While we all want to look our best, staying comfortable throughout the party is essential. Choose clothes you feel great in, avoiding itchy seams and tight waistlines. This is especially important for active parties that involve dancing and walking. Pick loose bottoms and supportive footwear so you can boogie all night.

Maintain your personal style

Even if there’s a dress code, you can still be yourself by choosing pieces that make you feel confident. For example, if you love the cottagecore aesthetic, wear your favorite white linen maxi and a simple cardigan. This outfit maintains your whimsical aesthetic and is appropriate for almost any occasion.

Remember the details

Accessories complete an outfit, so don’t overlook the little things. For a formal party, add elegant jewelry and an understated clutch bag. But if you’re headed to a themed event, reach for funkier pieces that match the dress code.

We also love matching the color palette to the seasons. Go vibrant for afternoon summer parties, and tone it down to dark neutrals for winter evenings.

Pro tip: Avoid piling on too many extras so you don’t overwhelm the garments.

Discover your perfect birthday dinner look on ThredUp

ThredUp is the best place to buy dresses, jeans, blouses, or anything else you need to make the perfect party outfit. Our detailed filters make it easy to find exactly what you’re searching for. Sort by color, material, and even occasion to narrow down your choices.

Thrifting birthday party outfits also reduces your fashion footprint. ThredUp offers a sustainable, affordable way to shop for new pieces and stay on trend without the negative impacts of fast fashion.

Keep great clothes in circulation and out of landfills with ThredUp.