Fall Dinner Party Outfits for Guests Who Want to Look Great

Fall Dinner Party Outfits for Guests Who Want to Look Great

A fall dinner party is the best excuse to dress up a little. This is the skirt, top, pump and earring combination I would wear to someone else's table.

A dinner party outfit should look like you made an effort for the host, but should still let you reach across the table. I like to dress for the candlelight.

The skirt comes first. The Altuzarra Varda tweed midi in black is the one with texture and a frayed hem, the Toteme flared jersey midi in a neutral tone is the easy one, and the THE GARMENT Thetis sheer midi in ivory is the one for a cold night with tights. The BEVZA double-layer satin maxi is the shiny option for a late dinner.

Dressy Tops

The top is where a dinner outfit gets its personality. A little shine or a bow is all you need.

The FRANÇOISE Susan bow silk top in brown has a polka dot print that I love with a black skirt, and the Zimmermann Aster silk blouse has a scarf detail for a bit of drama. The Carolina Herrera crepe shirt is the cool, graphic one, and the Christopher John Rogers silk sarong top in pink is for the host who loves color.

Pointed Pumps and Slingbacks

A dinner party means a short walk and a long sit, so a heel is easy to wear. Choose one with a slim shape and a little character.

The Valentino Garavani Sinead pump in a color-blocked leather is the standout, and the Khaite Bella snake-effect slingback is the neutral one. The Balenciaga Midnight City slingback is the sharp black option, and the Roger Vivier Choc pump has a curved heel that I would notice across a room.

Gold Earrings

Earrings finish the dinner outfit. Gold looks warm in candlelight, which is exactly what you want.

The IVI small gold-plated hoops are the plain, easy pair, and the Kentshire earrings in 15K gold with garnet and white enamel are the antique-looking ones. The VALÉRE Nerida clip-ons are the bold pair, and the Alexis Bittar coin earrings have a hammered finish that catches the light.

Dress for the Candlelight

A skirt with some movement, a top with a little shine, a heel you can sit in and gold earrings. That is a dinner party outfit your host will remember.

If this is the kind of week you are dressing for, I would also read my notes on Thanksgiving outfit ideas, fall date night outfits, fall wedding guest outfits and fall work outfits.