Restaurant Week is officially upon us! Our restaurant critic, Todd Kliman, has tips on where to dine, but now comes the more important question: What to wear to eateries you don’t normally frequent? If you plan on indulging on more than one occasion—and please consider this our official blessing to do so—a smartly selected dress will fit into a range of atmospheres. Stick to solid colors with interesting details—we like Alice + Olivia’s pleated Polly silk-chiffon dress ($365)—and pile on the accessories.
THE LOOKS
Out With the In-Laws
A fancy dinner out on his parents calls for a more conservative look—stick a crisp collared shirt under your sheath, then decorate with an Art Deco locket. Classic Mary Janes and a chain-link belt keep in line with the classic feel.
What to add: Old Navy poplin-stretch dress shirt, $20; CC Skye Maze Mirror Locket, $300; 3.1 Philip Lim "Peep Show" Mary Jane, $575; Dorothy Perkins black stud chain tassel belt, $12.
Where to go: Bistro Bis, Café du Parc, 1789
Lunch With the Girls
What better excuse for a good meal than catching up with old friends? Dress down, then hit a Restaurant Week lunch special—$20.10 for three courses—at a more casual spot. A light floral scarf hides a conservative neckline and adds color, while two-tone, high-top saddle boots are a fun fall trend ready to take off.
What to add: LOFT Ink floral print scarf, $19.99; Madewell Aberdeen two-tone boot, $198; MIJA Jewelry flower bud bangles, $290 each; Gap studded leather belt, $19.50.
Where to go: Liberty Tavern, 3 Bar & Grill
Date Night
Leopard print and crimson lips is an always-sexy combination. Keep the rest simple, and you’ll be sure to wow him.
What to add: Sephora Collection Lush Flush lip & cheek stain, $12; Yves Saint Laurent Tribute 80 Pump, $880.
Where to go: J&G Steakhouse, Ceiba, Hook
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Sarah is the Editor-in-Chief of Washingtonian Bride & Groom, and writes about weddings, fashion, and shopping. Her work has also appeared in Refinery29, Bethesda Magazine, and Washington City Paper, among others. She is a Georgetown University graduate, lives in Columbia Heights, and you can find her on Instagram at @washbridegroom and @sarahzlot.
