5 Casual Summer Dinner Outfits That I’ll be Recreating This Summer

There are two things you should know about me. First, I love a laid-back look, and second, going out to eat is my favourite pastime. My idea of post-work fun is discovering new cuisines, low-key bars and secret tasting menus that I can tell my friends and colleagues about. But sometimes, knowing what to wear for my dinner dates can be tricky, especially as the weather shifts from cooler to eye-wateringly warm. My heavy jeans and jumpers have been flung to the bottom of my floorboardrobe (guilty!) and I’ve been left looking for my new staples instead that are perfect for all my summer dinner plans, but still feel casual and cool.

Ever on the hunt for a lo-fi look, I looked to the experts (i.e, the ever-fashionable people popping up on my social feed) to help inspire the outfits I’m looking for. The brief is this: I want a throw-on-and-go outfit that’s as casual as it is chic; think pieces made from seersucker, linen and cotton (which are a must as the temperature warms) but that have a polish to them, too.

I’ve done some digging and found five of the best casual summer dinner looks which feature summer staples, statement fabrics, minimalistic colour palettes and trending silhouettes. Scroll down to see the looks: there’s something here for everyone!

5 Outfits to Recreate for Casual Summer Dinner:

1. Maxi Dress + Crochet Shoes + Bangles

Style Notes: A maxi dress is exactly what comes to mind when I think casual summer dinner, but if there’s one thing I’ve learnt, it’s that warm weather is a time to ditch the heel. With clammy feet and sweaty, well, everything, the added discomfort of a heel, even a kitten, is not what I’m looking for when creating a casual look. Instead, I’d opt for a little crochet number like Ingrid Edvinsen’s flats. A casually cool shoe silhouette brings a chic edge to an otherwise simplistic look, which is perfect for the summer’s workday that turns into a refined meal.

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2. Halterneck Top + Black Bermuda Short + Crochet Hat

Style Notes: For me, the best summer casual dinner outfits are made up of pieces I already own. With this summer’s trends awash with longline short styles and halterneck tops, I was pleased to realise these two staples were already in my wardrobe—and when paired together, as Debora Rosa has done, they create a look that feels effortlessly elegant. Styled with a simple flip-flop and a casual crochet hat, the outfit transitions from day to night with complete ease. I’m sold!

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3. Denim Jacket + Maxi Babydoll Dress + Trainers

Style Notes: For me, the best evenings occur when you start the morning strolling Notting Hill markets, followed by a few drinks and pickie bits in Regents Park around lunch and then finish at a Berenjak-style restaurant. In London, your outfit needs to meet the evolving criteria and match the ever-changing weather, so I will be stealing the style of Luena Gama for the foreseeable future. A light denim jacket will keep you warm for the evenings when it cools, a babydoll maxi is a perfect dress for both warm and cool weather, and the Miu Miu x New Balance collab trainer is not only to die for but also works in both dressier and casual settings. It truly is the perfect combo.

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4. Maxi Skirt + Vest + Sunglasses

Style Notes: In my humble opinion, an all-navy look is undeniably elegant. A tone that exudes casual refinement, it struck me instantly when Tia Dewitt appeared on my screen in a monochromatic ensemble—a causal dinner outfit winner! Comprised of a maxi skirt, racer tank layered with a matching scoopneck and Onitsuka Tiger trainers, this outfit works because of the summery, laid-back simplicity of it. Perfect for a dinner al fresco.

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5. T-bar Heels + T-shirt + Bermuda Shorts

Style Notes: I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again, simplicity is key when looking for an impactful casual dinner outfit, and Marilyn nails it. A tan brown oversized tee, tucked into black bermuda shorts and finished with a tan t-bar wedged heel…this may look simplistic, but it creates a look that’s as practical as it is stylish and I’m desperate to recreate it.

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