Dinner at a restaurant
If the appointment is at a restaurant, the first thing to know is the type of venue we are going to. If it is elegant and the evening is formal, then obviously we should look for something refined. On this occasion, heels are almost mandatory; it is better to avoid stiletto heels when you are among friends, as they might seem a bit pretentious. An ankle boot with a block heel or a sandal or a closed-toe shoe with a strap will be perfect. For an evening at an elegant venue, feel free to choose a skirt, but avoid both the pencil skirt and the suit, as both are too formal for a night out with friends. A knee-length skirt with a straight or flared cut and a V-neck top is an excellent choice. If you are going to a pizzeria or trattoria with a cozy atmosphere, then feel free to wear trousers. You can also choose jeans, but then make the outfit a bit more sophisticated with a high-heeled shoe, a blouse and stylish accessories. With palazzo trousers or classic-cut trousers, you can opt for lower shoes, even ballet flats, and complete the look with a soft top that rests on the waist.Dinner at home
If you are invited to an evening at someone's home, you are probably among close friends. The atmosphere will be more relaxed and casual, so your look should also be casual. Remember, however, that it is still a night out: in short, leave the tracksuits at home! What you can wear instead are sneakers or ballet flats; in other words, heeled shoes should stay in the closet. In this situation, trousers are perfect, even classic jeans with a polo shirt or a printed shirt worn untucked, perhaps with a belt to define the waist. Long, flowing skirts are also fine, as are casual dresses, certainly nothing too elegant. In any case, you will surely know the hostess's style, and it is essential to take it into account. If you know she is a woman who cares about elegance when she has guests, choose at least a few accessories to complete the look: a piece of jewelry and nice makeup will be enough to show that you have prepared carefully for the evening. If, on the other hand, you are going to the home of someone who loves the comfort of a casual outfit, avoid wearing something too sophisticated, even if it would feel natural to you; you risk looking out of place or overshadowing your host.Dinner among casual acquaintances
It can happen, due to a series of circumstances, that you find yourself at an informal dinner but among people you do not know well. They could be your partner's friends or a dinner with colleagues among whom only a few of us can truly call friends. If, however, you know that the meeting is intended to be informal, you have no choice but to adapt your outfit to this requirement, without falling into the ordinary or risking being too casual. So, when in doubt, avoid jeans and opt for classic trousers, perhaps black: an evergreen that can adapt to any situation and allows you to easily create the rest of the look. However, do not pair them with a white blouse, as that would be really too ordinary, with the risk of ending up wearing the same outfit as another guest. Wear something that creates movement: it could be a soft blouse in pastel tones, so as to stand out without overdoing the contrasts. Or a mini dress with geometric patterns, which will be noticeable without being excessive. As for shoes, a little heel is always needed, but no stiletto heels: not knowing how well the others will dress, you risk looking out of place. For the same reason, avoid sneakers, even the more sophisticated ones. A shoe with a block heel or an ankle boot is better, as they can adapt to any environment and any situation.
