I’m often out 5-6 nights of the week, but Friday nights are one of my favourite nights. Especially, as most people have finished work ready for the weekend, made dinner plans or even planned a get away/staycation.
My favourite part about going out ‘on the town’ is getting all glitz and glam, ready for whatever plans I have in the diary for that night.
I often get asked by people “How do you dress when you go out to luxury hotels or high-end bars/restaurants?” I know the predicament, because I was in that situation once. I never knew what the happy medium was. Whether I had to wear dress shoes or could I get away with wearing a shirt over jeans.
For those gents who need some inspiration or guidance to the best way to dress when going to such places, I have put together a quick lookbook of my go to look to play it safe, yet be comfortable and well dressed.
I find this look generally works for both A/W and S/S. In the colder months, I generally throw over a long coat and a scarf and during the warmer months, I just roll up my shirt sleeves and unbutton one extra button on my shirt. I generally stick to darker coats because that’s my personal preference for evening wear, as it blends nicely. I generally pick a scarf to match the colours i’m wearing. I normally stick to dark colours, I have an array of scarfs that have grey, black or dark blue running through them with a combination of other subtle colours that generally work well.
Jacket: Topman | Scarf: Ted Baker | Shirt: Ralph Lauren | Belt: Elliot Rhodes | Trousers: Topman | Shoes: House of Hounds
I never wear lighter trousers as I find it tend to look less elegant and more like workwear. I stick to blacks, dark/navy blues, dark greys etc. Don’t wear jeans, just to be safe. Some hotels or bars will turn people away that are wearing jeans.
I generally pick a shirt, that is bright as it generally contrasts well with darker trousers. The shirt should be long enough to tuck in, as when left out it often looks a little informal. Since you’re tucking your shirt in, I would recommend wearing a belt. It adds an extra accessory to complete your outfit, but also offers a nice separation between the shirt and trousers. I find that trousers that are worn without belts look shabby (no matter how elegant the trousers). If you want something subtle, I would suggest a standard black belt. However, we all know I don’t do subtle, so I added a beautiful bespoke grey snakeskin look belt with a sharp square silver buckle.
Dress shoes? If you like wearing dress shoes – go ahead. If not, as long as they are smart and not overly bold like leopard print – you should be fine. I generally find wearing smart alternatives more comfier day to day, so I have my stable black suede loafers, grey suede tie ups or brown brogues depending on what i’m wearing.
Once you have entered the location and are seated, it is totally acceptable to roll up your sleeves if you feel more comfortable. I normally have accessories on when doing so. My right hand will have a watch on and my left hand either an array of bracelets (if more casual) or a sterling silver cuff on – but it isn’t essential.
I hope this lookbook helps to give a little more of an insight, with some ideas as how to dress for a more luxurious night out.
Also a huge thank you to Em from Catch 52 for doing this shoot for me.
Until next time…
