How to Dress for Dinner at a House

Ask your host for direction when picking attire.

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When dining at someone's house – whether it's a dinner party or a casual invitation to join the family at their regular meal – you should take just as much care in your attire and appearance as you would if you were dining out at a nice restaurant. Showing up to a dinner party in clothes that are dirty, torn or too casual or provocative shows your host that you don't consider it an honor to be invited to their home. It is important to ensure that your attire is always appropriate when visiting someone else's house for dinner.

Related Searches:Difficulty:ModerateInstructions 1

Ask the host beforehand if the occasion is casual or formal and whether it will be a small and intimate dinner or more of a party with a large guest list. For a simply prepared meal and few guests, choose a more casual outfit. If the dinner is more of a banquet involving several courses and elaborate preparation – or if the host is intending to introduce you to someone – choose attire that is more formal but also fashionable.

2

Wear an outfit that makes you feel comfortable. You don't want to wear your pajamas, but when you're at someone's house, you want to feel relaxed. Clothing that's too constricting, elaborate or formal will have you fidgeting all night and make your host and the other guests uncomfortable as well.

3

Add an accessory to your outfit. A colorful scarf, a statement necklace, a pocket swatch or a vintage wristwatch will add just enough punch to garner compliments and conversation. Keep it to one or two accessories to avoid looking overdressed.

4

Bring a pair of glamorous earrings or a dashing dinner jacket in case the occasion turns out to be more formal than you expected.

5

Look at yourself in a full-length mirror before heading out to make sure everything looks right. Your outfit should be clean, fresh-smelling and in pristine condition with no tears or stains.

Tips & Warnings

Always bring a gift for your host. A bottle of wine, a dessert or flowers are customary.

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ReferencesCater Hater: How to Dress for a Dinner PartyReal Simple: How to Dress For Any Occasion: The Dinner PartyResourcesThe Dinner Party Planning Site: Dinner Party Etiquette - What Should You Know About It?Newport Manners: Ask DidiPhoto Credit Christopher Robbins/Digital Vision/Getty ImagesRead Next:

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