What to Wear To a Business Casual Dinner?

Hi Deborah,

My husband and I have been invited out to have dinner with 2 couples from work. The dress code is business-casual.

A friend of mine is wearing a dress.

I think I will wear one too, but I’m not sure whether to go with a black sheath dress or a coral cocktail dress? Can you help? Also, what do I do about shoes? Deb

Hi Deb,

I’m not clear on whether this is actually a business dinner or a social event?

If it is a business dinner, where business is on the agenda, you should go with the black sheath dress. It’s classic, but dressy and it means business.

On the other hand, if this is a social dinner you could go with the coral jersey dress. It’s more casual for dinner with friends, and a little too sexy for a serious business  dinner because the style of the dress is so fluid, form fitting and skin revealing, and because of the bright coral color.

As for shoes, if you go with the black for the business meeting, the shoes should be a closed toe black pump in leather, suede or patent leather.

If you go with the coral cowl neck dress,  you can wear a dressier shoe like a strappy nude or gold shoe.

Whatever you decide, don’t sweat it. Get dressed and feel confident. Your self-confidence will make you shine, no matter what you wear.