Art of Style

Your Guide To Elegant Date-Night Style, By 5 Fashion Insiders

Whether you’re going out for dinner, drinks or an evening at the theater, these fail-safe styling tips will help you master chic date-night dressing

As told to Colleen Ross
Fashion
Caroline Lin

Caroline Lin, content creator and fashion consultant

What three words sum up your date-night style?

“Minimal, chic and sexy.”

Which silhouettes are you most drawn to?

“I really love an open back or a plunging neckline; both can add so much character and make an outfit feel more elevated.”

Do you have any date-night style advice?

“Keep it simple; less is more. Accessorize and complement a minimal outfit with statement jewelry or a handbag, or add a little scarf to tie the whole look together.”

Which NET-A-PORTER brands do you turn to for evening outfits?

“Christopher Esber is always my go-to, while Khaite and Carven have the perfect day-to-night pieces. The Row, Saint Laurent and DeMellier are the best for accessories.”

  • VICTORIA BECKHAM
    Paneled satin midi dress
    €665.00
    Select a Size
    4 - out of stock
    6 - out of stock
    8 - out of stock
    10 - out of stock
    12 - out of stock
    14 - out of stock
  • SHAY
    Orbit 18-karat gold diamond necklace
    €10,490.00
  • SAVETTE
    Slim Symmetry Pochette textured-leather tote
    €1,450.00
  • SAINT LAURENT
    Jerry logo-embellished leather slingback sandals
    €1,350.00
    Select a Size
    EU 36 - out of stock
    EU 37
    EU 38 - low stock
    EU 39 - out of stock
    EU 40
    EU 41 - out of stock

Monikh Dale, stylist

How would you describe your date-night style?

“My style doesn’t really change for date night – I always stick to a simple, less-is-more approach built around quiet, reliable building blocks. I’m drawn to slightly masculine pieces, often oversized, balanced with something more shrunken to play with proportions. I love an oversized, throw-on ease that’s quietly considered, then refined with clean lines and beautiful fabrics. It’s very much a uniform. What changes are the shoes and accessories: with the kids, I’m in sneakers and carrying a tote; but for date night, I’ll swap in kitten heels or ballet flats and the smallest bag possible. Right now, The Row ‘90s’ design is my obsession.”

What is your top styling tip for date-night dressing?

“I’m currently living by the ‘wrong coat’ theory – keeping my usual uniform but finishing it with a more elevated, dressy coat. A long leather style or a luxe shearling instantly makes the look feel considered, while still feeling like me.”

What are your favorite accessories to complete an evening outfit?

“Anything by Sophie Buhai. Her designs are a real weakness of mine. I have pieces I’ve worn for years and they always elevate a look.”

What do you love most about the looks you’re wearing here?

“A long column skirt is one of my go-to silhouettes. It always makes me feel grown-up and polished, and it really works with my petite frame. The key for me is keeping the top half oversized and relaxed: an easy T-shirt or a cashmere sweater. I love the contrast and play on textures this creates. If that’s the look I’m wearing, you’ll know I’m properly out-out.”

  • KHAITE
    Amello floral-print silk-organza midi dress
    €3,620.00
    Select a Size
    0 - out of stock
    2 - out of stock
    4 - out of stock
  • PERSÉE
    Floating 18-karat gold diamond necklace
    €2,040.00
  • SOPHIE BUHAI
    Teardrop embellished satin drawstring pouch
    €1,010.00
  • CHRISTEN
    Tabi split-toe leather ballet flats
    €1,050.00
    Select a Size
    35
    36 - low stock
    37 - low stock
    38
    39 - out of stock
    40 - out of stock
    41 - low stock
Monikh Dale
Cate Underwood

Cate Underwood, photographer, model and DJ

How would you describe your date-night style?

“I’d say it’s ’90s redux with a modern flare. Tailored, bold, a little androgynous – classic with a twist. I love strong shapes and long lines but I always need one ‘wrong on purpose’ detail so it doesn’t feel too polished. And style for me isn’t just about the clothes – it’s about staying true to myself.”

Which NET-A-PORTER brands do you turn to for evening outfits?

“I go for brands that get the cut and shape right: Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga. When I want that ‘second skin/body architecture’ feeling: Rick Owens or Alaïa.”

Do you have any date-night style advice?

“My tips would be quite simple: start with one strong silhouette (blazer, clean dress, long coat) and add one unexpected detail (cut-out, texture, statement jewelry). I also love a monochrome palette. Black-and-gold is my forever code: it’s effortless and always adds attitude without being loud. But the real test is practicality: if I can’t walk, sit, eat or laugh in it, then it’s not coming on my date. I want to feel confident and present, not be adjusting myself all night long.”

Where is your favorite date-night spot?

“I like it to be candlelit and a little loud, so a bar with a pulse and good music first, then dinner in a Parisian classic, such as Le Voltaire or Allard.”

  • RICK OWENS
    Sequined denim top
    €710.00
    Select a Size
    38
    40 - out of stock
    42
    44 - out of stock
    46 - out of stock
  • MARLO LAZ
    Starburst 14-karat gold, amethyst and diamond earrings
    €7,505.00
  • MOTHER
    The Dodger Sneak mid-rise straight-leg jeans
    €234.00
    Select a Size
    23
    24
    25
    26
    27
    28
    29
    30
    31
    32 - low stock
  • SAINT LAURENT
    Babylone embellished knotted metallic leather sandals
    €1,150.00
    Select a Size
    EU 36
    EU 37
    EU 37.5 - out of stock
    EU 38
    EU 38.5 - out of stock
    EU 39 - low stock
    EU 39.5 - out of stock
    EU 40
    EU 41
    EU 42

Carla Ginola, model and content creator

Which three words sum up your date-night style?

“Effortless, feminine and confident; always chic, never overdone.”

What is your go-to outfit?

“A sharp minimal look. A pencil skirt (I love the Nour Hammour ones) with an open shirt, statement earrings and a great bag.”

Do you prefer heels or flats?

“I’d say both! Heels for impact (especially in winter); flats for effortless cool (so chic in summer).”

What makes the outfits you’re wearing here perfect for a date?

“They feel chic and confident without trying too hard – feminine but strong! Exactly how I want to feel on a date.”

Where is your favorite date-night spot?

“An intimate, cozy restaurant with great food and a relaxed atmosphere.”

  • RABANNE
    Off-the-shoulder stretch-lace midi dress
    €534.00
    Select a Size
    34 - out of stock
    36 - out of stock
    38
    40 - out of stock
    42 - out of stock
    44 - out of stock
  • TOM FORD
    Aura leather clutch
    €1,850.00
  • BALENCIAGA
    Double-breasted oversized cashmere and wool-blend coat
    €2,220.00
    Select a Size
    34 - out of stock
    36
    38 - out of stock
  • MIZUKI
    14-karat gold, pearl and diamond ear cuff
    €1,000.00
Carla Ginola
Nina Sandbech

Nina Sandbech, content creator

If you had 15 minutes to get dressed for a date, what would you wear?

“Sexy heels, a pair of black pants or dark jeans and a statement jacket.

What makes the perfect date-night outfit?

“I like an outfit to have some extra details, like the flower on the pink dress [pictured here], the train on the red mini skirt or the cape-effect top in the burgundy look. Finally, mixing and matching with bold jewelry or gloves to give the outfit that something extra.”

Do you have any date-night style advice?

“Wear something that makes you feel good. It could be a particular color you love or your favorite high heels. I also think it’s better to be overdressed than underdressed.”

Which NET-A-PORTER brands do you turn to for evening outfits?

“I’m a big fan of Alaïa. The shapes, materials and details are so good. I also love its shoes and bags. Another brand would be Saint Laurent; you can never go wrong with a Saint Laurent outfit – it’s just sexy.”

  • GIVENCHY
    Draped cady midi dress
    €2,100.00
    Select a Size
    34 - out of stock
    36 - out of stock
    38 - low stock
    40 - out of stock
    42 - out of stock
    44 - out of stock
  • JENNIFER MEYER
    Cascading Dome 18-karat gold earrings
    €7,250.00
  • VERONICA DE PIANTE
    Gabriele leopard-print calf hair coat
    €2,995.00
    Select a Size
    38 - out of stock
    40 - out of stock
    42 - out of stock
    44
  • ALAÏA
    Shearling jacket
    €5,900.00
    Select a Size
    34 - out of stock
    36 - out of stock
    38 - out of stock
    40 - low stock
    42