Page 132 - South Mississippi Living - May, 2023

SHOPPING
story by Barbara Travis
WHAT TO WEAR TO DINNER
Going out to dinner is a double treat... a relief from kitchen duties and an opportunity to dress up and showcase those fun and fancy items scattered throughout your closet. Most importantly,
dining out offers precious quality time with a spouse, significant other, friends, or family. Whether dressing for a casual or elegant restaurant or an outdoor barbecue, having appropriate, ready-to-go outfits is the key to looking your out-to-dinner best.
MENU & THE MOOD
With so many excellent choices for what to wear to dinner, the best advice is to keep it simple. The first thing to know is where you’re going, if there’s a dress code, and what the mood or ambience is like. Dress accordingly. If you don’t know for sure, then great fitting jeans with a knock- out top or jacket, kitten heels or metallic sandals, and a gold or silver cuff bracelet are a foolproof formula for most any restaurant. Just smile, sip your wine, and enjoy the conversation and the company!
A BLAZER & SKINNY JEANS
I’m a big believer in the power of jackets. Blazers, in particular, are excep- tionally versatile. Classic in cut, they can easily take on an updated look with stylish twists in color, length, fabric choices, and nouveau touches like puffed sleeves em- broidery, and embellishments. Paired with skinny jeans and accessories, blazers make a sure-fire winning combination for casual out-to-dinner wear.
A simple switch from a camisole or tee
to a satin blouse and a shoe change from sandals or flats to a low or mid-heel can quickly elevate skinny or straight leg jeans and blazer to more sophisticated attire. So, unless you’re headed to a fancy restaurant with a strict dress code, dark denim and a jacket works for both men and women. Eye-catching accessories are the defining secret sauce.
ALL BLACK & BOLD SANDALS
All black or all neutral outfits are the perfect palette for bright accessories, a fun handbag and attention-grabbing footwear. A bold sandal and statement earrings can quickly take a classic solid color outfit up a fashion notch. Little things mean a lot. A well-fitting black dress, skirt or pants are time-tested wardrobe staples that always lay a beautiful soft-spoken founda- tion for more outspoken finishing touches.
A MAXI-DRESS & MULES
Long, flowing maxi-dresses with ultra feminine, romantic looks are a favorite this season. The lighter fabrics in floral
LEFT: Maxi-Dress & Mules
RIGHT: All Black & Bold Accessory
prints with tiers, ruffles, or knife pleats; puffed and exaggerated sleeves; and their overall link to grace and gentle- ness make them perfect for date night and special occasion dining. Sandals and flats pair perfectly with a maxi- dress, and currently the most popular flat is the mule. Mules (closed-toe slides) are super comfortable and available
in a wide range of styles, colors, and fabrics. Pick one and stylishly slide into your night out.
COMING TOGETHER OVER FOOD AND DRINK IS A HAPPY SLICE OF LIFE. DRESSING FOR DINNER
SHOULD BE AS MUCH FUN AS DECIDING ON DESSERT!
132 | May 2023 www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living