What to Wear Where

With food being such an integral part of life, it’s no surprise that we deem meals as worthy events on our social calendars. While at home you may opt for your coziest sweats and loungewear, dining out provides the opportunity to don clothing that you might not wear just around the house or to the office. Be it your weekly date night with your partner or your monthly gathering with your gals, dining out is the ideal opportunity to showcase your style, try a new trend, or bring out that beloved little black dress that always makes you feel beautiful.

We enlisted Sarah Villella, manager and buyer of Narcissus boutique in Tallahassee, to advise readers on what to wear to brunch, a date-night dinner, and a formal dinner.

Photo by Sarah Villella Narcissus

Brunch

In recent years, brunch has become just as much of a verb as it is a noun. Both an activity and a meal, the occasion calls for an outfit. Where brunch may be the most casual of the meals, it doesn’t mean your fashion sense should slack.

Villella notes that matching sets are having a moment. Sets are easy and breezy while still appearing put together. Villella loves the vibrant boucle set from Cinq à Sept or fringe knit set from Rails styled with comfy sandals or sneakers.

For the summer months, a sundress is a sure bet. Villella’s favorite sundress brands include Farm Rio for playful prints and Staud for classic tailored silhouettes. Depending on the restaurant, dress up with wedges or down with a stylish pair of sneakers.

Photo by Sarah Villella Narcissus

Date-Night Dinner

Whether you’re heading to your go-to spot or a new restaurant that’s been on your list, date night calls for a pop of pizzazz or testing a trend. Consider a flashy pair of heels, bold bag, colorful top, or statement-making jacket from Generation Love paired with a tried-and-true pair of denim. Villella recommends Narcissus’ best-selling Mother jeans. They provide just enough give while holding their shape (ideal for a meal) and are offered in straight or flare for everyday wear.

Going somewhere with more dollar signs and star ratings? Elevate the look with a silk skirt or a wrap dress, then add a few more accessories like a statement necklace or an eye-catching clutch.

When thinking of a dinner outfit, consider where else the night could lead. If rooftop cocktails or dancing are a part of your evening, a versatile, fun outfit will have you feeling confident all night long.

Photo by Sarah Villella Narcissus

Formal Dinner

From wedding receptions to charity gala dinners, Narcissus is your go-to destination to get your gown and all of the accessories. Villella suggests a dramatic ruffled one-shoulder gown from Teri Jon because it is a beautiful silhouette on anybody and any body. Additionally, Narcissus sells the iconic floral ruffle gown Dakota Fanning wore in the popular Netflix series The Perfect Couple in every solid color or the same pink floral print. Add a pearl clutch from Lele Sadoughi and earrings from Dean Davidson to complete the look.

A formal event is the time to venture into styles you wouldn’t wear every day, such as a plunging neckline or a bold slit. You can be adventurous in other ways with a vibrant print or a full-fledged sequin ensemble.

If you’re in for an evening of Champagne toasts and steak dinners, you’ll want to look and feel your best. The Narcissus team of professionals specializes in finding the fit for you when investing in an evening gown.