What to wear to a wine bar

You don’t want to show up underdressed or wearing a black-tie outfit to a wine bar. But you also don’t want to show up wearing a sundress with flip flops or cheap fabrics. 

Whether you are going to a swanky wine bar or for a special date night or a casual meetup with a friend, your attire should ideally strike the right balance between formal and casual.

It’s of course optional to wear a certain type of attire, but if you’re fashion-conscious, you can’t go wrong with a smart-casual or polished look. Wine bar establishments also usually appreciate when patrons maintain certain standards of dressing, and you’re more likely to feel confident in clothes that reflect the mood of the setting too. 

You can also check the wine bar’s dress code to make it easier to choose appropriate clothing before you visit.

Not sure how to style your outfit for a night filled with wine sipping and hors d’oeuvres? This short guide can help. 

 

Women’s Outfit Ideas For Wine Bar

1. Smart-Casual Attire 

Smart casual attire is perfect for transitioning seamlessly from office to a wine bar. 

There is nothing more classic than silk camisoles and blazers for this. It’s a perfect fit for casual but elegant wear. 

Here’s how you can style the look: Pair a silk camisole with your favourite blazer. For the bottoms, you can add your go-to dark jeans or pair them with trousers in a soft fabric. Some formal skirts can also work, but may look a bit too stiff for the setting.

Top the ensemble off with pointed-toe flats or low heels for comfort and style.

Another good option here can be the Elevated Shirt Dress. Simply choose a shirt dress in a solid colour or subtle print. Cinch it with a sleek belt to show off your silhouette. 

If that’s not your style, you can also tuck a crisp buttoned-down shirt into high-waisted tailored trousers for a similarly refined look. This works with a drapey blouse too. Just keep a button or two undone to add a little more casual touch to this ensemble.

Here’s a Victoria Beckham outfit you can borrow inspiration from: 

Makeup Ideas for This Look

Keep your makeup light and fresh. 

Try a tinted moisturiser, soft eyeshadow, and a neutral lip colour. Remember, not to over-do your makeup since you want to go with clean, minimalistic look. Anything over-the-top is not recommended.

 

Hair and Jewellery

Accessorise with simple stud earrings and a delicate bracelet. A small crossbody bag and comfortable yet stylish flats or low heels work great to give the finishing touches to your outfit. 

You can wear your hair down or do a simple bun to compliment the fit. 

 

2. An Elegant Dress

A little black dress is known as such for a reason. That always works — just style it with eye-catching earrings for a balanced look. 

Another option can be a one-shoulder gown with a smooth fabric. 

Add the final touch to the look with stiletto heels matching the color of your outfit.

Kendall Jenner wore a similar outfit with an all-black look, pairing up with glasses and bold black earrings. We love this look, and maybe you can style something similar with pieces from your wardrobe. 

If you want to go with a long dress that’s not necessarily black, you can also opt for a velvet dress with a subtle shimmer. This gives a more luminous look, which is perfect to go with the lighting of the wine bar. Finish the look with stilettos or heels. 

Lastly, wrap dresses are just perfect for not overdressing but still looking chic. Go with a non-printed wrap dress, either full-length or short. Preferably, the fabric should be wrinkle-free, so satin or polyester fabric make for comfortable choices.

 

Makeup Ideas for This Look

When wearing elegant dresses, go for subtle glamour. Think smoky eyes, a touch of highlighter, and bold lips.

 

Accessories and Hair

Pair the dress with delicate jewellery like pearl earrings or a slim gold necklace. A small clutch and classic heels can complete the outfit.

 

3. Layered Look

Layering is all about combining different pieces to create a rich, textured look that’s both cozy and stylish as per your personal style. This can be a versatile option that you should easily be able to put together with your existing wardrobe pieces.

You can try matching wide-leg trousers with a blouse or shirt. A corset worn on the top can be an excellent option to add some interest to the outfit.

For winters, you can pair a skirt with a turtleneck sweater or a bodysuit. Finish the look with a jacket or coat. If you’re going with a short skirt, try mesh stockings.

Evening shoes like pumps or boots can both be great options for footwear, depending on the fit you’ve put together.

We love this look Selena Gomez put together:

Remember, a layered look is always about your personal style. Whether it’s dresses, pants, or skirts — you can blend a mix of your preference and complete the outfit. 

Make Up Ideas for This Look

For layered outfits, go for versatile makeup. Try a natural eye look with bold lip shades to pop up your lips. 

 

Accessories and Hair

Accessorise with a long necklace that peeks through layers and a wrap bracelet.

Long boots always pair the best with a layered look if you’re going for a dress or skirt. For long dresses or pants, you can go with heels or flats. 

 

Men’s Outfit Ideas For Wine Bar

1. Blazer and Shirt

Command attention in a blazer with a subtle texture. Pair with a crisp cotton shirt that has a subtle texture or pattern. 

If you don’t want to appear too formal, pair the blazer with a plain cotton t-shirt on the inside. 

For the pants, opt for a well-appointed but not skin-fit pair of pants. Your trousers or jeans should be a regular fit; even too baggy doesn’t work for the place. 

If you are wearing a shirt, opt for a pair of Oxfords. You can replace them with sneakers if you want to go the more casual route and wear a cotton t-shirt.

2. Smart Casual Outfits

For a smart casual approach, consider a button-down shirt, preferably one that’s made of cotton. Roll up the sleeves neatly to the elbow for a laid-back yet refined look. 

Pair this with trousers in complementary neutral colours or some denim for a less formal fit. You can also complement the attire with a small yet visible necklace. A small leather strap watch on your wrist can also highlight the overall outfit. 

Korean superstar from BTS, V, was spotted rocking the smart-casual outfit effortlessly. Maybe this also drums up some inspiration for you!

3.  Layered Approach

Layered outfits look amazing when done correctly. Begin with a V-neck sweater layered over a collared shirt beneath. 

The shirt’s collar should be visible above the sweater’s neckline to highlight the layered look. Add a loose-fit trouser for the bottoms and finish with your favourite pair of sneakers. 

To enhance the outfit, you can also add a cross-body bag. 

This look is also quite “in” for this season. Various influencers and celebrities have been following the layered look. Here’s an example:

Wine Bar Dress Code Conclusion

Remember, the key to styling an outfit for any place is to be confident and comfortable. Your outfits should highlight your best features and allow for graceful but free movements. If anything from this list doesn’t match your style, don’t force it. 

Also steer clear from hopping on a trend bandwagon if it’s not comfortable for you or matches your style. The stress of dressing up shouldn’t take away from the joy of having a good time with your friends or special someone.

Still, try opting for outfits that don’t outright clash with the setting to blend in; but other than that, remember to wear your smile first of foremost.

Also, the outfits above are just an inspiration. Feel free to experiment and mismatch the outfits as per your preferences.