For an anniversary dinner, wear a dress one step dressier than the restaurant: a polished midi for a casual favorite, a statement gown for fine dining, and a bold color for a cocktail bar. Put the detail at the neckline, since your partner sees you from the waist up across the table, and bring a layer because dining rooms run cold.
How dressy should you be for an anniversary dinner?
Match the restaurant, then go one notch up. An anniversary is the one dinner where overdressing a little feels right.
| Where you are going | What to wear | Dress to try |
|---|---|---|
| Your casual favorite or a neighborhood spot | A simple dark midi with flats or block heels | Kelly Dress |
| An upscale sit-down restaurant | A white A-line gown that nods to your wedding day, plus heels | Bria Dress |
| Fine dining or a hotel restaurant | A floor-length gown with a romantic print | Adrienne Dress |
| A cocktail bar, rooftop or show | A bold color and a dramatic neckline, with heels | Delphine Dress |
What details matter most at a dinner table?
For most of the night, the person across from you sees the top third of your dress. The neckline, sleeves and color do almost all the work. The skirt matters for the walk in and the walk out.
- Choose an interesting neckline: sweetheart, square, V-neck, halter or embellished.
- Puff sleeves, beading or shimmer near the face show up in candlelight.
- Wear earrings or a necklace you would not wear on a regular day.
- Skip a busy skirt paired with a plain bodice. Put the interest where it will be seen.
What color should you wear to an anniversary dinner?
Deep blues, purples, reds, rust and gold look rich in low restaurant light. Other good choices: a color from your wedding, the color your partner always compliments, or anything that makes you feel dressed up. Black is always safe, but a color makes the night feel different from every other dinner out.
What should you wear to an anniversary dinner in fall or winter?
- Pick sleeves, or plan a wrap, cardigan or coat before you get dressed. Restaurants are cold and parking lots are colder.
- Add sheer tights under a mini or midi.
- Choose closed-toe heels or dressy ankle boots.
- Decide on your coat early so you are not choosing at the door while the sitter waits.
Anniversary dinner dresses we recommend
Kelly Dress in Black, a midi in black jacquard. It has adjustable spaghetti straps, pockets and a back zipper. The brand suggests sizing up in black. Sizes 00 to 34. Why it fits: a polished dark midi that looks right at the quiet restaurant you have been going to for years. Bring a wrap for the walk out.
Bria Dress in White. An A-line gown with a sweetheart neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, bodice boning, a built-in bra, pockets and an invisible zipper. Sizes 00 to 34. Why it fits: a white gown is a sweet nod to your wedding day, and the sweetheart neckline does the work at the table. It is sleeveless, so plan a wrap or coat on a fall night.
Adrienne Dress in Cream, a floor-length gown with a blush floral print. It has a square neckline, flexible boning, a sleeveless bodice and a flowing A-line skirt. Sizes 00 to 34. Why it fits: it is a lot of dress for a special night, and the soft floral looks romantic in candlelight. Bring a layer, since it is sleeveless.
Delphine Dress in rust orange. A maxi with a high halter neckline, a keyhole front, a pleated drop waist, a low back and a zipper. It is sleeveless. Sizes 00 to 34. Why it fits: a bold color and a dramatic neckline for a cocktail bar or show. Add a wrap or coat for cooler weather.
See more evening options in our Cocktail Party collection.
How do you make an anniversary dinner feel special?
- Get dressed first, before the dishes and bedtime routine, so you do not arrive tired.
- Pack a small bag with a lipstick and anything that is only yours for the night.
- Wear the shoes you save for occasions, not the ones you can run errands in.
FAQ
Should I dress up for an anniversary dinner at a casual restaurant?
Yes, a little. A simple midi with nice flats or block heels looks special without feeling out of place.
Is a maxi dress too formal for an anniversary dinner?
Not always. A printed or bold-colored maxi can read relaxed and romantic. Save full gowns for fine dining or hotel restaurants.
What shoes go with an anniversary dinner dress?
Block heels, pumps or dressy flats. In fall and winter, closed-toe shoes or ankle boots keep you warm on the walk from the car.
Can I wear my wedding colors to our anniversary dinner?
Yes. A dress in one of your wedding colors is a simple way to make the night feel personal.