From cosy country pubs to lively city bars, an evening out calls for an outfit that’s stylish yet practical. You want something that works just as well for a round of drinks by the fire as it does for late-night cocktails.
So, let’s take a look at what to wear when going out for drinks. This wearable line-up will have you ready for every occasion, whether celebrating something special, spontaneously heading to your local, or even enjoying a drink before a trip to the theatre.
Casual vs Smart Casual Looks
What to Wear to the Pub with Friends
If you are a lover of the daytime sesh, dressing for the wine bar culture is usually an easy look to achieve. Most people are out and about shopping during the day and are normally sporting a smart casual look, so blending in is quite simple. Day drinks are usually accompanied by a spot of lunch or bottomless brunch that we all love and a smart jacket and shirt are absolutely ideal for the unexpected madness that an afternoon pub crawl can often bring!
A pair of smart brogues or Chelsea boots will keep you looking relaxed and presentable for as long as the day lasts and why not pull on some fun looking socks to brighten the mood! Most pubs, restaurants and bars have smart casual dress codes that must be adhered to and this always helps us to select the right outfit for those noisy afternoon beverages. For the ladies, wearing a pair of skinny jeans with a smart Tweed blazer gives off a true sense of preppy elegance, paired with Chelsea boots and a little clutch purse, meandering through the town merrily with your girlfriends has never looked so good.
Date Night Drinks Outfit Ideas
For those of us who prefer to let our hair down from the evening right through to the early hours, effort is the key to the winning look. A Saturday night on the town in the 80’s and 90’s was the pinnacle of a hardworking week. The time and effort that we put in just to look photo ready in our favourite club was as much as another working day.
The heated hair rollers would be out, our favourite music would be blaring, and our taxi had already been booked. Our favourite nail polish selection would be strewn over the dining table and Mum would be shouting at us to go and get ready away out of her sight. Waiting a whole week just to have our silly, drunken snaps developed was way too exciting and we would all gather at our friends eagerly waiting to see them almost as soon as they had been developed.
Sadly, gone are the days where we simply didn’t have to worry about looking dreadful in the background of a photo that had been uploaded for everybody to see without our permission, so we need to be looking our very best and ready for that I phone camera lurking around waiting to capture us off guard.
Prepare your night with time to spare to avoid the little things that could go wrong. It is often a good idea to confer with your pals to see what they are thinking of wearing for that much needed night out. This can help to prevent outfit clashes and will ensure that you don’t appear under dressed whilst your friends are looking a million dollars.
For the guys, wearing a smart pair of Navy jeans, with an Oxford shirt and a pair of tan brogues will certainly have you ready to hit the dancefloor with the guys. We all know how chilly it can get as the nights draws in, and ensuring that you have a stylish Blazer will more than help to keep those dreaded nightly chills at bay.
As you ladies need a little more sparkle on the big night out, its all about having an open mind. Skinny jeans and Boots are the key to rocking that country night out in the local town or village. Shirts and ponchos really define that sophisticated look and they work with almost anything. Accessorise with a cute little saddle bag for that extra equestrian feel. Nothing looks better than classical country clothing, it holds a rich and chic and style, and is more than perfect for the village night out.
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FAQs: What to Wear Going Out for Drinks
What’s a good smart casual look for drinks?
Think dark jeans or chinos with a crisp shirt or blouse, and swap in boots or loafers to sharpen things up.
Can I wear trainers for a night out for drinks?
Yes, if they’re clean and stylish. Avoid anything too sporty or worn out.
What should men wear for casual drinks at a pub?
A polo or button-down shirt with jeans or chinos works perfectly. Add a jacket if you want to step it up.
How do I dress for drinks after work?
Stick with your work basics but loosen up the look – ditch the tie, roll up your sleeves, and switch formal shoes for something more relaxed.
