What to Wear to a Fine Dining Restaurant | Maxwell's Restaurant & Bar

What Is Smart Casual Dress Code?

Smart casual means neat, well-fitted clothes without jeans, t-shirts, or athletic wear. For men: dress pants or chinos, collared shirt, clean shoes. For women: dress pants, skirt, or dress with appropriate top.

Smart casual is approachable but polished. You look intentional without the formality of business casual or formal wear.

What About Business Casual?

Business casual adds a blazer to smart casual. Men: dress pants, collared shirt, blazer or sweater, clean shoes. Women: dress pants or skirt, blouse, blazer, closed-toe shoes.

This is the dress code for many upscale restaurants. It signals respect for the establishment while remaining comfortable and accessible.

What Does Formal Attire Require?

Formal means suit and tie for men; cocktail dress or formal gown for women. Men's suits should be dark (navy, charcoal, black) with a dress shirt and tie. Women typically wear cocktail dresses (knee-length or longer) or formal pants.

Few restaurants require formal attire today. It's reserved for special occasions or specific fine dining temples. If in doubt, ask the restaurant when booking.

What Should You Absolutely Avoid?

Avoid: athletic wear, ripped jeans, graphic t-shirts, flip-flops, tank tops, or excessively casual clothing. These signal disrespect to the restaurant and other diners.

If the restaurant specifies a dress code, follow it. If they don't specify, default to business casual. Err on the side of formality—underdressing is worse than overdressing slightly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if you show up underdressed?

Most restaurants will seat you if you're respectably dressed, though the maître d' might make a comment. Call ahead if unsure about the dress code.

Can you wear a blazer without a tie and call it dressy?

Yes, absolutely. A blazer over a nice shirt without a tie is business casual to smart casual. Many restaurants accept this level of dress.

Are open-toe shoes acceptable at fine dining?

For women, yes—open-toe heels or dressy sandals are fine. For men, typically no; closed-toe dress shoes are expected.

Do restaurants still enforce 'no athletic wear' policies?

Some do, some don't. It depends on the restaurant's level and culture. When in doubt, ask. Most upscale places discourage athletic wear.