Fashion: Dine outside stylishly
Managed to secure an outdoor dinner reservation? Here’s how to look stylish and keep warm for an al fresco evening
With indoor restaurant dining not back on the menu for a couple of weeks, your only choice for now is dining outdoors.
But with all the excitement of eating food not cooked in your kitchen and by someone that isn’t yourself, you might forget about the realities of dining al fresco — what to wear.
Even in summer, sitting outdoors to dine comes with a fashion predicament — how to look stylish and keep warm. Thanks to our unpredictable Irish weather, you might start your meal in the balmy summer heat. Unfortunately, the weather could change after the first course, leaving you freezing. Being prepared is integral to navigate outdoor dining. Simple things like checking the weather forecast and the restaurant’s outdoor set-up will help minimise risk, but you also have to put some thought into your outdoor look. It’s all about choosing clever pieces that you can layer up or down.
Firstly, opt for a transitional jacket in a summer-ready shade; a coloured leather jacket will tick the stylish and cosy boxes and isn’t bulky to wear when eating.
The same goes for a bright knit that can be easily rolled up and chucked into a tote bag if you get too warm.
A midi dress will bring the style kudos, but the length is practical, and you can add thin layers underneath for extra comfort if needed.
Trousers or denim in bright, colourful shades are ideal for outdoor dinner plans, pair with a long-sleeved blouse that you can subtly layer underneath too.