Everything You Should Wear Out to Dinner Right Now

Washing your favorite T-shirt and taking a shower is certainly one way to get ready for a night out, but the men at Paul Smith’s dinner honoring John Legend earlier this week did not go that route. With their bold suits and statement jackets—items perfected by Smith and embraced by Legend—they raised the bar for the weeknight-hang wardrobe extremely high. Now that the weather has turned and you’re spending more time out in the world, you might consider these moves—if only because you don’t want to wear out your favorite T-shirt before 4th of July weekend. And also because, after so many months spent indoors, you’ll be surprised how good it feels to wear something teal.

Eyes-Up-Here Gear

We’re fans of good boots, but if you’re heading to a sit-down dinner, it helps to have something interesting going on above the waist too. John Legend’s pale pink shirt and coral jacket combination certainly draws attention. Also cool: Sir Paul Smith’s snazzy color-blocked tie.

That Very Good Jacket

Professional party-starter and ageless wonder Lionel Richie knows how to turn an ordinary outfit into a memorable one. His preferred move? Yes, teal suede moto jacket. Yes, the risk of staining your teal suede moto jacket is relatively high at a dinner party, but what is life without risk?

Solid Gold

This particular double-breasted situation might be specific to those situations when you’re Kevin Hart in Los Angeles and need something to wear to the Chateau Marmont. OK, maybe just that situation. But gold? Yeah, gold is good. Wear a gold watch or signet ring. Wear a gold watch and a gold signet ring. Gold is dressy and just a little ‘70s tacky—which makes it perfect for a dinner party.

Level-10 Tailoring

If you thought Henry Golding was well-dressed in “Crazy, Rich Asians”, you should see him in real life. The man knows his way around a statement tuxedo. That kind of commitment to formality isn’t for everyone, but wearing a power suit when the mood strikes is universal.

Your Blue Suit—Remixed

Mr Hudson is doing here what thousands of men and women do at dinner parties every year: making good use of an old classic. You take the blue or black suit that fits you like a glove and you figure out some new way to wear it. Okay sure, fine, yes: possibly with your favorite T-shirt.

Originally Appeared on GQ