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Part of curating a wardrobe of proper men’s style essentials involves having the right tools – the right style pieces – on hand for a variety of situations. What works at the office might not work on date night, for instance, and what works on a coastal vacation might not work during a visit to a steakhouse. This all brings to what to wear to a steakhouse. 

This cornerstone of dining culture delivers many things at once: A hearty meal, an ode to old-school class and style, and a very specific dining experience. A visit to a steakhouse is an experience unto itself, and dressing for a steakhouse means meeting the moment accordingly. Here’s our guide on proper steakhouse attire.

Understanding the Steakhouse Ambience

A steakhouse is a classic dinner setting that’s stood the test of time. A steakhouse typically focuses on classic, more conservative decor – unlike flashy nightclubs or cocktail bars filled with bold color (more on this in a second). Steakhouses usually feature old-world touches like wood-paneled rooms, rich, warm lightning and of course, formal white tablecloth services and presentation. 

Accordingly, each atmosphere is different, as are the clientele. 

These more upscale steakhouses are also joined by casual steakhouses, one where the atmosphere leans a bit more towards a night out than a formal dinner. Expect modern touches like a menu infused with modern twists on cocktails, plus inventive dishes beyond just typical steak dinners. Conservative steakhouses generally draw in a slightly older crowd, while more casual, modern steakhouses bring in a younger crowd, often in advance of (or in place of) a typical evening on the town.

General Dress Code Guidelines

A modern guy is prepared for all manner of style situations (at least, that’s what we like to say here at The Guy’s List), and a great way to get ahead when it comes to what to wear to a steakhouse is to properly survey the restaurant’s dress code in advance. 

Of course, dressing for both comfort and style is key, but there are certain rules to be followed at many steakhouses. Most, if not all steakhouses will ban items like athletic shorts and sneakers, and many also require proper trousers – like jeans, chinos or linen pants – as opposed to shorts. Some steakhouses might even require that men wear a blazer or sportcoat, while accessories like hats and sunglasses are also often banned. 

Regardless of the setting, there’s a tricky balance between overdressing and dressing beneath the dress code. When in doubt, stick to what you know: Items like a navy blazer and dark blue jeans or dark trousers, along with freshly polished dress shoes (or even dressy leather sneakers, based on the setting) are often acceptable, versatile and ready for anything. 

Steakhouse Outfit Ideas

Outfit #1 – Casual Steakhouse Outfit (Warm Weather)

While some steakhouse settings call for a blazer or a sportcoat (or even a proper suit), a modem steakhouse with a more casual vibe offers a more relaxed – yet not sloppy – dress code. This typically means collared shirts are still required (or else, a jacket will need to be worn over pieces like a T-shirt). And for warm weather, it’s tough to top the versatility of an on-trend camp collar shirt. 

The lay-flat collar is fashionable and eye-catching, although a nicely crafted polo shirt could also work in this situation. In place of dress pants, opt for lightweight five-pocket pants that look like chinos but feel like jeans, and then accent the look with contrasting suede loafers. They blend the comfort of a sneaker with the look of a traditional loafer, all the while remaining more laidback. A minimal brown leather dress watch shows you mean business while remaining subtly stylish, too. 

Outfit #2 – Casual Steakhouse Outfit (Cold Weather)

A cold-weather steakhouse outing is as much a style challenge as it is food for the soul, quite literally – a hearty steak and a fine pour of whiskey are excellent moves on brisk days. And when dressing for a casual steakhouse in the cold weather, meeting the situation outside is as important as dressing for what awaits you at dinner. At a casual steakhouse, a jacket likely isn’t required, so a well-crafted flannel shirt in a flattering fit can often work well (leave the flannel you wear for yard work at home, though). 

A field jacket meets the casually cool vibe as your overcoat of choice, and since this is a casual steakhouse, a pair of crisply cut dark blue jeans will work well on your bottom half. And again, since the dress code leans laidback, the key is opting for a pair of rugged-yet-versatile leather boots, this time in a classic Chelsea boot design. They’re not as formal as dress shoes, and not as casual as sneakers.

Outfit #3 – Upscale Steakhouse (Warm Weather)

Beating the heat in style should be the mission of any modern man, right? And dressing properly for a steakhouse brings with it another set of stylistic challenges, especially in warm weather. The key is striking the right balance between overly dressy and overly warm in terms of temperature, which is why a moisture-wicking stretch blazer provides both polish and comfort. A white dress shirt (which can easily work with a tie, if needed) is another crucial move for a dressy look, while linen trousers work well in the heat and look as stylish as traditional dress pants in a heavier fabric. 

Warm weather allows for a slight change in terms of footwear – in this case, leather loafers are sartorially sharp and seasonally appropriate. To finish it all off, a handsome leather belt keeps things sharp from head to toe.

Outfit #4 – Upscale Steakhouse (Cold Weather)

For as vital as it is to put your best foot forward even in the heat, meeting the dress code of an upscale steakhouse in a cold-weather setting is just as important – particularly if you’ve got a date to impress (more on that in a second). The building blocks of this look remain the same, from a crisp blazer to stylish boots to a freshly pressed dress shirt. But the difference is in the fall and winter-ready fabrics, from a wool blazer to a pair of sleek corduroy trousers. Even the tie is wool for a dash of winter-ready appeal, while wingtip boots provide traction and a razor-sharp look from the ground up.

Outfit #5 – Business Dinner Outfit

If you’ve read The Guy’s List, you should surely know that every scenario calls for something a little bit different, particularly when the situation involves a business dinner – as you’ll see, our guide to proper attire for a steakhouse covers all the bases. Dressing for a business dinner is different from dressing for cold or warm weather, in that it’s naturally more formal by nature. 

Case in point: A crisp, finely tailored suit in a dark color works as well at a business dinner as it does during a client presentation at the office, while a light blue shirt adds a touch of color without overdoing it. The shirt also contrasts nicely with a deep burgundy tie, which nicely balances the look. And since shoes and a stylish watch are of the utmost importance, invest in a pair you can wear more than once, along with a suitably dressy (and affordable) watch.

Outfit #6 – Date Night Dinner Outfit

Out of every scenario when it comes to what to wear to a steakhouse, a date night might prove the most tricky. There’s the added atmosphere of the date itself – in the early stages particularly –  as well as meeting the demands of either an upscale or a casual steakhouse. Throw in navigating the wine menu and selecting the perfect cut of steak, and you’ve got plenty on your plate. Yet, opting for a distinctive shirt – one with more style than a traditional dress shirt – is a wise move on your top half. You can even add a blazer or a rugged, classically cool shawl cardigan based on the weather outside. 

Black chinos in a flattering cut are a timeless, flattering move – they’re dressy, yet not as dressy as black suit pants. 

And best of all is the fact that they contrast handsomely with your Chelsea boots, which are the perfect meeting between edgy, dressy and casually cool. Add a sleek dress watch, and you’ve hit the right balance of high-low style for date night.

Final Tips and Etiquette

Figuring out what to wear to a steakhouse is only half the battle. Be it a business dinner, a date night or a warm weather visit to a steakhouse, keeping your mug well-groomed and the rest of your hygiene in order is a crucial tip not to be overlooked. Running through a final checklist of sorts is also wise – make sure your outfit is up to par with the restaurant’s dress code, ensure you’ve got your wallet and cell phone, make sure to arrive on time, if not early. 

Taking care to select stylish, wrinkle-free options is also a safe bet – don’t be afraid to use an iron as needed. And from the ground up, your footwear should match your outfit and the dress code of the restaurant at hand. For a finishing touch, add a spritz of the best men’s cologne in your rotation, without overdoing it. The same can be said for your accessories, be it a minimal bracelet, a subtle necklace or your wristwatch of choice. Follow this checklist, and then prepare in style for your next night out at a fine steakhouse. 

Conclusion

Sorting out what to wear at a steakhouse is both a specific endeavor and one that can actually be as fun as navigating the menu itself. It comes down to figuring out the balance – and the dress code – between a casual steakhouse and an upscale steakhouse, and then sorting out your outfit accordingly. Some steakhouse settings might ban certain accessories or forms of dress, but all are often centered around dressing properly for a special occasion. 

Tailoring your outfit – whether casual or formal – to warm weather is critical, as is adding appropriate finishing touches, like a sportcoat or a tie. Choosing proper footwear goes a long way, be it laidback suede loafers or dress boots on a cold winter’s night. 

Above all, dressing confidently and appropriately is a must, and goes a long way toward solidifying a memorable night out – be it a date or a business dinner. And white not every look applies to every single scenario (the beauty of mixing and matching pieces), many of these same items can work in multiple settings. Ready to place your order and find the perfect cut of steak on the menu at your go-to steakhouse? Feel free to share your steakhouse outfit ideas in the comments below – The Guy’s List is all ears, all the time, and ready to help you nail your next steakhouse #OOTD.

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