GUEST POST: BROOKE FROM BELTS AND BANGLES ON DRESSING UP FOR A NIGHT OUT

Happy Friday, Lovelies!

Today, I have a Guest Post by Brooke from Belts and Bangles all about dressing up for a night out with friends, something I love to do!

She lays out, in 4 easy steps, just how you can put together the perfect look before heading out to a nice dinner with friends! 

Enjoy, and thank you to Brooke for such an informative post! Also, a "Happy Birthday" to my super older sister, Danielle!!! :)

Enjoy a Night Out: Dressing Up for Dinner With Friends

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Unless you're heading out for a happy hour right after work, it's always fun to choose a new outfit when you go out to dinner with your friends. It's a great excuse to break out that dress you love or your favorite blouse or sweater, even if they aren't part of your regular wardrobe rotation. 

The type of restaurant you're going to will affect what type of outfit is best, but stick with some of these tips as you put together your outfit.

(photo credits: image 1 via Alicia Fashionista / image 2 via Ramshackle Glam)

1. Start with the main pieces of your outfit, which may be a skirt and blouse, nice sweater and pants, or a dress. If you aren't sure what the appropriate type of outfit would be, check the restaurant's website or Facebook page. It'll often have photos that show diners and you can check out what they're wearing. Especially if it's a classy restaurant, choose items that are in subdued colors and patterns so you look nice and don't stand out like a sore thumb! 

2. Pick a pair of shoes that match the outfit and are comfortable. Flats are often the perfect choice for restaurants, especially if you have them in lots of colors that can go with different outfits. For a nicer restaurant, you may want to pull out a pair of pumps or wedges instead to take the look to the next level. Unless you're going to a super casual restaurant, like an island-style Hawaiian place, leave the flip flops at home! 

3. Add accessories to complete your look and draw attention to key areas. A pair of earrings may be the perfect choice if your top is patterned and a necklace would get lost in it. Earrings with elaborate patterns and visual interest have the added perk of giving people something to look at or talk about if there's a lull in conversation. If you're going to wear bracelets out for dinner, remember that you may not want an armful of bangles that could get obnoxious as you're eating dinner. 

4. Choose a coat that will complement your outfit rather than clashing with it. You shouldn't necessarily grab your big puffy jacket on the coat hook by the door if it doesn't go with the rest of your outfit. Even though you'll probably take your coat off as soon as you sit down at the table, you want to look put together before then, too, especially if the restaurant is a popular one where there may be a long wait time before you get a table.

Dressing up for dinner is the perfect way to make an evening with friends more memorable. Although you don't need to go out and buy an entirely new outfit, you may want to add an item or two to make your dinner wardrobe more versatile. 

Plus, you want to have things that let you express your personality as you spend time with the people you enjoy!