Fine Dining Attire Through the Ages

Fine dining has always been about more than exquisite cuisine—it’s an experience steeped in tradition, etiquette, and style. Over the centuries, what we wear to these elegant establishments has evolved dramatically, reflecting shifts in fashion, culture, and social norms. From the opulent ball gowns and tailored suits of the past to today’s more flexible yet refined dress codes, fine dining attire continues to adapt while maintaining an air of sophistication.

In this guide, we’ll explore the history of fine dining fashion, how styles have changed over time, and what’s considered appropriate attire today. Whether you're planning a night out at an upscale restaurant or simply curious about the evolution of dining dress codes, you’ll find plenty of inspiration on how to dress for the occasion.

The 19th Century: When Fine Dining Attire Revealed Your Social Standing

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In the 19th century, dressing up to eat was a cultural norm. Women would often change four or five times daily, each outfit fitting different meals or purposes. Everything was a social event during the 1800s, especially a fine dinner. This meant that dressing up for both men and women was often required, even if it was just parents and their children gathering for a meal. What you wore frequently revealed your social status at the time, significantly impacting your reputation, whether for better or worse.

Women’s attire was elegant yet modest, especially for the hostess, whose dress was never meant to overshadow that of her guests. Women always wore formal dresses with long, full skirts, short sleeves, and low necklines (to avoid staining clothing with gravy or soup). Fancier dresses were saved for evening balls, including dancing and the occasional meal. Dresses at that time were made of silk or other fine fabrics, adding to the elegance of the attire. It was common for women to wear elaborate hairstyles and jewelry, adding to the look and communicating their wealth to anyone in the room. Undergarments were an essential part of any dress, including petticoats and corsets that helped shape the silhouette of women's dresses.

For gentlemen, fine dining attire consisted of black suits with waistcoats, white ties, white dress shirts with a high collar, and gloves. Appearance was just as crucial for men as it was for women, reflecting societal norms and class distinctions. In the 1700s, men’s fine dining attire was characterized by fancy fabrics and trimmings, but in the 1800s, men’s fashion was moving more towards a restrained, conservative aesthetic, which would set the tone for the entire century.

Nearing the end of the 19th century, men began to wear tuxedos for outings while women began transitioning to long gowns cut lower than their daytime dresses.

The 20th Century: The Flapper Era & the Rise of Relaxed Fits

The 20th century brought a massive wave of change to the fashion industry. With each new decade, new styles emerged for both men and women—especially in fine dining attire.

The most significant—and perhaps most “risky”—change was the shortening of women's hemlines. While fine dining attire in the 1800s featured modest, floor-length gowns, the following century saw a dramatic shift. Before 1920, women’s dresses continued to cover the ankles, with many of them trailing the ground. However, as women gained more independence and significance in society, and as America entered the Roaring Twenties during Prohibition, hemlines started to rise.

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With an explosion of jazz, speakeasies, and liberation, the 1920s paved the way for the most significant shift in fine dining attire—ushering in the iconic flapper style. A “flapper” was a young, free-spirited woman in the 1920s who embraced a more modern, carefree lifestyle. They smoked in public, drank alcohol, and danced at jazz clubs—behaviors that shocked their parents' Victorian morals. Flappers were infamous for their fashion pieces, which played a major role in the fine dining scene of that decade. They wore shorter, calf-revealing dresses with lower necklines that weren’t typically form-fitting—a stark contrast to the corseted, floor-length dresses of the 19th century. Flapper dresses were straight and slim, abandoning corsets for more comfortable, sultry undergarments. They accessorized their outfits with high heels, headbands, close-fitting cloche hats, and long strands of beads. Men continued to wear dark-colored tuxedos with tailcoats for formal occasions, often pairing them with white dress shirts with wingtip collars. Alternatively, the “dinner jacket,” or tuxedo jacket, gained popularity in the 1920s and became a staple of less formal men's fine dining attire in the 1930s.

When the Great Depression hit, the flapper era abruptly ended—after all, there was no time for fun and excess when survival became the priority. Fashion shifted toward more conservative and practical styles, reflecting the hardships of the time. Hemlines lengthened, silhouettes fitted once more, and high necklines trended again throughout the 1930s and 1940s. Suits remained popular for men after the war, although materials were often rationed. During the 1950s–1960s, women wore full-skirted dresses (often in black) to fine dining restaurants made of quality materials like silk or velvet and paired with hats, gloves, or elegant, simple jewelry. For men, single-breasted suits rose to popularity with slimmer lapels and shorter suit jackets that reflected a more sleek look. In the 1960s, men’s formalwear shifted to a more relaxed yet polished look, featuring dark suits and loosely fitted trousers.

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The latter half of the 20th century saw major shifts in fine dining attire, gradually becoming more casual and simplistic. The 70s were still formal for women, but options like jumpsuits and high-waisted pants paired with silky blouses were a more comfortable alternative to dresses. The 80s formal attire reflected the era’s power dressing trend, which featured structured blazers and bold silhouettes. Cocktail dresses with bold patterns, sequins, and metallic fabrics were also typical for women at the time. In the 90s, minimalism was all the rage for fine dining dress codes. Women wore sleek, simple slip dresses and monochrome outfits. Black was a dominant color, popularized by the “little black dress” trend at the time.

Men’s fine dining attire also experienced several shifts in the latter half of the 1900s. Suits were still standard options for a night out in the 70s, but turtlenecks would be worn instead of dress shirts and ties for a more semi-formal look. Three-piece suits with flared trousers were also a trend, inspired by the disco culture at the time. In the 80s, men started wearing power suits with padded shoulders and double-breasted jackets, often accompanied by silk ties. Suits became more streamlined in the 90s, with looser-fitting jackets and trousers. Neutral and dark tones were favored over bold patterns, and simplicity was key to men’s fine dining attire in the 21st century.

Modern Day: Fine Dining Attire With a Touch of Personal Style

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In the 21st century, people have much more freedom to dress for fine dining according to their personal preferences and style than in previous decades. Nowadays, the only thing that affects what you wear out is the restaurant’s dress code—if they have one. For restaurants with a formal dress code, women often wear full-length gowns or shorter cocktail dresses. High-quality fabrics, including materials like silk, satin, or chiffon, can elevate an outfit for fine dining. For less formal restaurants, a chic blouse paired with a skirt or trousers is a solid option for women. Neutral tones can elevate an outfit to fit the environment; you can enhance the look with a small clutch or a statement necklace.

A classic, well-tailored suit paired with a bright tie is a timeless choice for men’s fine dining attire, offering versatility to dress up or down based on the restaurant’s dress code. More upscale establishments, especially those requiring formal attire, typically expect men to wear a full tuxedo. While similar to a suit, a tuxedo features satin lapels and buttons, adding an extra touch of sophistication. For less formal fine-dining restaurants, a high-quality dress shirt paired with tailored dress pants is a stylish option. Opt for dark trousers with a neutral-toned shirt, such as white or gray. If you choose a patterned shirt, keep it subtle—like light stripes—to maintain a refined look that complements the setting.

Turf Club: A Fine Dining Restaurant Where You Can Dress Up or Down

Fine dining attire has evolved dramatically over the centuries, transitioning from corseted ball gowns and black suits with waistcoats to today’s sleek cocktail dresses and tailored suits. Today, choosing what to wear to dinner at a nice restaurant involves considering the dress code while staying true to your personal style. Whether you wear a floor-length satin dress or a tapered dress shirt with stylish dress pants, dining at a fine restaurant is all about the experience—so how can you ensure your outfit complements the occasion?

At Turf Club in Twin Falls, Idaho, guests are welcome to dress up or down depending on where they’re seated—whether in the dining area or the lounge. Reflecting our rich history, Turf Club’s dining room exudes elegance with plush booths and elevated platforms. The menu features locally procured steaks, seasonal desserts, fresh seafood, and reimagined cocktails. Many guests dress semi-formally while dining here, whether for a romantic date night or a special celebration. Suits, chic dresses, or stylish tops and tailored pants reflect the grace and sophistication of Turf Club’s dining room. The Turf Club Lounge is a space where you can come as you are—whether you're dressed up in a suit or stopping by after a day on the golf course. Our lounge offers a relaxed, inviting atmosphere where you can unwind any day of the week. Enjoy a shareable menu and grab a seat at the bar for a perfectly crafted drink.

Whether you choose to dine in our elegant dining room or relax in the lounge, Turf Club is a place designed for connection over a high-quality meal. Visit Turf Club and experience it for yourself—dressing to match the occasion.