What Should a Man Wear to a Business Dinner?

THE GENTLEMEN’S NOTES

Tuesday Edition · The Social Arts Club

A business dinner may happen after office hours, but it is still business.

OCCASION

Business dinners, client dinners, networking dinners and professional events where the setting may be more formal than your everyday office.

DRESS CUE

Start by considering your profession, your company and who you are meeting. Some industries, such as law and finance, tend to remain more traditional, while creative industries may allow more personality.

WHY IT WORKS

What you wear shows that you understand the occasion. A business dinner is an extension of your professional life, so dress with the same respect you bring to your work.

After Hours, Still Business

The restaurant matters, but it is only part of the equation. Your industry, company and the people at the table should also guide what you wear.

If the invitation says Business Formal or Business Casual, follow the dress code.

If no dress code is given, choose an outfit you can easily notch up or down.

A quality shirt, well-fitted trousers and good shoes are a strong starting point.

And bring a jacket.

If the dinner feels more formal, put it on. If the atmosphere is more relaxed, take it off. A jacket gives you options.

TSA STYLE TIPS

Start with the dress code

If the invitation says Business Formal or Business Casual, let that guide the outfit.

Consider your industry

Law, finance and other traditional fields often lean more formal. Creative industries may allow more personality.

Fit and condition matter

A simple, well-fitted outfit in excellent condition will always look more polished than expensive clothing that does not fit well.

No dress code? Bring a jacket

Choose an outfit you can notch up or down. A jacket gives you the flexibility to adjust once you see the room.

A TSA NOTE

The goal is not to be the best-dressed man in the room. It is to understand the room well enough that your clothes never become the distraction.

BEFORE YOU GO…

Three questions before you leave.

1. You are invited to a formal dinner with an important client. Which outfit best fits the occasion?

A. T-shirt, jeans and sneakers

B. Dark suit, collared shirt and tie

C. Polo shirt and shorts

D. Jeans and an untucked shirt

2. No dress code is given for a business dinner. What is one useful piece to bring?

A. A blazer or jacket

B. A baseball cap

C. Running shoes

D. A hoodie

3. True or False:

A business dinner should be treated as an extension of your professional environment.

CHECK YOUR ANSWERS

1 — B · Dark suit, collared shirt and tie

2 — A · A blazer or jacket

3 — True

3/3? Beautifully done.

Good style begins with understanding the occasion.