A dinner at a great restaurant is often the highlight of a trip, and the one occasion when travelers wonder whether they packed the right thing. Most Michelin-starred restaurants no longer require a jacket or tie, but many still have a stated expectation, and all of them are occasions.

Check First

Look at the restaurant’s website or booking confirmation before you pack. Some, particularly classic restaurants in grand hotels, still ask men to wear a jacket. If you are unsure, email or call. Restaurants are always happy to tell you.

The Reliable Answer

For women, a dress, tailored trousers with a silk blouse or a fine knit, or a dressy jumpsuit, with polished shoes. For men, a jacket with trousers and a shirt, tie optional unless requested. This combination is right almost everywhere, from Paris to Tokyo.

Packing Light

• A dark tailored jacket that works with jeans in the day and trousers at night.
• A dress or a silk top that folds small.
• One pair of polished shoes.
• A piece of jewelry or a silk scarf to finish the look.

What to Avoid

Athletic shoes, shorts, caps and very casual denim. Strong perfume or aftershave, which interferes with the food and the wine for you and the guests beside you. Large bags that will not fit beside your chair.

The Spirit of It

A starred dinner is a few hours of other people’s extraordinary work. Dressing for it is a way of taking part. It does not need to be formal. It just needs to look as though you planned to be there.

Shop the Edit

• Theory Slim-Fit Wool Blazer in Deep Navy, Saks Fifth Avenue
• Vince Wool-Blend Tailored Wide-Leg Pant, Vince
• Alas Silk Button-Up Shirt in Milk White, Nordstrom
• Max Mara Satin Tuxedo Jumpsuit in Midnight Blue, Max Mara
• Khaite Medow Crepe Midi Dress, Net-a-Porter
• Repetto Cendrillon Ballet Flat in Black, SSENSE
• Ferragamo Floral Silk Scarf, Saks Fifth Avenue
• Jennifer Behr Blaine Statement Earrings, Neiman Marcus