For dinner, drinks, and the evenings worth making an effort for. These are our mini dresses with a little more intent — corset bodices, mesh panelling, open backs and considered cutouts, cut close but not uncomfortably so. The best of them are quiet from the front and interesting from behind, which is exactly the right balance for a restaurant. Fabric matters here more than embellishment: look for the bandage and ruched jersey styles, which hold their shape through a long dinner without needing adjustment. Keep the styling simple — one strong piece, a heel, and nothing competing. Confidence is doing most of the work; the dress just has to stay out of its way.
