Knee-High Boots for Autumn: Riding, Flat, Suede and Heeled
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Fashion /
Dinner for Two: Five Complete Looks for an Evening Out
Five complete evening looks, each with the dress or top, the small bag, the heel and the earrings, from Tom Ford, Balenciaga, Vivienne Westwood and more.
By Taiwo AdedayoEvery piece here has been chosen by our editors. We may earn a commission on some products.
An evening out needs four things: something to wear, a bag small enough to put on the table, a shoe you can walk to the restaurant in, and earrings, because across a table your face is what is seen. Here are five complete looks, each piece from £126 to £931, all in stock now.
Top and trousers 
Tom Ford, Ann Demeulemeester, The Attico
Tom Ford’s camisole is cut in Italy from fluid silk-satin, with a black panel that sweeps across the neckline and drapes down at either end. It comes up large. £918.
Wear it with Ann Demeulemeester’s Sofi, black satin trousers with a drawstring waist and a wide leg, £790, and The Attico’s Venus, black leather slingbacks with a crystal-embellished transparent panel, £488.
The black dress 
Balenciaga, Saint Laurent, Sophie Buhai
Balenciaga’s minidress is black silk, gathered, with a V-neck, three-quarter sleeves and a self-tie. £682.
Saint Laurent’s Cassandre flap pouch is chevron-quilted grain de poudre leather with a detachable wristlet, £632. Sophie Buhai’s Lou Lou earrings are handcrafted in Los Angeles from silver, with onyx orbs in tulip-like drops, £610.
In colour 
Vivienne Westwood, Paris Texas, Self-Portrait
Vivienne Westwood’s Ginnie is burgundy red satin, ruched and sleeveless. £931. Paris Texas’s Lidia pumps match it in burgundy patent, with a V-shaped vamp, £685, and Self-Portrait’s crystal droplet earrings add light for £126.
Long and simple
Theory, Rabanne, Magda Butrym
Theory’s slip dress is black and long, with a square neck and spaghetti straps. £371. Rabanne’s Nano Skyline is a small silver chain-link bag, £808, and Magda Butrym’s pearl-drop earrings are set with crystals, £534.
Velvet 
Emporio Armani, Self-Portrait, Oscar de la Renta
Emporio Armani’s black velvet-finish mini has a ruffled collar, long sleeves and a ruffled hem. £263. Carry Self-Portrait’s cream crystal mini bag, £337, and wear Oscar de la Renta’s violet crystal drop earrings, £390.
How to plan the evening
Dress for the place: a dark restaurant suits satin and velvet, a bright one suits colour. Choose the shoe for the walk, not only the table. Keep to one statement, the earrings or the bag, and let the rest be quiet. A bag with a strap or a wristlet keeps your hands free for the menu.
Watch: evening outfit ideas
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