What to wear to a birthday dinner

How much sparkle?

The restaurant sets the level more than the birthday does. Ask yourself three questions:

• Where is it? A family restaurant or café calls for a printed lawn or cotton set. A smarter place with tablecloths can take silk-look fabrics, velvet in winter and some embroidery.
• Whose birthday is it? Your own birthday is a fair reason for a new outfit and a statement colour. As a guest, keep one level quieter than the person celebrating.
• Is there a theme? Some groups agree a colour, all-black or matching dupattas. Follow it; that is part of the fun.

Lengths that suit a table

Birthday dinners mean sitting for a long time, squeezing between chairs and standing for group photos. A calf or knee length is easiest. Very full shararas and ghararas look lovely standing up but take a lot of space in a crowded restaurant, and a long dupatta trails into plates and candles. A shorter stole, or a dupatta on one shoulder, is more practical.

For photos, think about the top half, since most pictures are taken across the table. A neckline with some detail and a colour that stands out against the restaurant’s walls do more than an elaborate hem.

Kurta set, co-ord or dress?

All three work. The choice is mostly about the group and how you feel most like yourself:

• Kurta set: a kurta and trousers with delicate embroidery or a printed silk-look fabric. The safe choice for a mixed family group.
• Co-ord: a matching top and trousers in one colour looks modern and works well when friends dress Western.
• Dress: a long dress such as our tiered maxi dress, made in chiffon, is festive without any embroidery at all.
• For your own birthday: add one special touch, such as bell sleeves, a rich colour or a statement neckline.

Ordering a birthday outfit

If the birthday is your own, plan the outfit early. Making takes 5 to 7 working days once the quote is approved and paid in full, and shipping time is added. When you request a quote, tell us the occasion, the length you want and the embroidery level, from none to delicate or detailed. Our custom stitching service explains the options, and our office party outfit ideas have more for evenings out with colleagues.