6 Elegant Outfit Ideas For Your Next Ladies Lunch

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It can be tricky to pick the right outfit for a luncheon, which is why we have created this guide on what to wear to a luncheon, so you can find the perfect outfit, whatever the occasion!

If you have a luncheon coming up, then you are in the right place as we have all the details you need to know and everything you need to consider when you are picking your luncheon look. A luncheon is just the formal version of a lunchtime meal, that is often held in celebration of something – this means you need to dress up a little more than you usually would for a midday meal.

When picking your outfit for a luncheon, there are several things you need to take into consideration, including the season, the venue, the theme, and why the luncheon is being held. For example, you would dress very differently for a memorial luncheon than you would do for a charity fundraising luncheon.

Obviously, you need your outfit to fit the season, with lighter fabrics, pastel colors, and midi lengths often being worn in the spring and summer months, whereas darker shades, thicker fabrics, and long sleeves would be worn in the fall and winter.

If the host has specified a theme, then it’s key to take this into account when choosing your outfit. Similarly, you also have to think about the venue – if the luncheon is outside, then floral prints, light colors, and sun dresses are always a good idea, while if the venue is indoors, then you may go for richer, jewel tones and adapt your outfit to suit the restaurant or hotel.

Your luncheon look will also depend on why the luncheon is being held, so for a business or charity luncheon you will want to be a little smarter, while for a bridal or baby shower luncheon, you can be a little more relaxed – but that’s where this article comes in to help! We have brought together different outfits that would suit certain luncheons to give you a little outfit inspiration for the luncheon you have coming up – so let’s get started.

What To Wear To A Luncheon

1. Charity Fundraising Luncheon

This pink lacy look is ideal for a charity fundraising luncheon – perfectly mixing chic and sophisticated with feminine and summery to create a stunning look!

The fitted silhouette, button-up front, and midi length give this dress a polished and smart look, making it just right for a charity luncheon. Accessorize with pink heels and a nude shoulder bag to finish the outfit.

Recreate This Look
Fuchsia Pink Badgley Mischka Collection Belted Lace Godet Midi Dress
Badgley Mischka

Belted Lace Godet Midi Dress

$595 at Neiman Marcus

Fuchsia Pink Kenneth Cole New York Umi Starburst Ankle Strap Pointed Toe Pump
Kenneth Cole New York

Umi Starburst Ankle Strap Pointed Toe Pump

$139 at Nordstrom

Beige Saint Laurent Envelope Triquilt Small YSL Shoulder Bag in Grained Leather
Saint Laurent

Envelope Triquilt Small YSL Shoulder Bag

$2,650 at Neiman Marcus

2. Baby Shower Luncheon

You can have a little more fun with a baby shower luncheon look, playing around with color, silhouette, and print depending on the season and venue the luncheon is being held. You can dress in pink or blue if you know the gender of the baby or just neutral white and beige tones if the gender has not been revealed yet.

This pink midi dress is perfect for a baby shower luncheon during the summer months – with an elegant midi length and cute floral appliques. Style with red accessories for a gorgeous finish!

Recreate This Look
Pink Yumi Kim Romy Dress
Yumi Kim

Romy Dress

$258 at Revolve

Red Black Suede Studio Brea Pointed Toe Sandal
Black Suede Studio

Small Solstice Shoulder Bag

$3,500 at Nordstrom

Dark Red Bottega Veneta Small Solstice Shoulder Bag
Bottega Veneta

Brea Pointed Toe Sandal

$298 at Neiman Marcus

3. Bridal Luncheon

Go for a polished and refined look for your bridal luncheon! The bride or maid of honor may have established a theme you need to adhere to, but light colors and neutrals, mini and midi length dresses and suits are always a good idea.

We love this pleated white dress, paired with white ballet flats for a more relaxed, daytime touch and gold jewelry to add a touch of glamour.

Recreate This Look
White Tadashi Shoji Pleated Trapeze Chiffon Midi Dress
Tadashi Shoji

Pleated Trapeze Chiffon Midi Dress

$518 at Neiman Marcus

White Vince Camuto Corrine Ballet Flat
Vince Camuto

Corrine Ballet Flat

$89 at Nordstrom

Gold Open Edit Polished Teardrop Stud Earrings
Open Edit

Edit Polished Teardrop Stud Earrings

$30 at Nordstrom

4. Business Luncheon

It’s important to look sophisticated and smart for a business luncheon, but you may have to adapt your outfit slightly depending on if you are indoors or outdoors for the luncheon. A shirt dress or a pantsuit are always great options to go for, ensuring you look stylish as well as refined and ready for business.

This white button-up vest and white wide-leg pants are a great example of what to wear to a business luncheon – just finish the look with pointed-toe heels and a white handbag.

Recreate This Look
Ivory Reformation Taryn Two Piece
Reformation

Taryn Two Piece

$298 at Reformation

White Sam Edelman Hazel Pointed Toe Pump
Sam Edelman

Hazel Pointed Toe Pump

$150 at Nordstrom

White Chanel Caviar Quilted Top Handle Vanity Case
Chanel

Caviar Quilted Top Handle Vanity Case

$6,190 at Fashionphile

5. Country Club Luncheon

For a country club luncheon, it’s best to suit the venue and go for something elegant and preppy, just like this white midi dress.

Midi dresses in light colors or floral prints will perfectly suit a country club luncheon, and a sweater draped over the shoulders will add a preppy touch to the outfit. Go for a low-block heel to make walking around the country club grounds much easier!

Recreate This Look
White Reformation Balia Linen Dress
Reformation

Balia Linen Dress

$278 at Reformation

Navy Polo Ralph Lauren Pullover
Polo Ralph Lauren

Pullover

$160 at Revolve

Ivory Dior Lambskin Cannage Mini Lady Dior
Dior

Lambskin Cannage Mini Lady Dior Bag

$3,89 at Fashionphile

6. Memorial Luncheon

If you are attending a memorial luncheon, then a black outfit is a must, unless the hosts have specifically requested otherwise. Smart black dresses or a shirt and midi skirt are a great idea for memorial luncheons as they look elegant, sophisticated, and demure.

This high-neck, long-sleeve black dress looks stunning and has been styled with black-heeled pumps and black sunglasses.

Recreate This Look
Black Misook Mock-Neck Burnout Knit Midi Dress
Misook

Mock-Neck Burnout Knit Midi Dress

$398 at Neiman Marcus

Black Schutz Lou Pointed Toe Pump
Schutz

Lou Pointed Toe Pump

$128 at Nordstrom

Black Tom Ford Beatrix 52mm Polarized Gradient Square Sunglasses
Tom Ford

Beatrix 52mm Polarized Gradient Square Sunglasses

$495 at Nordstrom

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