Trusted by 700+ with a 4.6 avg.
4.6/5
0
0 Items Seleceted

No products in the basket.

Restaurant Ready: Summer Style Guide for Girls Dining Out in South Africa (2024)

Introduction

Imagine this: you’re having a blast building sandcastles on the beach, the sun is shining, and the waves are crashing. 

But then, your tummy starts rumbling – time for a delicious meal at a restaurant! But wait… what do you wear? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

This guide is your style passport to navigating summer dining in South Africa, specifically for young girls like you. 

We know you want to be comfortable and cool while still looking your best. 

So whether you’re heading to a casual beachside cafe or a slightly fancier spot with your family, we’ll help you find the perfect outfit to rock your restaurant look.

Get ready to ditch the sandy shorts and transform into a stylish little lady, ready to enjoy some yummy food and fun times with your family and friends. 

Let’s dive in!

Cracking the Dress Code: Is it a Fancy Pants Place or a Flip-Flop Fiesta?

Okay, so you’re ready to swap your swimsuit for something a bit more restaurant-appropriate. But how do you know what to wear? 

Just like beaches have different rules (no running by the pool!), restaurants sometimes have dress codes. 

Think of it as a secret language that tells you what kind of clothes are a good fit for the place.

Let’s decode these dress codes together:

  • Casual: This is the most common dress code, especially in sunny South Africa. Think comfy jeans and your favourite tee, like you’re chilling at home with friends. You can even wear your coolest sneakers!
  • Smart Casual: Imagine you’re meeting your favourite teacher for lunch – you want to look neat and tidy, but you don’t need a sparkly dress. A skirt and a nice top, or a cute sundress would be perfect.
  • Formal: Picture a princess at a ball – time to sparkle! This means elegant dresses, maybe even some shiny shoes. Formal events are usually special occasions, so you might not see this dress code very often.

Most restaurants in South Africa are pretty relaxed, especially during summer. But it’s always a good idea to check with a grown-up or have a peek at the restaurant’s website before you go. 

That way, you’ll know if you need to swap those flip-flops for something a bit fancier!

Sunshine Style: Must-Have Pieces for Your Summer Restaurant Wardrobe

Now that you’ve cracked the dress code, let’s talk about the fun part: clothes! 

Here are some summer staples that will keep you looking cool and feeling comfy while you enjoy your meal:

  • T-shirt Time! From cool graphics to your favourite colours, keep it comfy and breezy with a T-shirt. Cotton is a great choice because it lets your skin breathe, even when it’s super hot outside. Remember, a T-shirt can be dressed up or down depending on where you’re going.
  • Feeling a bit fancy? Blouses are your go-to for a touch of elegance. Think lightweight, flowy options with pretty details like lace or ruffles. Short sleeves or sleeveless styles are perfect for warm weather.
  • Beat the heat in style! Denim shorts, cute skirts – they’re perfect for showing off those summer legs. You can even try a skort (a skirt with shorts underneath) for the best of both worlds!
  • Dress to impress (and stay cool!). Think sundresses, twirly dresses, anything that makes you feel like a summer princess. Choose light fabrics like cotton or linen to stay comfortable.
  • One and done! Jumpsuits are the ultimate easy-breezy outfit for a relaxed restaurant vibe. They’re stylish, comfortable, and you don’t have to worry about matching a top and bottom!

Remember, the key is to choose clothes that make you feel good and confident. After all, when you’re happy and comfortable, you can focus on enjoying your delicious food and having fun with your family!

Stepping Out in Style: Shoes That Can Handle Sand AND Restaurants

Choosing the right shoes is just as important as picking the perfect outfit. After all, you don’t want your feet to be uncomfortable while you’re trying to enjoy your meal! 

Here are some shoe options that are perfect for summer dining:

  • From beach to bistro, sandals are your summer BFFs. They’re cool, comfy, and come in so many different styles! Choose from strappy sandals, gladiator sandals, or even jelly sandals for a fun pop of colour.
  • Keep it casual and comfy with your coolest kicks. Sneakers are always a good idea, especially if you’re planning on exploring before or after your meal.
  • Easy peasy! Slip-on shoes are perfect for when you’re in a hurry to get to the dessert menu. Ballet flats, loafers, or even canvas slip-ons are all great choices.

Just remember to make sure your shoes are clean and in good condition before you head to the restaurant. 

And if you’re going somewhere a bit fancier, maybe leave the sandy flip-flops at home!

Accessorise Like a Pro: The Finishing Touches

Now that you’ve got your outfit and shoes sorted, it’s time to add some finishing touches! Accessories are like the sprinkles on a cupcake – they make everything a little bit sweeter. 

Here are some ideas:

  • Sun’s out, hat’s out! Protect yourself from the rays with a stylish hat. A straw hat, a bucket hat, or even a cute cap will do the trick. Plus, they can add a touch of personality to your outfit.
  • Carry your essentials in style with a cute bag. You don’t need to bring your whole toy collection, but a small bag is handy for carrying things like lip balm, a hairbrush, or a small toy to keep you entertained while you wait for your food. Crossbody bags or mini backpacks are perfect for little hands.
  • Add some sparkle! Keep it simple with a necklace or some bracelets. Maybe even a cute hair clip or headband. But remember, you don’t want to overdo it. A few well-chosen accessories are all you need to complete your look.

Just like with your clothes and shoes, make sure your accessories are appropriate for the restaurant you’re going to. 

And most importantly, have fun with it! Accessorising is a great way to express your unique style and personality.

Family Style: Coordinating with Your Crew

Dining out is often a family affair, and coordinating outfits can be a fun way to show your family unity and create some awesome photos!

It doesn’t have to be exactly matchy-matchy, but choosing colours or styles that complement each other can make your family look like a stylish team.

For example, if you’re wearing a blue dress, maybe your brother could wear a blue shirt, or your mum could wear a scarf with blue in it. 

Or, you could all choose a similar style, like a casual beachy vibe with shorts and T-shirts.

Don’t forget to check out our other style guides for men, ladies, and boys to get some inspiration! You can find them here:

Ultimately, the most important thing is that everyone feels comfortable and confident in their own outfits. 

So have fun with it, get creative, and enjoy the experience of coordinating with your family!

Confidence is Key: Rock Your Restaurant Look

You’ve got the outfit, the shoes, the accessories, and maybe even coordinated with your family. Now, it’s time to rock your restaurant look with confidence! 

Here are a few tips to help you shine:

  • Comfort is Queen! Choose clothes that make you feel good and allow you to move freely. You don’t want to be fidgeting with your clothes or feeling restricted while you’re trying to enjoy your meal.
  • Weather Wisdom: Check the weather forecast before you go and dress accordingly. Nobody wants to be caught in a summer rainstorm in a sundress! If it looks like rain, maybe pack a light cardigan or jacket, just in case.
  • Express Yourself: Let your personality shine through your outfit choices. Be YOU-nique! Whether you love bright colours, sparkly things, or cool graphic tees, don’t be afraid to show off your style.

Remember, confidence comes from within. When you feel good about yourself, it shows! So stand tall, smile, and enjoy your dining experience. 

After all, you’re a stylish young lady who’s ready to take on the world (and the dessert menu!).

South African Summer Dining: Fun Facts and Foodie Adventures

Did you know that South Africa is famous for more than just its beautiful beaches and amazing wildlife? It also has a super interesting food culture with yummy dishes you won’t find anywhere else!

Here are a few fun facts to get your taste buds tingling:

  • Braai masters: South Africans love to braai (that’s like a barbecue) and it’s a popular way to cook food, especially in summer. You might get to try some delicious boerewors (a type of sausage) or sosaties (meat kebabs).
  • Sweet treats: South Africa has some unique desserts, like koeksisters (sticky, syrupy doughnuts) and malva pudding (a sweet, spongy pudding). Yum!
  • Fruity fun: South Africa is home to lots of exotic fruits, like mangoes, guavas, and litchis. You might find them in your desserts or even as a refreshing drink.

Looking for a fun family-friendly restaurant? Many places have outdoor seating areas where you can enjoy the sunshine while you eat. 

Some even have play areas to keep you entertained before or after your meal.

Here’s a fun idea: ask your grown-up to help you make a refreshing “mocktail” at home! It’s like a cocktail but without the alcohol. You can mix fruit juice, soda, and fresh fruit for a tasty summer treat.

Dining out in South Africa is an adventure for your taste buds! So be sure to try something new and enjoy all the delicious flavours this country has to offer.

From Playground to Plate: You’ve Got This!

So there you have it! You’re now officially equipped with the knowledge and inspiration to conquer any summer dining experience in South Africa. 

Remember these key takeaways:

  • Dress code decoded: You know the difference between casual, smart casual, and formal, and you can choose the right outfit for any occasion.
  • Summer style sorted: You’ve got your wardrobe stocked with comfy and stylish pieces, from T-shirts and blouses to dresses and jumpsuits.
  • Shoe savvy: You know how to choose shoes that are both stylish and comfortable, whether you’re rocking sandals, sneakers, or slip-ons.
  • Accessorise like a pro: You can add the perfect finishing touches with hats, bags, and jewellery.
  • Family flair: You can coordinate outfits with your family for a fun and stylish look.
  • Confidence is key: You know how to rock your restaurant look with confidence and express your unique personality.
  • South African foodie fun: You’re ready to explore the delicious flavours of South Africa and try some new and exciting dishes.

Don’t forget to check out our other style guides for men, ladies, and boys for even more inspiration!

Most importantly, remember to relax, have fun, and enjoy the experience of dining out with your family and friends. You’ve got this!

Share the Post:

Latest Blog Posts

Open chat
Hello 👋
Can we help you?