There’s an underrated pleasure in eating dinner at the bar. Maybe you couldn’t get a reservation, maybe you’re meeting someone for a last-minute date or maybe you simply prefer pulling up a stool by yourself, ordering a martini and watching the room unfold around you while you indulge in a perfectly-cooked burger. It’s casual without being mundane, a little spontaneous and just sophisticated enough to make an ordinary weeknight feel like an occasion. And your outfit should strike much the same balance.

This isn’t the time for a shirt and jacket, but you probably want to look like you made an effort. Start with a knit polo or even a nice T-shirt—something casual yet cool that looks nice from the waist up—then add relaxed tailored trousers and a pair of suede shoes. A lightweight jacket gives you an extra layer of polish and some texture, while a good watch and subtle gourmand fragrance do the rest. The whole thing should feel confident but unfussy: dressed for dinner, without looking like you dressed up for dinner.