Eating and Dressing with Ease: Is This Year’s Hype Set to Enter 2025?

Dining trends have been waxing and waning with the fashion tides, and rumor has it the stiff associations of fine dining are out. In their place are relaxed restaurant hotspots and even more relaxed streetwear fits.

From London to Paris to New York, city streets have witnessed a surge of restaurant openings offering a refreshing take on dining. Their roaring popularity has caused the fine dining industry—and its accompanying fashion expectations—to tremble with fear. Foodies and fashionistas, take note: it seems there is a new way to eat and dress. It might be time to swap evenings of awkward ambiances, tight smiles, and formal fits for nights of loose-fitting styles, inventive sharing plates, and an atmosphere of relaxation.

The Rise of Relaxed Dining

Society’s taste buds have shifted, and our fashion tastes have followed suit. Increasingly, audiences—particularly Millennials and Gen Z—are gravitating toward restaurants infused with an air of nonchalance, turning their noses up at traditional dining establishments. While fine dining is still alive thanks to more traditional eaters, the popularity of small-plate concept restaurants—especially those with al-fresco seating—has skyrocketed.

The small-plate concept, akin to tapas but not confined to Spanish cuisine, encourages sharing and experimentation. These dishes are designed to be passed around the table, arriving as they’re ready. While this throws traditional culinary order out the window, it creates a relaxed, social dining experience where new flavors take center stage.

This experience is often enhanced by al-fresco dining, a concept popularized by the Italians. Translating to “in the fresh air,” outdoor dining gained renewed prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, by September 2020, New York City had 10,600 restaurants enrolled in its outdoor dining program, compared to just 1,023 sidewalk cafés pre-pandemic. What began as a necessity for survival has become the hallmark of the hottest spots in town.

Al-fresco dining has since become a year-round phenomenon, with outdoor tables booked solid across seasons. Whether it’s the warmth of spring, the heat of summer, or the cool breezes of autumn, outdoor dining is in demand—even during chilly weather.

Dressing the Part

With outdoor dining comes its own set of expectations for dressing the part. The relaxed atmosphere has led diners to embrace casual yet stylish fits. In summer, loose dresses, breathable cotton trousers, and light linen shirts dominate. Accessories remain simple, while in winter, oversized coats, wide-leg trousers, and cashmere jumpers take center stage. The al-fresco table is now a runway for flaunting in-season casual fits while sipping wine and savoring food with the city’s energy buzzing around you.

A New Era of Dining

Are cities and their foodies ready to fully embrace this shift in dining dynamics? Are fashion houses prepared to cater to the demand for comfort over formality? This year’s trends suggest a resounding yes.

Modern dining culture has evolved beyond simply satiating hunger—it’s now an art form. Menus are no longer endless pages of standard meal options; instead, they are curated, concise, and designed to surprise. Wines aren’t categorized as basic “red” and “white” but accompanied by manuals or a knowledgeable sommelier. Dishes are carefully crafted fusions of unusual yet complimentary flavors, creating an experience that delights all the senses.

The most successful restaurants tailored to this trend have mastered the art of ambiance. Harsh lighting, uncomfortable seating, or blaring music are out. Instead, the dining experience is an orchestrated symphony of comfort and creativity, where every detail enhances the flavors and keeps customers coming back.

Notable Hotspots

Some standout spots embracing this new wave can be found in Paris, New York, and London—arguably cities with the best food scenes in the world.

In Paris, the third arrondissement is home to Kubri, a Lebanese restaurant serving some of the best meals I’ve ever had. Think mezze and shared main dishes bursting with flavor: variations of hummus, baba ghanouj, tabbouleh, asparagus fatteh with bottarga, octopus msabaha, and more. It’s casual, unpretentious, and modern—a refreshing departure from traditional Parisian brasseries. Another gem is La Traversée in Montmartre, which puts a contemporary twist on Parisian dining. Guests share small, curated plates while sipping natural wine over open-air street views—jeans and trainers welcome.

In New York, Estela in Manhattan offers a more intimate experience. This one-Michelin-star downtown bistro by chef Ignacio Mattos serves a concise, inventive menu in an atmosphere that bridges casual and dressy. Another favorite is Shukette, where the relaxed vibe complements hearty sharing plates that invite indulgence without pretension.

In London, The Barbary in Notting Hill stands out. This American diner-style restaurant combines sexy interiors with a buzzing atmosphere. With its plush velvet stools, bar seating, and changing menus, it’s a haven for modern diners. Bubala, a Middle Eastern-inspired vegetarian restaurant, is another must-visit. Its inventive, luscious spreads and creative dishes have won over even non-vegetarians like me.

All these places share one thing in common: they’re more than just restaurants. They offer an experience. The music, lighting, and energy of the room all work together, making the visit unforgettable.

Fashion Mirrors Dining

Just as dining has shifted toward comfort and creativity, so too has fashion. Tight corsets and restrictive eveningwear have been replaced by pieces that prioritize movement and ease. Think baggy jeans, oversized coats, and playful yet elegant ensembles.

Recent fashion weeks confirmed these values. At Paris Fashion Week SS25, Loewe transformed basics into relaxed, fluid items, while Miu Miu showcased playful, comfy looks with flared skirts, light trench coats, and baggy tops. Thom Browne even hosted a dinner party to unveil his SS25 collection, blending the dining and fashion worlds in an intimate, community-focused setting.

Fashion and food are now deeply intertwined, reflecting society’s shift toward relaxation, wellness, and ease.

What’s Next?

As we look ahead to 2025, it’s clear that relaxed dining and dressing are here to stay. This isn’t just a passing trend—it’s a lifestyle.

So, what are you wearing to your next dinner date, and where will you be dining?