What to Wear to Dinner in Costa Rica: Elegant Looks That Travel Well
Dinner in Costa Rica can be anything from an open-air beachfront table with candlelight and crashing waves to a high-end tasting menu at a five-star jungle retreat.
Whether you’re headed to a resort restaurant in Papagayo or an atmospheric courtyard eatery in Santa Teresa, your dinner wardrobe should mix breathability, polish, and a touch of effortless glam.
Here’s our curated guide to what to wear—including standout dresses we’re loving, plus insider tips on fabrics, shoes, and accessories that actually work for tropical nights.
Our Dinner Dress Philosophy
Dressing for dinner in Costa Rica is about ease, glow, and fabrics that breathe.
You want to feel elevated, not overdressed.
Comfort should never sacrifice style, and your wardrobe should travel well.
7 Dresses We’re Loving Right Now
Here are a few standout pieces that work beautifully from sunset to nightcap. Each one packs easily, wears well, and looks stunning against a Costa Rican backdrop.
1. REISS x NYBG Marli Floral Minidress
Structured and feminine with a flattering silhouette and botanical print.
A go-to for dinners with a view—just add gold hoops and a cocktail.
2. Boundless Tiered Silk Maxi Dress
This floaty silk piece, by designer Johanna Ortiz, brings movement and romance.
The print echoes the tropics without going over the top, and it looks beautiful with a flat sandal or sleek wedge.
Johanna Ortiz, is a standout for resort dinner fashion.
3. JBQ Solange Romper
For nights when you want something easy but unexpected, this printed romper nails it.
With bold floral embroidery and soft linen-blend fabric, it feels tropical without trying too hard.
Pair it with gold earrings, minimal sandals, and glowing skin.
4. Andres Otalora Ginkgo Linen Mini Dress
This linen-blend mini is bold without being loud.
The ginkgo leaf print winds around the silhouette like an art piece, and the shoulder-tie straps give it a breezy, custom-fit vibe.
Add gold jewelry and woven accessories for a look that says “I always pack chic.”
5. Tuckernuck Kumquat Magnolia Dress
Whimsical yet polished, with cheerful citrus tones and a classic fit.
A lovely pick for anything from a boutique resort dinner to date night in the mountains.
6. Carolina Herrera Pleated Midi Dress
Understated elegance in a structured silhouette.
Perfect for resort dinners or upscale tasting menus—bonus: it travels shockingly well.
7. Magda Butrym Crochet-Trimmed Mini Dress
Modern meets resort. Crochet trim and ribbed texture offer just the right amount of detail.
This is the kind of piece that looks equally great with a beachy wave or sleek bun.
Tips for Dressing for Dinner in Costa Rica
Now that you’ve seen our current favorites, here are a few smart tips for packing (and styling) your evening looks.
Restaurant Vibe & Etiquette
Costa Rican restaurants, even upscale ones, lean toward refined casual. What matters most is that you feel comfortable and confident.
- Most resort restaurants: Expect elevated casual—think polished sundresses and sleek sandals.
- Beachside bistros or jungle lodges: Breezy elegance works best. Linen or flowy cotton is perfect.
- High-end tasting menus: Consider a more tailored look—structured dresses or jumpsuits, a clutch, and bolder accessories.
Fabrics That Work
- Linen: Naturally breathable, especially in blends that resist wrinkles.
- Cotton: Go for lightweight or crinkle textures.
- Silk & Voile: Adds drama and movement, just make sure it’s a travel-friendly version.
- Avoid: Anything that needs steaming, clings too tightly, or gets heavy when humid.
Pro tip: If you’re visiting during rainy season (May–November), opt for fast-drying materials and prints that disguise a little moisture. Silhouettes with movement (think tiered skirts or wide-leg jumpsuits) handle humidity better.
Shoes That Work (And Won’t Sink into the Grass)
You want shoes that are breathable, secure, and elegant—but also practical. Costa Rica’s terrain is often gravel, sand, or uneven stone, even at upscale resorts.
- Flat Sandals or Dressy Slides
Perfect for beachfront dining or relaxed resort evenings. Look for woven styles, raffia, or moisture-wicking fabrics. - Wedges or Block Heels
They add polish without the wobble. These are best for resort dining decks or garden paths. - Closed-Toe Flats
Great if you’re in the cloud forest or dining at altitude.
Style tip: Skip the stilettos—thin heels + Costa Rica terrain = disaster.
Material tip: Leather looks luxe but doesn’t always love the tropics. High humidity and salt air can wear it down fast. For longer trips or high rotation, consider woven, rubber-soled, or waterproof options that hold up better in the elements.
Accessories & Essentials
- Lightweight shawl or shirt dress for AC-heavy interiors or a cool breeze.
- Gold jewelry elevates even the simplest dress.
- Wide-brim hat for golden hour cocktails.
- Natural insect repellent is a must after dark—apply before heading out.
- Mini deodorant or facial mist in your clutch for a quick refresh.
Our Favorite Brands to Shop
- Zimmermann – Quintessential resort luxury. Their linen sets and romantic silhouettes are made for sunset-to-dinner transitions. Think elevated ruffles, tropical prints, and soft tailoring.
- Mara Hoffman – Known for eco-conscious fabrics, her dresses are bold yet effortless. Great for the woman who wants to look chic and sustainable.
- Ulla Johnson – Airy fabrics, earthy palettes, and thoughtful embroidery that fits right in with Costa Rica’s aesthetic.
- Johanna Ortiz – Colombian drama in all the right ways. Her tropical prints, flared sleeves, and unexpected silhouettes were made for this climate.
- Andres Otalora – A go-to for sculptural elegance and Latin-inspired luxury.
- Staud – A bit more playful, but still refined. Great if you’re dining beachside and want something that leans “cool girl in the tropics.”
- Cult Gaia – For woven textures, sculptural shapes, and outfits that transition seamlessly from golden hour to dessert.
- Reformation – More accessible but still very much on-brand. Linen, tie-straps, and dresses that work for both coastal and cloud forest vibes.
- Tove – Minimalist and refined. Great for the woman who wants to look refined without ever looking overdressed.
The La Selectica Final Word
Dressing for dinner in Costa Rica should feel joyful, never fussy. Focus on pieces that can handle a little humidity, pack well, and make you feel like the sun-kissed version of your most stylish self. Don’t overthink it—this is where elegance meets ease.
Pack once, wear often, and let your evenings glow.
Need help finding the perfect dress for your trip? Our style picks rotate weekly in the La Selectica Shop.
