Dining out is more than a meal-it's an experience. The clink of glasses, the glow of candlelight, the laughter shared over appetizers, the rich aroma of a well-paired wine-all of it is enhanced when you feel confident and comfortable in what you're wearing. In Grosse Pointe, where our restaurant and bar scene is thriving, fashion plays a role in setting the mood for the night just as much as the menu.
That's where Lanna Young, owner of Savvy Chic Boutique in the Village, steps in. Known for blending timeless style with fresh trends, Lanna curates outfits that let you enjoy every course of your night out-whether it's happy hour with friends, a romantic dinner, or a cozy Sunday brunch.
"Fashion is about balance and confidence," she says. "When you feel good about what you're wearing, you enjoy yourself more-and that joy carries into the entire dining experience."
Sometimes, dinner reservations are waiting right after a long workday. For those moments, Lanna recommends a polished yet playful look: sleek black SPANX® pants, an olive green V-neck, a studded gold handbag, kitten heels, chunky bracelets, and a delicate necklace. Professional enough for meetings, yet stylish enough for slipping into a booth at Pastaio for handmade pasta and wine, it's a true desk-to-dinner solution.
Not every night out calls for heels and formality. A denim miniskirt with a gold-buttoned sweater vest, paired with a leopard print jacket and knee-high black boots, strikes just the right balance for catching live music or sharing martinis with girlfriends at Old Pony Martini Pub. It's flirty, fun, and a little bit daring-perfect for a Friday night with friends.
Denim can be dinner-worthy with the right styling. Lanna pairs dark cuffed Daze jeans with a voluminous black sweater and kitten heels for a relaxed yet elevated vibe. "It's stylish without trying too hard," she notes-ideal for wine tasting, charcuterie boards, or lingering over a long dinner where comfort and confidence are equally important.
For a night that calls for bold flavors and bold style, dresses take the spotlight. A leopard print mini dress with an olive crossbody bag and brown hoop earrings is sophisticated and sassy, versatile enough for everything from craft cocktails at Old Pony to a Sunday brunch spread.
For more color, a geometric print mini dress in burgundy, tan, and brown tones, paired with gold medallion earrings and a burgundy handbag, is vibrant and eye-catching-just like a perfectly plated dish at Pastaio. Both looks can be layered with tights for added texture and warmth on crisp autumn nights.
Texture is another way to mirror the richness of a night out. Pairing black leather pants with a ruffled sweater creates an edgy-yet-feminine contrast, perfect for tapas, martinis, and late-night laughs. For an even more elevated outing-say, a multi-course chef's menu-Lanna suggests satin cargo pants with a silk camisole and a cozy fur coat, finished with a bold gold-and-silver necklace and cream boots. It's dramatic, polished, and memorable-just like the best dining experiences.
For any woman building her night-out wardrobe, Lanna suggests two staples: a great-fitting pair of jeans and a leather pant or skirt. Both can flex with the evening's plans, dressed up for fine dining or dressed down for drinks and apps with friends.
Ultimately, Lanna reminds us that fashion and food have something in common: both are meant to be savored. "Every night out should feel special," she says. "The right outfit helps set the tone-so you can focus on the flavors, the atmosphere, and the people around the table."
In Grosse Pointe, we're lucky to have both: a vibrant dining scene with destinations like Pastaio and Old Pony Martini Pub, and boutiques like Savvy Chic that help us dress the part. Because when you pair a fabulous outfit with a fabulous meal, the night always tastes a little sweeter.
Luckily, Savvy Chic Boutique has everything you'll need at great price points. "We have classic looks, but if you want to add a little bit of edginess, we also have those bold prints," she says. "And, the great thing is, our inventory is always fresh, so you're going to be able to find something new all the time. You won't see the same sweater everybody's wearing because we get limited inventory of styles and we don't reorder them."
Lanna and her staff are also happy to help customers put together an outfit for any occasion, taking into account body shape, style, and coloring.
Visit the boutique and leave with something that will make you look chic, stylish, and beautiful for your next night (or day) out!
SavvyChicGP.com
"One of the outfits is professional yet playful, and allows you to go from career to cocktail."
"Another essential, especially for fall, is a leather pant or a leather skirt because those are other items that can be used to dress things up or dress things down."