Friday Night Dinner

Friday nights in Palm Beach require planning the right look

Friday Night Lights

There are Friday nights, and then there are Friday nights in Palm Beach. The difference, of course, is that in Palm Beach the room is watching, even if everyone pretends they are not. That means showing up in gym clothes and a quarter zip should be punishable by deportation.

Start with the foundation: a pair of crisp white jeans. Why white? Because it's Palm Beach. White jeans signal confidence, optimism, and the fact that you trust yourself around red wine and elbows. They simply belong here, particularly after six o'clock when the island begins to glow.

Up top, nothing beats a navy peak lapel blazer from Ralph Lauren. The peak lapel adds just enough swagger and doesn’t put you into the "I recently discovered menswear on Instagram" category. Underneath, slip on a navy Zegna merino knit polo with white trim. Knit polos are having a moment, and for good reason. They are refined, comfortable, and infinitely more interesting than another tired blue oxford shirt. The white trim also ties beautifully into the white denim, creating that effortless coastal elegance Palm Beach does so well.

Footwear matters. A lot. The velvet Stubbs & Wootton loafers shown here are exactly right. Equal parts whimsical and sophisticated, they tell the world that you appreciate tradition but do not take yourself too seriously. Besides, nobody ever remembers the guy wearing brown loafers.

On the wrist sits the king of warm weather luxury: the Rolex yellow gold Submariner with blue dial and bezel. The "Bluesy" is unapologetically Palm Beach. Flashy? Perhaps. Appropriate? Absolutely. If there were an official watch of Worth Avenue cocktails and oceanfront dinners, this would be it.

The slim Louis Vuitton wallet earns its place because it carries only what you truly need. A few cards, some cash, and your driver's license. That's it. Overstuffed wallets usually have Velcro closures and belong in cargo shorts. Please don’t.

And speaking of cash, notice the folded twenty-dollar bill. That is not dinner money. That is your valet tip, handed over before the car is parked. In Palm Beach, generosity and efficiency tend to improve outcomes. Plus if you are driving something that matters, you want it kept close.

Finally, the destination: Palm Beach Grill. Simply put, it remains the best meal in town. Consistently excellent, wonderfully clubby, and filled with exactly the sort of people who appreciate why all the above still matters.