40 Formal Medium Length Hairstyles for Dinner and Occasions

Looking for the perfect hairstyle that balances elegance and effortlessness? Whether it’s a romantic dinner date or a formal evening occasion, medium length hairstyles for dinner offer the versatility you need. From polished waves to chic updos, these looks are both graceful and easy to style.

In this curated list by Hairstyle Inspirations, discover 40 stunning medium-length styles that suit every face shape, outfit, and ambiance. These hairstyles will help you look picture-perfect without feeling overdone—just the right mix of classic and modern sophistication.

1. Sleek Side-Parted Blowout

A side-parted blowout adds volume and elegance, making it an ideal choice for formal dinners. The smooth finish keeps it polished, while the part creates dimension and balance. Pair with statement earrings and a bold lip for a refined, put-together look that turns heads at any elegant gathering.

2. Loose Hollywood Waves

Channel old-school glam with cascading Hollywood waves. This timeless look is perfect for medium hair and exudes sophistication. For more medium length hairstyles for formal events, this style stands out with its soft curls and body. It’s effortlessly beautiful and always red carpet–worthy, ideal for dinners or evening affairs.

3. Polished Low Bun with Volume

A low bun doesn’t have to be boring—add volume at the crown for a graceful twist. It’s sleek yet romantic and keeps your hair off your face for a clean silhouette. This style is a favorite for formal occasions, offering both poise and comfort in one refined package.

4. Textured Lob with Side Braid

For a youthful, playful twist, add a small side braid to a textured lob. This look provides just the right amount of formality while keeping things interesting. It works especially well with layers and highlights, making it one of the most adaptable medium length hairstyles for dinner events.

5. Classic Chignon with a Deep Part

The chignon remains a symbol of grace. Add a deep side part to modernize it, giving your hairstyle structure and flow. It complements off-shoulder or halter outfits beautifully. This look transitions perfectly from dinner dates to more formal settings without compromising on style or elegance.

6. Romantic Half-Up Half-Down Style

This hairstyle blends the best of both worlds elegance and flow. Secure the top half in a twist or braid while letting the rest fall naturally. Explore more wedding hairstyles for curtain bangs to find similar romantic vibes that suit medium length hair beautifully.

7. Slicked-Back Wet Look

Bold and fashion-forward, the slicked-back wet look is a standout choice for formal events. It showcases your face and jawline while providing high shine and structure. Use strong-hold gel and a fine-tooth comb to achieve this red-carpet finish, ideal for glamorous evening dinners or upscale occasions.

8. Curled Under Ends with Volume

Blow-dry your medium hair with curled-under ends and root volume for a bouncy, professional appearance. It’s especially flattering for those with layers and medium density. This look is understated but polished, making it an excellent pick for dinners where elegance should feel effortless and not overdone.

9. Braided Crown Updo

Weave a braid across your crown and twist the rest into a low bun. This ethereal hairstyle has royal flair and adds structure to medium hair. Perfect for formal dinners with romantic themes, it keeps the hair secure while maintaining a soft, feminine appearance that’s picture-perfect.

10. Voluminous French Twist

A voluminous French twist gives major retro elegance. It lifts and elongates your neck while keeping your hairstyle crisp. Use hairspray and bobby pins for hold, and finish with a bit of shine serum. This look is timeless and refined, perfect for upscale events or candlelit dinners.

11. Face-Framing Curtain Bangs with Soft Curls

Combine soft curls with curtain bangs for a flattering frame. This style enhances facial features while maintaining a romantic vibe. It suits nearly every face shape and works well for both indoor and outdoor dinner settings. Ideal if you want something soft but polished for evening occasions.

12. Twisted Half Updo with Soft Texture

Twist back the sides of your hair and pin them at the crown, allowing the rest to cascade freely. This semi-updo adds grace without going full formal. It’s one of the best medium length hairstyles for dinner if you’re aiming for beauty that doesn’t try too hard.

13. Classic Flip Out Ends

Flip the ends of your hair outward using a round brush or curling iron for a retro flair. This chic and playful detail brings movement to medium hair. The style looks best with a middle or side part and gives your dinner outfit a polished vintage edge.

14. Knot Bun with Middle Part

Separate your hair into two and twist each side into a low knot at the nape. It’s structured but relaxed, making it a great hairstyle for semi-formal dinners. The middle part adds symmetry, while the knot bun keeps everything tidy and elegant. Accessorize with pearl pins for extra flair.

15. Glamorous Barrel Curls

Big, soft barrel curls scream luxury. Ideal for special occasions and formal dinners, they bring dramatic body to medium-length hair. Pair with balayage hair color ideas for women over 50 for a glamorous touch that adds even more dimension and style.

16. Asymmetrical Deep Side Part

A deep side part creates an asymmetrical silhouette that adds visual interest to even the simplest styles. Whether straightened or softly curled, this parting enhances cheekbones and jawlines. It’s ideal for formal evenings when you want to look effortlessly chic without going for a full updo.

17. Sleek Middle Part with Low Ponytail

For understated elegance, try a middle-parted sleek ponytail at the nape of your neck. It elongates the face and keeps your look tidy and minimal. This style works well for high-neck or detailed evening outfits and complements bold makeup without stealing the spotlight.

18. Side-Swept Loose Bun

Sweep all your hair to one side and twist it into a low bun near your jawline. This adds romance and a soft focal point. It pairs well with dresses that show off the neckline and is perfect for intimate dinner settings or outdoor evening celebrations.

19. Vintage-Inspired Victory Rolls

Add retro glam to your dinner ensemble with classic victory rolls. These defined rolls bring drama and personality to medium hair. Pair with a bold lip and a fitted dress for a pin-up style that still feels formal. It’s fun, bold, and perfect for making a statement.

20. Boho Braided Side Bun

Loosely braid your hair and wrap it into a soft side bun. This boho-inspired look is laid-back yet polished. For similar romantic looks, check out our curated list of wedding hairstyles for a strapless dress perfect if your dinner occasion leans elegant and dreamy.

21. Pinned Back Waves with Volume

Create soft waves and pin back both sides with jeweled clips for a regal finish. This style adds volume on top while keeping your face open. It’s a wonderful choice for medium hair, offering glam without the weight of an updo—perfect for formal dinners or black-tie gatherings.

22. Low Twisted Rope Ponytail

Twist your hair into a rope braid ponytail and secure it low at the nape. This creative yet clean look adds detail and polish without being too elaborate. It’s great for structured outfits or events that require elegance with a modern flair, ideal for medium length hairstyles for dinner.

23. Layered Waves with Gloss Finish

Style your layered medium hair in loose waves, then finish with a glossing serum for shine. This easy yet polished hairstyle is ideal for formal dinners where you want movement without frizz. It’s low maintenance but still feels intentional, especially when paired with minimal makeup and a statement dress.

24. Criss-Cross Half-Up with Curls

Create two diagonal sections and pin them across each other at the back of your head. Let the rest of your hair fall in curls. For more semi-formal ideas, visit our guide on medium-length hairstyles with layers that add both structure and volume.

25. Soft Pouf with Loose Curls

Add a small pouf at the crown of your head and let the rest flow in soft curls. This retro-inspired look is feminine and charming. It creates height while keeping your hair off your face. Pair it with a delicate necklace for a balanced, romantic dinner hairstyle.

26. Feathered Layers with Volume

Feathered ends give medium hair a light, airy look that feels stylish and fresh. Add a little lift at the roots for volume, and let the natural movement take over. This style flatters most face shapes and transitions perfectly from day meetings to upscale dinner parties.

27. Tucked-In Low Roll

Roll your hair inward and pin it at the nape for a sleek, tucked-in look. This polished hairstyle is perfect for formal dinners. Want more elegant inspiration? Browse our complete wedding hair collection for sophisticated styles that balance modern and timeless appeal.

28. Tousled Shoulder-Length Curls

Tousled curls give an effortless, romantic vibe perfect for candlelit dinners or garden soirées. Use a curling wand for definition, then finger-comb to keep them soft and natural. This style looks best with medium hair and layered cuts, allowing the curls to bounce without overwhelming your face.

29. Rolled-In French Bob Look

Style your medium hair to mimic a rolled-in French bob with curled ends tucked under. It’s chic and structured, ideal for upscale events or formal dinners. Add side-swept bangs or a jeweled clip to elevate the elegance. A touch of shine spray enhances the clean, smooth silhouette.

30. Side Braid into Curled Ponytail

Start with a side braid that flows into a curled ponytail tied low. This combines structure and softness, keeping the hair elegant and contained while adding playful charm. It’s perfect for medium length hair that needs a bit of flair without going full updo—great for dinner parties or receptions.

31. Braided Halo with Soft Tendrils

Wrap a braid around the top of your head like a halo and leave soft tendrils for a graceful finish. This look pairs beautifully with styles in our wedding hairstyles for children section sweet, elegant, and ideal for medium-length hair.

32. Softly Teased Crown with Straight Ends

Backcomb the crown for volume and let the rest of your hair fall straight. This hairstyle adds height without curls, offering a sleek silhouette ideal for sharp evening outfits. Finish with shine spray and a center or off-center part for a clean, modern dinner-ready look.

33. Low Side Pony with Ribbon Tie

A sleek side ponytail tied with a velvet or satin ribbon brings a touch of vintage charm. Curl the ends softly for added elegance. This look feels sweet and refined and pairs well with dresses featuring open backs or romantic sleeves. It’s perfect for formal but personal gatherings.

34. Twisted Crown with Loose Curls

Twist sections from both sides of your head and pin them back for a dreamy crown effect. Combine this look with ideas from our wedding hairstyles for curly hair page to enhance natural texture while staying dinner-date-ready.

35. Sculpted S-Waves

Use a flat iron or large barrel iron to create deep, vintage-inspired S-waves. These sculpted waves look refined and work especially well on medium-length bobs or lobs. Add a glossy serum for a high-shine finish, and you’re ready for any upscale dinner event or special celebration.

36. Layered Flip with Side-Swept Bangs

Flip out the ends of your layers and pair them with soft, side-swept bangs. This brings movement and a playful touch to your formal look. The volume on the sides makes it ideal for heart and oval face shapes, giving balance and a flirty charm during evening events.

37. Bubble Ponytail with Middle Part

Tie your hair into a low ponytail and section it with small elastics to create a bubble effect. This stylish trend feels youthful and dressy, ideal for dinner parties or formal gatherings. It’s unique but still appropriate, especially when accessorized with elegant ties or small decorative clips.

38. Side Pinned Waves

Create soft waves and pin one side behind your ear using an embellished or metallic clip. This simple adjustment adds elegance and allows your neckline or earrings to shine. Perfect for dinners where you want to keep your hair mostly down but still formal and controlled.

39. Waterfall Braid with Loose Ends

Start a waterfall braid at the crown and let the cascading sections blend into soft curls. This romantic style is ideal for medium length hair, adding texture and visual interest. It’s especially fitting for dinners with a fairytale or garden theme where you want a touch of magic.

40. Twisted Side Chignon

Twist the front section of your hair and gather the rest into a low side chignon. This asymmetrical updo offers elegance with a bit of flair. It keeps your hair away from your face while giving off classic charm—perfect for formal dinners, wedding receptions, or classy outdoor events.

Conclusion

Formal events and dinners call for hairstyles that feel refined yet true to your personal style. With these 40 medium length hairstyles for dinner, you’ll always have the right look for every elegant occasion. Whether you’re aiming for soft romance or sleek polish, Hairstyle Inspirations has brought you the best ideas to turn heads. Save your favorites, try them out, and let your hairstyle speak volumes at your next big night.