What to wear for dinner at country house hotel?

[NancyBotwin]

It's so long since I've been on this sort of weekend away that I can't remember what I wore the last time!

Daytime will probably be dressing for warmth & comfort but I've no idea how smartly dressed people will be in the evening - the hotel website rather unhelpfully says there is no dress code...

[Sunshinemambo]

If there's no dress code I'd probably wear jeans, boots and a nice top.

[thedollshouse]

I'm not sure about jeans. If there is no dress code you could get away with it but you might feel uncomfortable. I think I would wear something quite simple but jazzed up with nice jewellery.

I really envy you its been years since I have had a weekend away in a country hotel. Have a great time.

[NancyBotwin]

Years for me too - just hope there are no last-minute glitches - arranging childcare was very complicated!

I think no to jeans too - though white ones would probably be ok in summer...

[BigusBumus]

For the evening, something smart casual, like a wrap-dress or thinnish knit dress would be good. I wouldn't wear jeans, apart from black overdyed skiny ones. With a little silk cami and a cardigan, but not a shrug.

I think the best rules are to make sure you are completely groomed, so immaculate nails, hair and make-up. Spotlessly clean shoes and boots, no snags in your knitwear etc. This shouts "class" much more than the actual clothes yo are wearing.

[NancyBotwin]

Ok I've got a wrap dress (though it's very obvious it's from Boden!) so that will be my back-up if I don't think of anything else.

I do have a navy shift dress that is a bit smarter but not sure what shoes would go with it this time of year (got tan peep-toe sling-backs for summer after consulting the combined wisdom of MN!)

[Sazisi]

classic, understated glamour-puss is what you need to aim for.
oh it's too long since I'd dinner at a country house hotel...

[Sunshinemambo]

Hmm see I think jeans can be smart with the right accompaniments.

Navy shift dress woud surely go with classic black courts? Navy and black big colour combo at the mo.

[NancyBotwin]

The consensus seemed to be that navy & black was a big no when I last enquired! (though that was summer tbh)

[Sunshinemummified]

If you look in the shops now navy and black is everywhere.

[NancyBotwin]

Anyone from the evening crowd want to chip in?

[Themasterandmargaritas]

Navy shift dress with brown knee length boots. Though it might look a bit work-ish. You could jazz it up with a bright chunky necklace?

[NancyBotwin]

Dress with boots in the evening? I'm struggling with that one tbh...

[traceybath]

Agree with sunshine - navy and black is very chic. However navy shift and black courts sounds a little work like.

Do you want to spend some money? Wrap dress is fine but I'd personally go for smart jeans and fab top/bag/heels.

Jeans especially indigo ones are fine for country house hotels in my experience.

Where are you going? We're off to Calcot Manor in half-term and have recently been to Lucknam Park. I'd say most of the women were either in dressy tops and jeans or glam dresses.

[NancyBotwin]

I'm not sure about buying something new - I don't wear dresses a lot so have quite a few I've only worn a couple of times so seems a bit of a waste to buy another...

When you say glam dresses what do you mean exactly?

[traceybath]

I guess I mean something that didn't look officey. So perhaps in a silky or slinky fabric but I guess the key is that they looked glam because of how they were wearing them.

Howver I just don't personally get the wear out of dresses so tend to stick to jeans and evening'y tops.

Is it very posh/older clientale?

[NancyBotwin]

No idea - have never been before (am loath to say where in case dh is a secret Mnetter - tis a surprise for him!)

[Sunshinemummified]

I was thinking you could do a Jackie O type thing with navy shift dress, black courts and some pearls. Be very chic! Alternatively what about navy shift dress and some black shoe boots?

[NancyBotwin]

Well I've had a trying on session and I decided that the Boden dress was too day-time, the navy shift dress was too officey. Tried a maxi dress but felt it was too OTT for what might be a casual place so....

Once more I am going to wear a v. old (but lovely!) Monsoon calf-length shift dress in a very soft, slinky silk. The fabric pattern looks like it is from Boden tbh but it is very flattering to the figure, can be dressed down with a cardi & flats or dressed up with heels and a wrap.

Just wish I didn't end up wearing it so much - I have several other lovely dresses but never get to wear them.

Now just need to rush over to the boot threads as I need some new ones for lovely country walks!