Oh gawd. What can I wear for dinner at a swanky-ish Italian in Knightsbridge?

[Labradabradorable]

I’m a country mouse at the best of times. Last ate out at our local pub in October. I’ve forgotten how it’s done ( at least I can still use cutlery, unlike my kids).

We are planning a few days in London and BIL ( who lives quite a different life!) has booked his local Italian. Described on tripadvisor as ‘refined’ and ‘beloved of celebs’. I don’t want to underdress, but I also don’t want to do that ‘I’m in London for the day so I’m wearing my Sunday best and nicest bonnet’ thing.

My style is, basically, Boden with added FatFace and Hobbs. If she is in the restaurant, that Delavigne woman will not see an incoming style usurper.

Have you got some cash to splash on this?

Being useless on this front I would go to a shop with an owner that knows their onions (in my case a local dress agency).

The most classically stylish women i know (nor celeb type fashion) tell me Italian clothes, French perfume...

Is it Scalini? I wouldn’t worry so much. I’d just wear smart black trousers & a decent top.

The risk is overdressing. Do they have a dress code? If not, wear whatever you feel comfortable in.
Do you have an understated LBD? Worn with brighter jewellery perhaps?

Massimo Dutti has some nice plain dresses or shirts and wide trousers

Silk shirt with an extra button undone.

Please don't go overboard on the perfume! Stick to something light rather than cloying and overpowering.
There's nothing worse when you're eating a nice meal than when someone wafts past trailing clouds of eau de bog-cleaner.
For clothes i like the smart trousers/silk blouse combo.

Honesty if you're a Casual person I'd go in jeans and a nice top unless there is a written dress code but that's pretty rare unless it's in a hotel.

Gawd I hate pretentious, overpriced restaurants and all the laying the napkin in your lap palaver. If you can't change it to a nice, cosy, relaxed Italian then just wear smart casual. I certainly wouldn't buy anything new.

Does the restaurant have social media pages? I'd be looking there to see what other people are wearing. Hope you really enjoy it x

It’s not Scalini. Smaller, but similar. Traditional Roman food. My son’s gutted there’s no pizza oven!

I have a nice cream, silk blouse which I might wear with black skinny jeans and either silver or black patent brogues. Or perhaps red heels which I bought in Rome years ago (when I was stylish and lived in London) and still look okay. Not very exciting, but hopefully also not humiliating. I’m getting my nails manicured on Friday and recently had a nice blunt bob cut so I hope I won’t be slung out!

That sounds fine. I’m the least groomed person you can find, disabled & I've never embarrassed myself yet! Just enjoy the evening.

You won't be. That sounds great.

I used to lead a v posh life- now I live in leggings- and what you suggest would be fine, esp post lockdown.

@Labradabradorable

It’s not Scalini. Smaller, but similar. Traditional Roman food. My son’s gutted there’s no pizza oven!

I have a nice cream, silk blouse which I might wear with black skinny jeans and either silver or black patent brogues. Or perhaps red heels which I bought in Rome years ago (when I was stylish and lived in London) and still look okay. Not very exciting, but hopefully also not humiliating. I’m getting my nails manicured on Friday and recently had a nice blunt bob cut so I hope I won’t be slung out!

This sounds perfect. I would go for the black or red shoes!

I wore this with nude heels to a lovely cocktail bar recently, it's a beautiful dress.

Please dont wear Jeans. So sloppy no matter how much they cost.

A cream silk blouse is a brave choice if you're going to be eating pasta!

Love the silk shirt idea, last time I went out for meal ( in the good old days!) I wore a silk top ankle grazer casual trousers and a blazer with leopard print trainers. So it was smart and casual at the same time! Good tip about checking the social media pages of the place to see what the usual vibe is though.

TheGallopingGourmet - what trousers would you recommend instead of black skinny jeans if want the same sort of look?

TheGallopingGourmet trouble is, I’ve not found ( or at least since I’ve gained baby weight) any other trousers that don’t look dreadful. Used to have lots of lovely pairs, but now it’s jeans or dresses.

@Providora fair point! Im the sort of big greeder who plans her meal choices days in advance. No pasta. Primo risotto, secondo lamb. Kids both want the carbonara for both courses!

I wouldn't overthink it, you can spot out of towners because they dress up! I would opt for smart jeans, a blouse and boots, tidy hair and understated makeup.

Going against the flow here but unless the dress code explicitly bans jeans and specifies more formal attire, I'd say you'd be fine in smart navy or black jeans. I can't remember eating in many nice restaurants in London where nobody was wearing jeans. Dressing up also fine if you want a change!

Your plan sounds perfect OP although I'd agree a black silk blouse is a wider choice 🤣

IME of London restaurants you generally see a massive range of people/tastes/styles and no-one ever gives a rat's ass - have an amazing time, I'm very jealous!