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.

If it’s Osteria Romana, the food is excellent but I’m pretty sure I went in jeans last time.

Jeans and a silk blouse is perfect for a Sunday lunch more or less everywhere in London.

It’s quite a dressy part of town. If I were going .... (and I’m older) . I’d wear a cream silk shirt I have and some high waisted indigo wider leg cropped jeans or trousers. I’m not really wanting to wear heels at the moment so would wear modernist ballet flats. Coat wise something longer and a cross body bag. Low key smooth hair and minimal jewellery.....but that’s just me!!! Alternatively a long midi dress... not an LBD though I think it’s too “try hard”

Your choice sounds perfect

London is so anonymous, there's no right and wrong

Although: as you rightly point out, 'out of townies' dressed like they're going to Ascot always stand out a mile

Osteria Romana by the park?

Londoners don't really dress up to go out for dinner, unless they are dressing for a special occasion like a birthday party or something. Smart casual is fine, including smart jeans, unless it is one of the few places where there is a specific dress code.

As motogogo says, it's the out of towners who are dressed to the nines.

If you want to dress up, that's also fine, just don't feel you have to.

You sound lovely and I am thinking anyone who meets you will be doing it for the pleasure of your company, not what you wear.

If it's `Osteria Romana (or anywhere round there) the skinny jeans, red heels and blouse sound great. If you decide for a dress I'd avoid the country mouse look by styling it with trainers rather than heels.

If I'm out and about in that part of town I try and have a blow dry. I always feel more Knightsbridge/Kensington with bouffy hair.