Can I wear trainers to smart restaurant?

[onlyconnect]

It seems so long since I went anywhere that presented me with any fashion dilemmas, I think I've lost my basic common sense.

In a couple of weeks' time I'm going for a smart London lunch with a couple of friend. It's not somewhere with a dress code, more trendy laid back but with well known chef type place. I'm planning on wearing a long midi ( almost maxi) navy silky dress and shite trainers. Does that sound OK? It's the trainers I'm unsure about. I could put shoes on: I've got some quite nice gold sandals or some tan leather low wedges that might be better. I'm mid 50s if that helps.

https://www.joules.com/Women/All-Womens-Footwear/Soria/Espadrille-Wedge-Sandals?size=Adult-4&id=212672%7CROSGOLD%7C4&origin=pe&CAWELAID=620016710000768594&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=15570943083&CATCI=aud-171976811523:pla-903545372771&mch=ppc&mcpt=GooglePLA&mcpn=SC-PLA-UK%20-%20Women&mct=Womens%20Footwear&mkw=903545372771%7C%7Bproductid%7D&$ja=tsid:96551%7Cacid:830-070-6569%7Ccid:234985923%7Cagid:15570943083%7Ctid:aud-171976811523:pla-903545372771%7Ccrid:90631175763%7Cnw:g%7Crnd:10493404530087284946%7Cdvc:m%7Cadp:%7Cmt:%7Cloc:1006876&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIz-7Kr9PH8QIVwrTtCh0aKQh9EAQYAiABEgI6bfDD_BwE

These are lovely and would look nice with a navy dress

@omgthepain

These are lovely and would look nice with a navy dress

White trainers would look good too - and you'd wear them again.

It would be fine in almost any restaurant in London for lunch.

If there's no dress code then crack on. Totally normal in London. Frankly you sound like you'll be better dressed than many people there.

Ummmm there are lots of restaurants in London with dress codes….

None that would turn a woman away wearing white trainers with a dress for a lunch. Absolutely not one.

@Hairymoohead
I wear my espadrilles loads they're mega comfy
I just meant as a more dressy alternative

Nothing wrong with trainers at the gym or a
Run in the park but I wouldn't go anywhere nice in them too scruffy

I’d say no if you’re questioning it maybe you feel that you wouldn’t be dressy enough? And you want to feel like you nailed it xx

I got turned away by a supercilious maitre d from a restaurant in New York (the Rainbow Rooms, prebooked and prepared to spend $$$) because they had a ‘no sneakers’ rule. I felt like such a hick from the sticks. This was years ago and attitudes to ‘sneakers’ have changed thankfully. But make sure they are gleamingly clean, and dress up your top half. Enjoy!!!

@OliviaNewtAndJohn we had difficulties with the Gramercy Tavern and Dh not having a blazer with him - but on request they allowed it - kids were in shirts and t shirt and trainers - all a bit old fashioned and silly really - given the choice they preferred to have the $$$$ from us!

[quote omgthepain]@Hairymoohead
I wear my espadrilles loads they're mega comfy
I just meant as a more dressy alternative

Nothing wrong with trainers at the gym or a
Run in the park but I wouldn't go anywhere nice in them too scruffy [/quote]
I’m glad you enjoy wearing your Espadrilles so much - they are not to my taste - I prefer the look of trainers - good job we can both wear what we like.

I disagree with most posters just to be awkward! [Regardless of the spelling mistake which made me laugh out loud and has made my Sunday morning much brighter, thank you!]

I'd never wear trainers of any sort to a posh restaurant. Copy the regular [pre-covid] commuters and walk around in your trainers but carry smart sandals/shoes in a bag to change into for the restaurant.

I got caught out the other way round when meeting hubby in London for a posh meal. I wore sandals with heels and we walked a long way along the Thames to find the restaurant, by which time, we'd had to stop off to buy some trainers as my feet were in agony! I'd always wondered why commuters all had trainers on and large handbags / bags on their backs!

Thanks everyone. And I'm glad you've enjoyed my typo!
There is definitely no dress code where we're going.
I'll stick with the trainers which are very similar to these and pretty new, unless it's really hot, in which case the sandals will win.

Agree that it depends on the restaurant. I’d personally wear flat nice sandals that you can also walk in

Long, semi formal dresses and white trainers are fine anywhere in London. Or they were pre-CoVid. I haven't been out much since 😞

DH and I stayed in a country house hotel on Friday night, and watched wedding guests arriving for a very naice wedding the following morning. Most of the women over 40 were wearing luxurious buffet dresses + white trainers. Whilst most of the women under 40 were in bodycon dress and totteringly high heels. It reminded me how hardly any woman knows how to walk gracefully in high heels anymore.

There are almost no restaurants in London - smart or otherwise that have a dress code. And there will always be customers wearing trainers.

@peaceanddove

DH and I stayed in a country house hotel on Friday night, and watched wedding guests arriving for a very naice wedding the following morning. Most of the women over 40 were wearing luxurious buffet dresses + white trainers. Whilst most of the women under 40 were in bodycon dress and totteringly high heels. It reminded me how hardly any woman knows how to walk gracefully in high heels anymore.

And why should they? Surely we should have more sense now than to think this is a skill worth acquiring?

I know of one - but it's a private member's club who clearly think they are being "modern" by allowing women to join the membership in the last 10 years - but must be endorsed by a current member (usually a man!)

Hairymoohead surely, they should have more sense in the first place, rather than to wear shoes that clearly seriously impede their ability to even walk?