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Original poster

Help needed... dinner at the ivy!

218 replies

maz82 · 16/09/2021 13:02

I am going out for dinner for my daughters 21st this Saturday and I have nothing to wear! I have gained about 3 stone over the past year and nothing fits except casual wear that I've been living in. I really need some ideas. Need to be able to order today for next day delivery or I can go in store tomorow. I am a size 18 and very insecure about myself. Really bottom heavy, small waist but conscious of my arms and stomach. Oh and I am 39 if that makes a difference although I've always been quite a young 39. Anyone have any ideas please?

OP posts:
SpeckledyHen · 16/09/2021 18:58

It’s a high street chain eatery, so you can wear whatever you like .

Even in its heyday you could wear anything at the original one in Covent Garden .

IDidntFloatUpTheLaganInABubble · 16/09/2021 19:01

I normally wear jeans and a blazer with heels/loafers or a dress and trainers.

None of the chain are dressy.

Jinkiesfred · 16/09/2021 19:14

Went to the one in brighton recently for dinner and literally no one was in jeans... mostly dresses/ some skirts or trousers with button up/ blazer etc....

Not sure about these other posters

Turkishangora · 16/09/2021 19:21

The Manchester ivy was like the aftermath of a Hollyoaks audition session... Inflated lips, pretty little thing tat, nasty hair extensions and poorly applied fake tan. I can only assume others in the country are a little less awful and a bit more classy. Never again. I wore a flowery dress and trainers for what it's worth.

Hope you and your daughter's enjoy it though. Grin

TooWicked · 16/09/2021 19:29

Yes the Manchester Ivy is exactly as @Turkishangora says Grin.

I’ve been to the Ivy Kensington and also St John’s Wood for an early evening a few times, always after a day of shopping/sightseeing and usually wearing jeans and trainers.

YellowandGreenToBeSeen · 16/09/2021 19:32

As everyone else has said, even THE Ivy sees diners in jeans.

Ahh… for the off the menu puddings!

IDidntFloatUpTheLaganInABubble · 16/09/2021 19:44

@Jinkiesfred then Brighton is the exception to the rule.

Victoria
City Garden
Chelsea
Asia St Paul's
Bath

I have been to all in jeans/loafers and trainers/dress

Chelsea and City Garen often has TV personalities and minor celebs. Still not dressy.

mynameiscalypso · 16/09/2021 19:52

We go to a couple of the ones in London fairly often. I really like that you can wear whatever and you generally feel comfortable - I've worn anything from yoga gear to a sparkly black dress at various times and I've never felt out of place.

SalsaLove · 16/09/2021 19:54

Black trousers, smart black boots or pumps, and a plain top with a nice pashmina shawl.

teaandcake22 · 16/09/2021 20:00

Can you do a John Lewis order to your local Waitrose. Lots of options on there.
Next is also a good shout and the Emma Willis range have some nice options. Midi or maxi dress with heels or trainers would be fab! Enjoy

Original poster
maz82 · 16/09/2021 20:02

Thank you for all your opinions. I'm torn between a nice wrap dress or black jeans with nice top. It's also my daughters 21st so I want to dress slightly nicer than normal.

OP posts:
lissie123 · 16/09/2021 20:02

Yes just recently went to the Chelsea one and there was a variety of “dressing up”. I went in a dress and trainers, and a roomy dress at that cos I wanted to eat!!!

fluffiphlox · 16/09/2021 20:26

It’s basically a chain these days. Wear what you feel comfortable in.

ranoutofquinoaandprosecco · 16/09/2021 20:33

Go for your black jeans and a nice top. They're lovely in The Ivy and it's not that dressy. I went when I was having chemo and sported a bald head and had no reaction what so ever! Food is amazing if the rum baba is in the menu I'd recommend it!

Cakeandcardio · 16/09/2021 20:38

I don't have great suggestions for clothes and can see you've already had loads but just wanted to say have a good time!! You said you feel insecure and it's easier said than done, but try not to worry too much. You have raised your girl and she's now 21! How exciting! Just try to relax and enjoy yourself. You will look back on this event with fond memories xx

MrsArchchancellorRidcully · 16/09/2021 20:44

Op don't worry. The only ivy is now just another franchise. It's not the posh place it was , especially if you're not in the main London one. Jeans and a jacket for me.

SalsaLove · 16/09/2021 20:55

Not sure I agree about wearing jeans. Just because you can doesn’t mean you should, especially if it’s a special occasion.

Bakingtraypan · 16/09/2021 22:05

@Turkishangora

The Manchester ivy was like the aftermath of a Hollyoaks audition session... Inflated lips, pretty little thing tat, nasty hair extensions and poorly applied fake tan. I can only assume others in the country are a little less awful and a bit more classy. Never again. I wore a flowery dress and trainers for what it's worth.

Hope you and your daughter's enjoy it though. Grin

But what was the food like and the service - I don’t understand how what the other diners wore affected your night so much, maybe you need blinkers! Was your chosen company that awful and dull that you spent your evening looking around for something more entertaining?
Bakingtraypan · 16/09/2021 22:09

@maz82

Thank you for all your opinions. I'm torn between a nice wrap dress or black jeans with nice top. It's also my daughters 21st so I want to dress slightly nicer than normal.
I think you have answered your own question - wrap dress it is. Have fun and Happy Birthday to your dd! Hope you have a fab night!
TwooThirty · 16/09/2021 22:17

@Bakingtraypan I get what you’re saying to @Turkishangora but this is a thread specifically about what look to go for, not about the food and service.

TwooThirty · 16/09/2021 22:17

Dress up if you want to @maz82!

MrsSkylerWhite · 16/09/2021 22:19

Wear whatever you’re comfortable in. You’ll feel overdressed if you don’t.

TwinsandTrifle · 16/09/2021 22:19

Hi

Unless you're going to West Street in London, it's not "The Ivy" in any way you're imagining. I suspect it's an Ivy brasserie, which is a high street chain, that requires no real dressing up. For context, it's where I take DTwins for lunch. Honestly, wear a nice wrap dress, or white shirt and good jeans. Nothing above that. Wrap dress in particular if you feel uncomfortable about your figure.

IMHO the odd smattering of people you see all done up in an Ivy brasserie, is just a bit cringy and sort of highlights that they don't know the difference between the flagship (which is more of an occasion, but still not that dressy) and a high street chain.

Youcancallmeval · 16/09/2021 22:23

I went shortly before covid and new jeans shapes. I wore skinny jeans, heeled boots, an off the shoulder jumper and a kimono thing. Pretty much anything went clothes wise - some women dressed up, some looking like they'd spent the day trudging round shops. In short, whatever you like will work, so wear whatever makes you feel good for yourself and the occasion.