Is this okay for tea at the Ritz and ROH?

[DieDreiHexen]

We visit London quite often, but mostly supper in Marylebone, picnic in the park, the theatre, lunch by the river, an exhibition or Ronnie Scott's (or work!) Basically, nice stuff but nothing fancy, just wear jeans or a day dress. This outing is unusual for me...

We are celebrating DD's 16th birthday in January with a trip to Mikimoto for pearl earrings, tea at the Ritz and Onegin at the Royal Opera House. We are overnighting at the Ritz (already looking forward to breakfast!)

DD has an amazing Sister Jane dress.

Would this dress do for me? How do people dress for ROH? Is it better in black or cream? (I'm a Deep Autumn apparently) And what shoes might work? I was hoping I might get away with loafers as I hate heels.

Any ideas appreciated!

I think the navy and gold Boden dress is so shimmery and beautiful - but it's sold out now, anyway! Maybe a good thing, since it's not receiving much love on here!

I looked at Sister Jane's stuff and I think the look must be too high-fashion for me. I don't understand many of the dresses! 😂 The ones you linked look like runway stuff to me.

The ones you linked look like runway stuff to me.

The ones I linked to are Sister Jane's take on Erdem -except Erdem would be £2 or £3,000 or more.

Erdem
Erdem 1
Erdem 2

Can you see Theresa May or Jill Biden wearing that dress? If yes, it is officially an old lady dress.

I can definitely see both Jill and Theresa wearing the blue Boden dress.

edited to say: both of them dress very well, fashionable but in an age-appropriate way. But not how a 16 year old would or should dress.

Love your outfits OP!

Not sure why people are being so weird with their comments.

I hope you both have a wonderful time. Enjoy!

Theresa May would not wear that Boden dress. Before she became PM you'd find Theresa May wearing Vivienne Westwood or Roland Mouret. She was quite an adventurous dresser and didn't stick to safe. She toned it down a bit when she became PM.

I think the dress is too young for May or Biden!

I'm obvs just very out of touch with fashion.

The best advice on choosing a dress is to look at far more expensive clothes and see who is copying it. So there’s some great brands you could look at to determine your style. Farm Rio, Rico, Self Portrait, Zimmerman, Staud, Max Mara (Net-a-Porter is a good site or Liberty) are stylish right now and see if there are look alikes on the high street.

What kind of dress would you wear to a Christmas do?

I LOVE the red dress in the third Erdem link!

Just looked at Farm Rio and Rixo and loved them both! Thanks!

Usually a black velvet dress of some sort. Last year I wore a satin slip skirt and cami top. I tend to dress simply and focus on shoes and earrings. This year I have dresses from Zara and River Island. These aren't the exact dresses, but this sort of idea

Mini

Midi

Zara mini

Cut outs - I've tried this on, and it's not anywhere near as daring as the photos make it look!

Thanks! They look nice but def look young to my eyes. When I see these, I see how my Boden choice looks safe in comparison,

@NoisyDenimShaker You are welcome.

I hope you and dd have an amazing time, OP! Love the sound of the plans and outfits!

Dc I are going to a relaxed performance at ROH of children’s opera Hansel and Gretel, organised through a charity. DS is autistic and won’t I don’t think be prepared to wear proper trousers - I think I will get him into smart joggers, t shirt and jumper. I was going to go for jeans and smart top. Has anyone been to a relaxed performance at the ROH? I’m hoping the dress code is also VERY relaxed for those!

ROH doesn't have a dress code for anything unless it were a gala performance which would be clearly stated. Wear what will be comfortable.

They’re much of a muchness, and have the same waistband.

I actually own that Boden dress - the blue velvet midi. Looks quite nice on and won’t set the world on fire but I’m going to wear it for my at home not very deluxe Christmas! I’m definitely in the set age range - turning 50 in a few weeks.

@IHaveNeverLivedintheCastle good reminder there’s no actual dress code for relaxed/normal unless stated. I’m hoping the in practice dress code is also relaxed too

I’ve been to a gala performance at the ROH. There is no dress code! No royals around! So just a gala - as they described it.

I've never been to a gala performance. I misrembered a post from earlier. What it says on the website is.

Events with a dress code will be noted at the point of purchase and on your ticket

@IHaveNeverLivedintheCastle That makes sense.

Yes perfect

They have some beautiful stuff in Primark and Matalan, have you tried them?

God no, couldn't see either May or Biden wearing the blue Boden dress.

The Boden dress is a non-dress. It's a small child's dress made for an adult. Nothing remotely interesting or special, and dare I say (to use the dreaded f word - frumpy). It's bland and safe, worn by someone who doesn't want to be noticed. No 16 year old would ever want to wear it, nor anyone tbh.

The Boden velvet dresses are fine, total blank canvases that can be dressed up or down with accessories.

That would be fine for pretty much any nice outing.
Flats will work too.
Personally I would get the darkest colour just so I'll get more wear out of it. But go for whatever you feel best in!