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!

Well, I guess you could say I'm well-acquainted with old money. It's not anything they would, or do wear. But, that's just my own personal experience based on knowing an incredibly broad spectrum of these kinds of people due to both my own background, schooling, friends and work.

And yes, fashion is all about communication on a conscious and subconscious level. I adore it and have spent most of my life in and around the fashion industry!

@YoucancallmeBettyDraper

My original point was that overdressing for going to these places can mark you out a bit. That’s all.

The OP is wearing a Me + Em dress, not a diamond tiara and ermine trimmed cape. She's hardly going to be overdressed.

What's so wrong with wanting to dress up? Since the pandemic, I've dressed up far more than I used to and enjoy it. Life is short. No-one ever looked back on their life and thought, gosh, I wish I'd have worn more casual clothing.

Love this reply 😂

For my 16th I got fingered by a lad who's now in prison for attempted murder with a machete. He washed his hand in a puddle afterward. My best mate bought me a sausage roll, glazed donut and bottle of MD 20/20 and I bought my first pack of legal cigarettes. It wasn't the ROH but a cracking night regardless.

And I wore a fake juicy couture tracksuit.

I hope your DD enjoys her birthday as much as I did mine.

You’re right, I’m probably too much of a peasant to know what counts for overdressed at the ballet and the opera. If you think it’s sophisticated then I’m sure you are right. I’ll just put me north face coat on crawl back into my hovel

Well said.

Like you my background was low income/chaotic WC. But I was a dreamer who would have loved to dance, sing and act.

I see posts like this and feel the joy for that 16yo who is going to have a wonderful time. I can picture the wonderful young woman she’ll become because of the support and privilege she receives from her family.

Depends what country you are talking about.
An older lady in the 16th arrondissement with a little dog in a Birkin? Absolutely. Though she’d be in actual Chanel, obviously.

That’s what I meant re cosplaying as a rich person. It’s just an opinion, and probably not even that accurate considering my inferior schooling and unelevated social circles. I’m sure you know best

Phew! It's a good job I have a thick skin isn't it? I didn't realise the subtext of my post was an invitation to critique my life choices and social status.

Thanks for the comments about the dress. I think general consensus is that it'll do, and I favour a plainer style, so I think I'll order it and try it on. Point taken about loafers though, maybe Mary Janes or long boots will do.

DD looks amazing in her dress and I won't hear anyone say otherwise. Given her grandmother famously wore a paper micromini on Carnaby Street in the rain, we have family form for bold clothing choices.

It's the ballet, not the opera. Apologies, I didn't book the tickets.

Just to clarify, as it seems to be causing some excitement. I am a lower middle class girl raised in rural Norfolk. I went to a smart school on an assisted place. Miraculously, given I was probably wearing completely the wrong frock, Cambridge let me learn about medicine and I am now a doctor in the Home Counties. I still find it exciting to visit London, even if it's just coffee with MIL in St John's Wood high street. Sometimes I'm allowed to talk to students in London, but I do make sure to clarify I am not resident in Zone One.

In short, I'm a bit bas peuple, and fine with that.

So, any outfit suitable for someone not used to staying at the Ritz, living in Zone One or attending the opera will be completely suitable.

As you use the word 'smart' and not 'posh' and go to 'supper in Marylebone' then I think S&B is the wrong place for you to be asking for advice.

You are already far, far more Ritz than most of us posting here. Your bas peuple days are in the distant past, but perhaps your imposter syndrome still catches you out?

I hope you all have a lovely time op. Sounds like a lovely day but I must admit that it was the mentioning of the shopping for pearls that I felt was unnecessary, that’s not related to what to wear, just felt like a show off

@DieDreiHexen If you haven't already, next time you're in SJW with your MIL, be sure to go to Panzers for some smoked salmon - get the hand sliced from the counter in cellophane. It's the best in London.

Btw, I think Mary Janes (something akin to velvet Chinese slippers or Gondola shoes) will be far more chic than long boots.

Wishing you and your daughter a wonderful day 💕

Matalan has some nice dresses @DieDreiHexen , as does George at Asda

@AnnaMagnani I'm not sure it's imposter syndrome, I'm proud of where I'm from and get on with all sorts of people. But 'looking right' is a sign of respectability for less wealthy folk, isn't it? DH is properly posh and I'm always struck by how little he cares about this sort of thing.

@bunnybunnybunnybunny We love Panzers. It's our corner shop when visiting MIL. Their poppyseed bagels are legendary.

💯

This makes me incredibly happy to know. It's one of my favourite delis, second only to Zabars in NYC!

---

DH is properly posh and I'm always struck by how little he cares about this sort of thing

Always a sign of the properly posh 😂

@DieDreiHexen @bunnybunnybunnybunny and their honey cake 😍😍😍😍

Edit- I am also team Mary Jane shoes with the dress!

The me&em dress looks lovely - I would wear with boots personally.

Hope you and DD have a fantastic time!

You've not met me @IHaveNeverLivedintheCastle .

Looks great and will fit in but Christ the material is horrible for the money. Try and find 100% natural fibres if you can.

Hmm yes, I’m the snob!

Sounds like a great birthday, have a fantastic time! I could wear neither yours or your daughters outfits sadly and the main thing as others have said is that you like them and are comfy so you've definitely hit the target. I'd be fine with loafers tbh but I do like the idea of gold MJs although they would no doubt wreck my feet. Enjoy!

Rather unusual birthday choices for a 16 year old.

Love the dresses OP! The style is very in at the moment and I’ve seen similar at all kinds of events in London.

I hope your DD has a wonderful 16th.

This is also a good point. 51% polyester. It might feel sweaty sitting in the audience.

You sound really nice, OP. I hope you weren’t too offended by my comments. The vast majority of the commenters seem to like the dress so ordering it and trying it on sounds like the right fit by you. I’ve also been informed by someone with good schooling and connections that I’m talking out of my arse about it looking a bit trying-to-be-posh, so you do you. You asked for opinions and I’m sorry if mine was harsh!