What to wear to dinner in Michelin starred country house restaurant in June?

[livelyparsnip]

I've lost my way and I haven't got a clue what to wear. These days I tend to either overdress or underdress and I can't seem to get it 'right'.

I am 5'3 and size 8-10.

What sorts of things would you wear which would be stylish and appropriate?

Pretty much anything goes, except probably jeans, sportswear or gardening clothes! They're not as poshed up as you think, so no need to dress for a royal garden party. And obviously aim for comfort, so that you can properly enjoy the meal.

If in doubt, overdress. I'd wear something like a leather pencil skirt, silk blouse or cashmere jumper and heels but I'm a 50 something non trend follower! Just look like you've made a bit of an effort which for me includes doing my hair and wearing some makeup, sticking on a pair of nice shoes or boots, getting out of my jeans/trackies and digging out a nice bag and some jewellery. DH wore a nice shirt and dark jeans when we went but check as some more traditional/formal places will require jackets or jeans would be too casual.

(eta - I don't get out much nowadays so when we do, I make more of an effort than I used to and always err on the side of over rather than under dressing!)

It depends very much on the restaurant, some one stars are mainly smart casual, but on the smarter side. 2 and 3 stars can be much posher, but yes not wedding level.

I took dp out for a significant birthday last week to a Michelin starred restaurant (not a common experience for us). He wore a suit and I wore a maxi/day dress I like and feel confident in, but tbh we definitely dressed up for the birthday, not so much for the restaurant, and we were perhaps on the slightly smarter side of the clientele. All the men in the room wore a jacket of some kind but quite casual was fine. The place we went does have a dress code, IIRC it was basically ‘no sports wear or swimming costumes’! So I would think in terms of what you like to wear usually, plus a couple of degrees less casual. Maybe a linen dress for June plus a bit of jewellery?

Personally I'd wear something comfortable. A simple shift dress maybe accessorise with a nice chunky necklace with a nice pair of shoes and a scarf or wrap.
You don't want anything too tight at the waist!!

Something like this would be gorgeous

Something that makes you feel good, but isn’t restrictive. Also, if you’re as clumsy as me, don’t wear a cream silk vest (learnt the hard way!). Black linen is pretty robust and won’t show any stains!!

Check the dress code. Very few places would expect men to be in a jacket now.

I’d go for a nice dress, or silky or linen trousers with a pretty top.

An elasticated waist for starters, provided its not nouvelle cuisine.

Thank you everyone, immensely helpful suggestions!

Something with a forgiving waist.

Wear a pretty summer dress and a few bits of jewellery. You'll want to be comfortable and cool in June. But don't wear white or cream if you're as messy as me.

@livelyparsnip We go to these types of restaurants a lot. My DH wears an open shirt and no jacket in summer. If a jacket is needed for outside, a linen one. The shirt is best if it’s cotton and not “loud”. Striped or gingham small check is just fine. Not jeans, but chinos are ok. Tailored trousers better than baggy old ones.

For you, I wear silky type trousers with a similar top. You absolutely don’t dress in a wedding guest outfit. Absolutely no need at all. An easy to wear cotton dress or linen if you don’t mind creasing. Not fitted and not over the top. There’s lots of choice and I’ve always felt smart casual is the way to go. Well cut jeans and a good top are also ok for women. Leather skirt is a bit odd in June.

Have a great time and enjoy the food. That’s the main event, not what you are wearing.

Men in smart jeans also fine, unless the dress code says otherwise.

@RemusLupinsBiggestGroupieDo men do smart jeans? Definitely not in my house! Not really sure what they would look like! Smart chinos work better if you are not sure and you’ve not been before.