What do you wear to an expensive restaurant?

Question

I need help big time. my boyfriend and i were invited to a restaurant in Burlingame Ca. called Ecco. This is a very expensive restaurant and the majority of clients are 40+ in age and are very wealthy. The couple we are going with is the man is over 50 and his date is a lot younger, but my problem is that I have no idea what to wear. I called them and the girl who answered the phone said it’s a little nicer than business causal… any idea;s?

i was thinking of wearing this:

its a knee length black dres, very fitted with short sleeves, but the back of the dress has a fish tail which means that its sort of pleated in one area which makes it a little bit more fancy than the little black dress. you would not be able to wear this dress to work at the office or to a meetting. would this be ok?

i forgot to mention that in 21.... not 40.

this is what makes it hard for me to decide.

Answer 1

Yes dear- wear something conservative but tasteful. You don't know these people and it's much easier to dress conservatively- then loosen up if they're not conservative- than to go as a real party girl, then try to act conservative.
Think about it!!!

Answer 2

I would definitely stay away from black tie (no cocktail dresses, sequins, flashy off the shoulder stuff, etc. Do you have any suits (either skirt or pants)? You can never go wrong with a suit and a nice blouse. If you over dress, you're going to stand out like a sore thumb. Probably more so than dressing in jeans and a t-shirt. I'd definitely go with a suit or maybe a dress that's appropriate for work.

Answer 3

I haven't lived in the Bay Area for a very long time, but remember during my last visit there that, in general, dress is much more casual. Your tip off is the restaurants saying nicer than business casual. I'd go for a good pair of slacks or a skirt with a really nice sweater/top (maybe something with some beading to give it some night-time punch). Understated elegance is always appropriate.

Answer 4

Ditto on little black dress and heels. Add pearls and you're in good shape.

Or, go one evening and pop in saying that you want to look at the menu, then see what people are wearing. Check out the menu a bit (so you have an idea of what to order), then leave. Or go in and ask for a take-out menu, or to use the bathroom.

Answer 5

I think your dress sounds just fine.

My go-to outfit when I am faced w/ an outfit dilema always goes back to a cashemere sweater set, heels and one of the following three bottoms:
1. A tan suede skirt
2. A dressy black pair of black pants
3. A slim black skirt

You can never go wrong w/ a cashemere sweater set.

Answer 6

It's called a dinner suit. Go to an upscale clothing store and ask to see some. You may like something in brocade--very classy. The dress you describe sounds okay if you don't want to make an investment in something you may not wear again.

Answer 7

You're always going to be ok in a skirt and heels. Otherwise, I'd wear dress slacks and a nice sweater, maybe dressed up with pearls.

Answer 8

i could actual stay faraway from black tie (no cocktail clothing, sequins, flashy off the shoulder stuff, etc. Do you have any suits (the two skirt or pants)? you may by no skill bypass incorrect with a healthful and a extreme-high quality shirt. in case you over gown, you are going to stand out like a sore thumb. in all probability greater so than dressing in denims and a t-shirt. i could actual bypass with a healthful or possibly a gown that's ideal for artwork.

Answer 9

Wear the black dress and some nice jewelry.

Answer 10

I wouldn't care

Most rich folks are trying to look poor = cool

The day I become a Millionaire I will wear slippers to the company meetings.