Fancy Restaurant Attire

I am going to be taking my girlfriend to Daniel's, a fancy NYC restaurant, for her birthday. I was wondering if you guys could recommend what to wear. The restaurant states explicitly that a jacket is required. I was just thinking of wearing my navy suit, with a skinny navy tie and some black AE PAs. Is that an acceptable choice of clothes? Or would it be too much of a business-meeting look? I don't really have another suit that I could wear. The navy is the only nice one that I have. As always, thanks for the advice!

I have been to Daniel's a few times for dinner and have usually opted for a nice sportcoat (I rarely wear suits at social occasions). A suit works just as well, though I would suggest that you wear a livelier tie to avoid the "business meeting look."

Do you have a more colorful tie? Or say a pink shirt for instance.

Originally Posted by GuP

Click to expand...

I am going to be taking my girlfriend to Daniel's, a fancy NYC restaurant, for her birthday. I was wondering if you guys could recommend what to wear. The restaurant states explicitly that a jacket is required. I was just thinking of wearing my navy suit, with a skinny navy tie and some black AE PAs. Is that an acceptable choice of clothes? Or would it be too much of a business-meeting look? I don't really have another suit that I could wear. The navy is the only nice one that I have. As always, thanks for the advice!

What about a more formal looking sports coat and complimentary trousers? You could wear an open-collared shirt, and look quite smart...

Kinda on topic

The jacket only places - are you supposed to keep the jacket on during the meal?

I went to the Prime Rib (here in DC) couple months ago, and I suffered through that pretty heavenly meal with my suit.

Originally Posted by WestIndianArchie

Click to expand...

Kinda on topic

The jacket only places - are you supposed to keep the jacket on during the meal?

I went to the Prime Rib (here in DC) couple months ago, and I suffered through that pretty heavenly meal with my suit.

If as I understand your meaning, you are implying that wearing your suit inflicted suffering on you, you urgently need a new suit--one that fits you properly!

Originally Posted by WestIndianArchie

Click to expand...

Kinda on topic

The jacket only places - are you supposed to keep the jacket on during the meal?


Yes, though degrees of enforcement vary. Otherwise what would be the point of asking you to bring the jacket in the first place?

Originally Posted by WestIndianArchie

Click to expand...

Kinda on topic

The jacket only places - are you supposed to keep the jacket on during the meal?

I went to the Prime Rib (here in DC) couple months ago, and I suffered through that pretty heavenly meal with my suit.
Yes, and, if the suit fits, whats to suffer?

Out to dinner in general, I wear a suit and tie or jacket and tie. Holes in the wall are the exception.

Gentleman, thanks for the suggestions. I, too, was wondeirng if you keep your jacket on all the time. And now I know!

The suggestions about the sportcoats - the thing is that I don't really have any sportcoats. I just have this one navy suit. I guess I can always go out and buy a sportcoat but I rather not.

HomerJ - I just looked in the closet and found a pink shirt that I have never worn before. It's a tyrwhitt shirt with cufflinks. I bought it on impulse and have never found an occasion to wear it. I alos just noticed that it's a 16/34 and I usually wear a 15-15.5/33-4 slim fit shirts in Brooks Brothers. Can I get the shirt tailored and taken in on the sides so that it fits better and doesn't dangle too much? OR just leave since I will be wearing a jacket all the time anyway?

Suggestions about a tie?

If the neck fits, any tailor/seamstress ought be able to bring in the sides a bit for you. Under the suit, would likely be fine as well.

Originally Posted by marc237

Click to expand...

Yes, and, if the suit fits, whats to suffer?

- undershirt
- cotton dress shirt
- wool suit
- silk tie

= hot

I can't see how a better fitting suit would make it more comfortable.

Originally Posted by WestIndianArchie

Click to expand...

- undershirt
- cotton dress shirt
- wool suit
- silk tie

= hot

I can't see how a better fitting suit would make it more comfortable.

Ditch the undershirt, go with a lighter suit. Tie ought not add that much. Sorry, but if the restaurant is overheated, just maybe. Otherwise, really ought keep jacket on.

how about wearing the navy suit jacket with a dress-up jeans, nice pair of shoes and ditch the tie?

you don't want to look too business like or look as if you are ready to propose.

Originally Posted by iammatt

Click to expand...

Out to dinner in general, I wear a suit and tie or jacket and tie. Holes in the wall are the exception.

I applaud you, but people in San Francisco must stare at you.