Dress Code

[BernieMSY]

My wife and I will be dining at Chez L'Ami Jean, Chez Dumonet, Fontaine de Mars and a few others.What would be considered proper attire? Would a sport jacket be sufficient for me, or should I wear a tie as well? Should my wife dress up ? Suggestions would appreciated.

Thanks.

[mangeur]

Something to consider... The airline misplaced my luggage on our inbound flight, dumping me in Paris with the clothes on my back. The errant case didn't turn up until the third day. I was very lucky to have flown in subtle if not elegant clothes: charcoal jeans and t-shirt/tunic that passed for black and peep-toe black wedgies, and my jewelry/accessory case in my carry-on. I would have been up the proverbial creek had I worn the kind of comfort clothes that are so popular among flyers.

Lesson learned: I will never fly in anything that won't carry me through several days' activities.

[f2dat06]

about 2 years ago i had luggage misplaced and did not get it delivered until about day 8 of a 15 day trip. I had nothing but the comfort clothes you mention and a reservation at Lasserre at about day 4.

I called to change the reservation due to lack of acceptable clothes, they said no problem, come as you are. They gave me a loaner jacket to put on over a sweatshirt, certainly looked out of place but the staff at Lasserre was not concerned at all.

[vielleanglaise]

I've been to Parisian funerals, weddings, and Michelin starred establishments where there have been guests wearing clobber far less formal than one would see in either the US or the UK. And sometimes, but not always, they manage to carry it off without appearing disrespectful.

I've also been to other funerals, weddings and Michelin starred restaurants, both here and abroad, where guests have done the occasion, or establishment injustice, by their formal, but nasty get-ups.

[parizyen]

I tend to agree. People in Paris, while dressing elegantly on an everyday basis, do not tend to dress up much for restaurant outings. So as long as you stick to the general rules outlined above, no need to feel self-conscious on that front!

[Delucacheesemonger]

Very few restaurants require a sport coat, and those that do announce it pretty well. Wise to have one just in case in baggage. l also always carry a tie, not as it will be necessary, but it makes me happy to wear it.

[mangeur]

Note that you will find more "suits" (both sartorially and professionally) at lunch than at dinner. My husband almost always wears jeans and a sport coat. ( I usually hide out in black.)

[souvenir]

This is a good thread (shame it was moved to "Not About Food")
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/615172
and this one:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/637259

[Roland Parker]

No shorts, no sneakers, no t-shirts.

You will be fine in neat khakis and a buttondown shirt. Think business casual. Jeans are even acceptable.

[souphie]

No T-shirt?! Shoot!

[Busk]

Black t-shirt or turtleneck always works, with jacket if needed.

Maybe a nice watch.

I'm not going to a college interview, am I?