It’s Friday evening, and you’re standing in front of your wardrobe, trying to find something to wear. You’ve got dinner booked, followed by a show, and there might be another stop afterward.
You’d normally wear that black dress with your favourite heels. Trouble is, the restaurant is a good fifteen-minute walk from the theatre. And your friends haven’t decided where to go after the show.
I’d start with the shoes, then figure out the rest.
Those lovely shoes could be trouble
I’ve always liked the look of heels with an evening dress. But walking across town in them? That’s another story, especially if you’ve bought them recently.
A pair of ankle boots would probably be my first choice. Loafers or smart flats are fine too, and clean trainers can look surprisingly good with the right outfit.
You could still wear heels, of course. A lower, wider heel would make the walking easier, and you wouldn’t have to worry quite so much about uneven pavement.
Whatever you choose, wear something you’ve already tried for a few hours. Blisters are a poor souvenir from a night out.
A little dressing up goes a long way
There’s always the little black dress, of course. I’ve got a soft spot for wide-leg trousers, too. They pair well with a nice top and a bit of jewellery. They’re comfortable for a long evening at the theatre, and you won’t feel underdressed at dinner either.
Dark jeans could work too. I’d check the restaurant’s dress code first, though.
One thing I’d leave in the wardrobe is anything that needs constant adjusting. You know the sort of dress that looks perfect in the mirror but starts riding up as soon as you sit down? Lovely for photographs. Less lovely when you’re trying to enjoy dinner.
You might spend half an hour waiting outside because someone’s running late, or discover that the nearest available parking space is several streets away. I’d bring a blazer or a trench coat in spring or autumn, perhaps a light cardigan if the weather’s warmer.
Just remember you’ll have to do something with it once you get inside. Newcastle’s Theatre Royal, for instance, has no cloakroom. And its seats are cramped.
Check the dress code before you leave
You don’t have to dress up for every theatre performance. London’s Royal Ballet and Opera welcomes visitors in jeans and trainers, although some special events have different requirements.
Even the Hippodrome Casino in London has no set dress code. Most visitors wear smart casual clothes, which leaves quite a bit of room for personal taste.
I’d be more concerned about the restaurant. Some places don’t allow trainers, and finding that out at the door would be a rather awkward start to dinner.
The rules also depend on whether you’re actually visiting a venue. BetJordan Casino operates online, so there’s no dress code involved in accessing its games from home. An evening at a physical casino is another matter, and you’d need to check that venue’s policy.
With several stops planned, I’d check the restaurant first, then see whether the same outfit works for the rest of the evening.
What about the handbag?
A small crossbody bag should be enough for your phone, keys, cards and a few other things. I’d make sure it has room for a lipstick and perhaps some tissues, but wouldn’t bring much more.
You’ll be carrying it into restaurants and through theatre entrances, then finding somewhere to put it during the show.
A large tote would be a nuisance, unless you’ve got something that genuinely needs the extra space.
And I wouldn’t pack spare flats either. That’s just another thing to carry around all evening, when you could have worn comfortable shoes in the first place.
