Appropriate dinner attire

[A3M0N]

I have posted a related thread about jewellery already, but this is about a 10 year anniversary dinner.

We live on the Gulf coast (Destin, Florida pan-handle for those who may not be familiar with the area), and the wife and I have never been to a nice restaurant or ever really been dressed up for anything before (we got married on the beach, very small party), so I know nothing about fashion and style. Ok, the restaurant I'm looking into has a resort/smart casual dress code, its on the water. For myself, I was thinking this for an outfit: Khaki pants, white button down shirt, blue blazer, brown belt/shoes. Does this meet a smart casual definition? Maybe a pattern shirt instead of white?

I went to Goodwill today to have a look at the blazers they have, and a few fit me decently. I may take some pictures and post them here for you guys to help me out a bit if y'all are willing.

Now, to help the wife shop for a dress... That will be the real adventure!

 

[huntingdan]

I'm from down that way, where are you going if I may ask?

Anyways, sounds like since it is at a resort then most of the time they are going to deal with people who are less than dress from the dress code, but since it is your 10 year dinner you should look good for your wife. I think everything you have listed will be great. I frequent nicer restaurants up here in Jackson, MS alot. They have business casual dress codes, what you have listed works fine there. You do have people in suits, but most of them are coming straight from the office, but for the most part people are in slacks, dress shoes, buttom up shirt, tie, and jacket. Some even are in a Polo and slacks.

When I go out, I usually dress up, this is my preference because I think it looks good. Not knowing the restaurant that you are going to and as long as it doesn't give formal as a dress code you will be fine. If it does then a suit would be more appropriate.

Everyone is going to have different opinions on how you should dress, but my personnal opinion is, if it is not wrinkled and dirty, your jacket, slacks, dress shoes, tie, and button up will be just fine. As far as a pattern shirt, that will be personnal preference, as long as it matches, but your SWMBO will probably let you know before you walk out the door.

 

[oakeshott]

I have posted a related thread about jewellery already, but this is about a 10 year anniversary dinner.

We live on the Gulf coast (Destin, Florida pan-handle for those who may not be familiar with the area), and the wife and I have never been to a nice restaurant or ever really been dressed up for anything before (we got married on the beach, very small party), so I know nothing about fashion and style. Ok, the restaurant I'm looking into has a resort/smart casual dress code, its on the water. For myself, I was thinking this for an outfit: Khaki pants, white button down shirt, blue blazer, brown belt/shoes. Does this meet a smart casual definition? Maybe a pattern shirt instead of white?

I went to Goodwill today to have a look at the blazers they have, and a few fit me decently. I may take some pictures and post them here for you guys to help me out a bit if y'all are willing.

Now, to help the wife shop for a dress... That will be the real adventure!

That outfit will work anywhere. It's a classic ensemble. Make sure the pants and shirt are pressed well and fit right. This actually does more for appearance than the color and fabric of the clothes. The most expensive ill fitting suit looks worse than an inexpensive suit that fits right.

 

[Doc4]

... but since it is your 10 year dinner you should look good for your wife.

Indeed.

Ok, the restaurant I'm looking into has a resort/smart casual dress code,

I was thinking this for an outfit: Khaki pants, white button down shirt, blue blazer, brown belt/shoes.

the "resort" part of that leads me to suspect Hawaiian shirts and linen pants, that sort of thing, as the lower end of acceptable. You should be fine. But of course dressing better than minimal is fine too ... it IS your special evening with your special lady after all.

Maybe pop by the restaurant in advance one evening during dinner ... make reservations ... see about some sort of special dessert or what have you with which to surprise your bride ... wear you 'intended' outfit and see if you feel like a bum in the surroundings ... and if so, crank it up a notch.

 

[Cannata]

Sounds like a nice outfit. You will want to take a good look in the mirror and make sure that the fit is right. If not, a good tailor may be able to tweak it for you. Congratulations on the anniversary. I hope you and your wife have a great time.

Steve

 

[ironfisted]

Congratulations. I'm just stopping in to wish you all the best and to say that I agree whole heartedly with all of the previous comments. It sounds like you have the right gear, and as long as it fits well, you're set.

Cheers!

 

[Prince]

Sounds like you'll be dressed better than 95% of the other patrons. Enjoy the evening and congrats on 10 years.

 

[john parker]

Sounds great! Don't forget the hat!

 

[A3M0N]

This is where we are planning to go: http://marinacafe.harborrestaurantgroup.com/

And thanks for all the congratulations!

 

[Go West Young Man]

The blazer is probably overkill, but being slightly overdressed is easy to fix while being underdressed leads to embarrassment.

And maybe a nice lightweight wool or linen pant instead of khakis?

 

[cb91710]

Sounds great! Don't forget the hat!

And the hat rules....

Hat may remain on in the lobby, but should be removed somewhere between the door and on your way to being seated.
Attempt to not let anyone see the liner of the hat. When removing it and holding it, hold it with the crown away from your body, rest it on the brim.

Personally, I rest mine on the seat of the chair that SWMBO hangs her purse from. If the establishment has a coat/hat check desk, then you're golden.

 

[KW Driver]

I ate there a few months ago. you'll be dressed fine. mostly it was khakis and dress or golf shirts and similarly formal woman's upper end summer dresses, to nice shorts, tops, boat shoes. there was quality clothes being worn by all, and they were a moneyed crowd. I might have seen a jacket or two, don't really remember. like the others said, well put together, pressed, etc is the key to feeling comfortable there and fitting in. my crew was underdressed comparatively, having come off the beach, but we received equal service from the staff.

the food and service is good, but I'd skip the sushi. white boy working that night, and wasn't qualified in my opinion.

 

[The Count of Merkur Cristo]

I have posted a related thread about jewellery already, but this is about a 10 year anniversary dinner.

We live on the Gulf coast (Destin, Florida pan-handle for those who may not be familiar with the area), and the wife and I have never been to a nice restaurant or ever really been dressed up for anything before (we got married on the beach, very small party), so I know nothing about fashion and style. Ok, the restaurant I'm looking into has a resort/smart casual dress code, its on the water. For myself, I was thinking this for an outfit: Khaki pants, white button down shirt, blue blazer, brown belt/shoes. Does this meet a smart casual definition? Maybe a pattern shirt instead of white?

I went to Goodwill today to have a look at the blazers they have, and a few fit me decently. I may take some pictures and post them here for you guys to help me out a bit if y'all are willing.

Now, to help the wife shop for a dress... That will be the real adventure!

A3MON:
Your oufit will work out just fine...Happy Anniversary!

"Love is the condition in whicht he happiness of another person is essential to your own". Robert Heinlein

 

[Stevew443]

It sounds like you will be perfectly dressed. If I was taking my wife to an establishment like that I would add a bow tie, but then I am an old fart who likes to wear bow ties and to be just slightly over dressed for any occasion.

 

[rushchairman]

you're good to go. khakis (chinos), blue blazer, white cotton oxford. textbook casual. add a pair of tastefully bright socks for a pop of color/fun if you're into that.
have a great dinner and congratulations!

 

[Moondancer]

I'd probably consider the linen instead of khaki pants suggestion also. If khakis make sure they are pressed. Personally I'd go with a light blue or other (dare I say pastel?) lighter shade solid color dress shirt, button-down collar. Wear decent shoes that are shined with a somewhat matching belt and you should be fine.

Checking the menu of the restaurant, I would suggest dressing up rather than down would be better. The wife and I were out last weekend to one of the new places in the area that I would rate one step down from where you are going. They have no dress code and I saw everything from suits to cargo shorts with t-shirts. I was in my work clothes of khakis, dress shirt, and Johnston & Murphy loafers.

 

[InkEd]

You're good to go with your planned attire. Do make sure the jacket fits pretty well.

 

[A3M0N]

I just bought a blazer, a navy hopsack Croft and Barrow from Khols. I'll post pictures after our anniversary date.

Thanks for all the help!

 

[A3M0N]

Here are a couple of pictures to let you guys know how I used your advice! How did I do?

Oh, and of course I have to show off my beautiful wife!

 

[strop]

The smile on her face says it all! Happy anniversary!

But you forgot your hat!