Etiquette Tuesday: To Wear or Not to Wear?

[ 0 ] March 9, 2010 | Johnna

This week’s Etiquette tip does not mean you have to rearrange your whole wardrobe but let’s just say, you should put a few pieces aside for various restaurant settings. It is rare to find a restaurant today that still requires the bow tie and formal dress wear, but they are still prevalent. In the District, names like Citronelle, Marcel’s and The Inn at Little Washington come to mind. Rightfully so, these establishments should require a slight upgrade in your attire especially where these are common places for celebrating a special occasion (*Personally, we don’t want to stare at your ripped jeans and dusty Converse’s as we toast to our parents 20th anniversary at the next table…We’re just saying…). There are two sides to this, however, and we’ll play the other side of the fence here.

When we were 16, we lived in sneakers. All colors, brands, shapes, sizes, etc. You could not tell us we were not dapper in our fresh pair of Classics, Shell toe’s or AirMax. Now in our late 20’s, the only time we get to wear sneakers are to the gym and to the occasional roll out of bed Saturday brunch. All this to say, we understand the person that wants to go to any and every restaurant wearing their best pair of Addidas. This however can be completely out of place at a restaurant that…ummm, looking for the words…shall we say costs over $50 a plate?? Has more than 5 courses?? requires reservations?? there is a maître d’ reviewing every move the staff makes?? Just a few red flags that might stand out if your deciding between the Nike Dunks or the Louboutin’s.

Now we’re not saying going out to eat should be in uncomfortable attire, but dress the part. We promise, it won’t hurt. When in doubt go for something a little more conservative. On the other hand, when you know you’re going to a greasy spoon, BBQ joint or Burger Joint, jeans and sweats are in order. When you know your going to a restaurant on the caliber of…let’s say, CityZen or The Oval Room, maybe leaving the sweats at home would be a good idea…

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Category: Food.Fun.Stuff.

About the Author (Author Profile)

Johnna French is a Harlem NY native with deep roots in Panama, Washington, DC and North Carolina. All four places have heavily influenced her life and the foods she loves today. After graduating Howard University School of Law and beginning her life as a young professional in the city she was led to start Johnna Knows Good Food in November 2007 to keep family, friends and colleagues updated on where to go and what to eat while dining in the nation’s capitol. French, who still practices law, leads a team of three writers to cover the ever expanding Washington, DC food scene. French has been featured in print and television, appearing in Washingtonian Magazine and is a regular contributor to various local TV affiliates including WUSA 9, FOX 5 DC and WJLA (ABC Affiliate) News Channel 8. During the 2016-2017 football season, Johnna aired on Comcast Sports Mid-Atlantic (CSN) show, Redskins Life, as the weekly tailgate host. Johnna is currently a regular contributor to the FOX Baltimore Weekend morning show.