The Ritz isn’t a nightclub. You won’t need a sequined bodycon dress or spray-on trousers. Think of it more like going to your grandma’s fancy anniversary dinner – but with better lighting and more champagne. The core rule is simple: elegant and smart. That’s it.
If you show up in flip-flops, you’ll get a gentle but firm “no.” Trust me, it’s for the best. You don’t want to be that person.
For the Gentlemen: Jackets Are Your Best Friend
This is the non-negotiable. A jacket is required for men in all public areas – the restaurant, the bar, the lounge. Not negotiable. Do you have to wear a tie? For afternoon tea and dinner, yes, a tie is also required. Think of it as a fun little neck accessory, not a noose.
Can you take the jacket off? Only if you’re eating in your private suite, or maybe if you’ve just won the lottery. But in the dining room? Keep it on. And please, no sports jerseys, no ripped denim, no cargo shorts. Are you building a deck? Leave the cargos at home.
What about shoes? Closed-toe and smart. Loafers, Oxfords, clean sneakers in a pinch (but really, go for the Oxfords). Just… not Crocs. Please. For the love of all things buttery and sconey.
For the Ladies: Classy, Not Flashy
You have more wiggle room, which is both a blessing and a curse. The golden rule: elegant is the goal. A cocktail dress, a smart trouser suit, a nice blouse with a skirt – all perfect. Think Audrey Hepburn, not Britney Spears in 2007.
Can you wear jeans? Yes, but they must be dark, smart, and free of rips or bedazzling. Pair them with a beautiful top and heels. Wedges? Fine. Stilettos? Sure, if you can walk in them. Flip-flops? Absolutely not. Not even the fancy leather ones.
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Hats? For afternoon tea, yes, absolutely yes. It’s practically a rule at this point. But take it off once you sit down for dinner in the evening. The Ritz is posh, not a Kentucky Derby afterparty.
Afternoon Tea vs. Dinner vs. Just a Drink
The dress code shifts slightly depending on why you’re there. Afternoon tea is the most formal. Smart casual won’t cut it here – go full smart. Think sundresses or a blazer and trousers.
Dinner in the Michelin-starred restaurant? Same vibe, but add a touch more sparkle if you want. The bar? Slightly more relaxed, but still no ripped clothes. You can probably ditch the jacket at the bar after 10 PM, but don’t quote me on that.
The bar is also where you’ll see the occasional tourist in a baseball cap and sweats. They get a polite but firm “we have a dress code, sir.” Don’t be that tourist. Be the person who looks like they belong. Or at least like they tried.
The “What If I Forget?” Scenario
You packed light. You forgot your jacket. Don’t panic. The Ritz does have a selection of loaner jackets and ties for gentlemen. They’re not super stylish – think “conference room in 1997” – but they’ll save you. The women? You’re on your own, but a scarf or a wrap can elevate almost anything.
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Also, the doorman will likely give you a friendly heads-up if you look borderline. They’re like bouncers, but with better manners and a deep knowledge of crockery. Listen to them.
