V & A Dress Code for women

[CarolynK]

My husband and I ate at V & A once, and I got very dressed up. I don't remember what others were wearing, so can anyone give me opinions of how dressed up (or down) people get?

I want to pack light this time; I was thinking of wearing a skirt, blouse, and sandals (then I can wear the sandals on other nights, with pants). Will I feel underdressed??

The official site says "dress or pants ensemble for ladies" but what does a pants ensemble look like?!

Thanks for any opinions

 

[ducklite]

That sounds underdressed to me. Pants ensemble would be a matching pantsuit like you might wear to church or work or a wedding or other business or semi-formal event.

We've only eaten there once, it's just not our style, but I wore a knee length "little black dress", with hose, heels, and pearls.

I was the most "underdressed" woman in the restaurant that night! Lots of ladies had on sequins and gowns and such. I didn't think I was underdressed, we hit it on a night that other diners were VERY dressed. But that gives you an idea.

Anne

 

[Hollymom1229]

I wore a simple black gown and a pair of heels when we went and I'd say I was a mid-level dress for what women wore. I saw quite a few black cocktail dresses and a few super fancy outfits. You might feel a bit underdressed.

 

[Grumpy92]

Have to say I wore the little black dress as well. You cant go wrong with it. But many wear even dressier.

 

[BCV23]

I usually wear a dressy pant suit. I'm afraid you might feel underdressed, too. It's one place that I don't think you can feel overdressed!

 

[Marla Hellwig]

I wore a black velvet top with sparkles with black crepe pants and low black sandles with dark hose

 

[Kallison]

Well I'm 41 and I really don't give a fig if I'm underdressed in comparison to what everyone else is wearing. If skirt, blouse and nice sandals meets the dress code then I say wear it. Is it fine dining or a fashion show? I would rather schedule a root canal with Mickey then pack an evening gown on my Disney vacation.

 

[BCV23]

Kallison, I think we were all just trying to answer Carolyn's question which was how women dress for V&A. She seemed concerned about being underdressed and we were trying to give honest answers.

 

[CarolynK]

Thanks everyone, looks like I'm packing heels and my sequined dress. It's part of the fun, after all

 

[Uncleromulus]

You'll see all kinds of dress at V&A--from evening gowns and fancy dresses, all the way down to what Mrs. Uncleromulus always wears to V&A these days--a nice lightwight pantsuit, and flats. As you can see from our picture, we used to get all dressed up. But packing a suit and an evening dress proved cumbersome and frankly, getting to the restaurant and eating (dressed that way) in 90 degree weather was uncomfortable.
By the way-I no longer wear a suit. Now it's a blue lightweight sportcoat and tan slacks.

 

[Krissalee]

When I dined at V&As in December, I wore a long, straight black skirt (ankle length) and a cream colored lace top (long sleeved, but sheer), and dressy sandals. I felt very comfortable in this outfit. I saw some women in the little black dress, business-type skirt suits, and quite a few younger women in prom-style gowns (long, fitted, strapless or spaghetti straps). I know I wouldn't feel comfortable eating a dress like that!

 

[ducklite]

Originally posted by Kallison
Well I'm 41 and I really don't give a fig if I'm underdressed in comparison to what everyone else is wearing. If skirt, blouse and nice sandals meets the dress code then I say wear it. Is it fine dining or a fashion show? I would rather schedule a root canal with Mickey then pack an evening gown on my Disney vacation.

This is from Disney's web site:

"Dinner jacket is required for gentlemen (tie optional) and dress or pants ensemble for ladies."

Based on that, the skirt, blouse and sandals would be too casual, and not meet the dress code. And yes, people do get turned away from V&A's for improper dress.

No one asks for an evening gown, I certainly didn't wear one to V&A's. But the outfit as described by the OP sounds too casual, which is what I think she might have thought in the back of her mind as well...otherwise she wouldn't have asked

If you don't like the dress code, you can always choose to eat elsewhere.

Anne

 

[BCV23]

Like Mrs. Uncle R, I wear flats to V&A. That way I can also use them for CG, etc..

Another way I cut down on my packing is to wear a dressy linen pant suit to dinner. The next day I wear the linen pants with a casual top to the parks. Enjoy your dinner whatever you wear!

 

[*Flower*]

When I was at V & A in July, I watched the host seat a woman wearing jeans and sneakers.
I was amazed that she was able to get seated, as she clearrly didn't dress according to the guidelines.

I wore slacks and a nice sweater (knit/metallic shot thread) and felt comfortable. And flats.

Have fun!!!

 

[MHopkins2]

I watched the host seat a woman wearing jeans and sneakers.

Did she look familiar to you at all? My assumption would be that this person was a celebrity or at least a Disney VIP.

 

[Threehearts]

When we ate at V&A's we were surprised at how casually people were dressed. It in no way took away from our experience but rather led me to believe that the trend may be to a less formal dress there. Of course, this was only one night. If the sandals are not of the "beachy" type and you are presenting in a nice outfit, I'm sure that that will be acceptable. I was in the "little black dress" category and I distinctly remember the man next to us that was dining alone being in chinos and a polo style jersey. Despite his Albert frequently draping a V&A jacket over his shoulders the man would not wear it. Halfway through dinner, this gentleman took out his cell phone and spent the remainder of the meal on the phone. If he was a celebrity, it was in his own mind! Threehearts

 

[BCV23]

Too bad there isn't someway to block the signal for cell phones . Hospitals do it someway, I believe. I love the "celebrity in his own mind."

 

[ducklite]

I can't recall who, but there was a male celebrity (Mel Gibson? Kevin Bacon? Harrison Ford?) that they wouldn't seat as he wasn't dressed appropriately, instead they seated him in Citrico's and fed him the V&A's menu (and charged him the V&A's prices as well).

Anne