dressing for dinner

So glad you asked this . . . we are taking a 10RS Venice, Florence, Rome Tour in October & are traveling with Carry-on only and we are wondering the same thing. Also curious as to what type of shoes to take for dinners? Will we be walking far on cobble stone to get to some of the restaurants? That is not easy to do in some sandals/etc. I plan on Keen/Merrill tennis shoes for all day tours/walking, but not sure what to take for dinners/restaurants?

Yes, your assumptions are correct! I have been on lots of RS tours and I try to wear my um...cleanest clothes and will change from my hiking/walking shoes into sandals for the evening meals together. Your choice of dark skirt or capris is perfect, at least in my experience. Sometimes I even add a scarf for the final night's dinner together! The restaurants are indeed smaller, family run establishments and I think you will enjoy each and every one. Have a wonderful time! Ps to Chinalake-the sandals I take are Keens or Tevas and comfortable but as I recall, we have never had to walk too far to meet the group for a meal.

I have been on eight RS tours. I have never felt the need to dress up for group dinners. I usually wear capri pants/skirts/summer dresses -- nothing sloppy but casual. In the evenings, if it gets a bit chilly, I will put on a cardigan sweater. Some people dress up a little bit for the last group dinner but it's a personal choice.

Lori, Andi & Mary are spot on with their advice. It is amazing what can be done to dress up basic black with colorful scarfs and / or tops. TC

Lori
My daughter and I did the RS BOE in 21 tour last July. The dress code was very casual at dinner and a black skirt or capris will be just fine. Any time we did something extra special as a group, or on the nights we were on our own, many of us wore a skirt or a summer dress. Several of us had a lightweight, wrinkle proof sundress along as it was quite hot in July. On the really hot humid July days I found a skirt or sundress cooler than capris or a skort. If your tour takes you to Florence and you are staying at the Hotel Accademia there is a great inexpensive ladies clothing store a few doors down. Many of us added to our wardrobes in Florence. Enjoy your trip.
JoAnn

Your choices sound perfect! We have been on 7 RS tours and will join #8 and #9. in 2015. In the past, I have taken along a pair of black knit capris and a tunic top ( Wearever from JJill) and necklace that fit the bill just fine. Scarves, necklaces and a pair of earrings will change the look. Also, I have a pair of Ecco sandals that are a comfortable gladiator (almost) syle in a subtle metallic that works for day and night. Some people wear clean day clothes and fit in just fine. On days with long bus rides, there is often little time to change. Do pack light as you are responsible for "schlepping" luggage around. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the RS tours and wonderful fellow travelers!!! Fabulous food always and nice family stories from owners.

I have only been on one RS tour.. and no.. dressing up is just not an issue. Most of us all travelled with small suitcases.. mix and match clothing etc.. and no one seemed dressed up to me at all.. neat and tidy is all..

Well, on most of the RS tours I have been, on people just wore whatever they had on during the day! At least one time (21 day BOE/Rome arrival day) we ate dinner amid sightseeing and walking around 10 miles. Sometimes I would have a chance to shower before dinner, then I would put on my next day's touring clothes, lol! They are all casual dress places, even in Paris. After a day or two or less, lol, no one is going to notice what you have on unless you happen to have made a scarf purchase during the day!

I would not take anything extra to wear to dinner. If you are going to wear your black capris while touring then that is a good usage of space in my opinion.

Hi Lori, you'll love that tour - so many favorite places! On that tour for dinners, I usually wore either a skirt or a light-weight pair of black pants & changed out the tops/scarf - whether we were eating with the tour group or nights by ourselves. I wore a pair of Keens most of the trip for all of the walking/hiking & had a light-weight pair of black cheap sandals for evenings. I like to wear a pair of long pants on the flights, so I wasn't bringing anything "extra".

Thank you so much.....everyone....for your replies. I am really looking forward to this trip! Now I can rest assured that I will be comfortable with my clothing choices.. (in more way than one!)

I always dress up like His Lordship on Downton Abbey. I get better service that way.