I (female) was invited to a very formal 2 star michelin kaiseki in Ginza and then to a very high end bar afterwards due to getting involved with my partner’s friends getting married soon.
I have nothing nice enough to wear here but I also don’t know where to get nice clothes for an event like this. I don’t want to buy any western designer clothes (Chanel, Gucci, etc) and prefer to buy something with high quality materials and make from a Japanese brand. I don’t own any kimono and I’m not Japanese so I think it would be weird.
What brands can I buy for this kind of thing and where? I don’t have enough sense to know what would be tacky or overdressed. My understanding is the people attending are pretty understated wealthy (they don’t wear logos) and I don’t want to underdress and seem disrespectful. I don’t mind splurging on a piece or two since I don’t own anything beside gym and work clothes at the moment.
Thank you.
5 comments
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I’ve been to three-star, two-star and one-star places here. As long as you look nice and presentable, no one cares what brand your clothes are from. A simple black dress and heels would be appropriate. You could also wear a nice skirt and a blouse.
I think a wore a suit from Asos the last three-star place I went to. No one cares. If you aren’t wearing pajamas or jeans and you can pay, that’s all that matters.
You could always go to Komehyo or Treasure Factory (or look on Mercari) for designer stuff. There are good deals to be had. I got some Celine shoes the girl only wore once on Mercari for a really good price — box, receipt from the store and everything. But, I honestly think you’re overthinking this. Just look presentable and dress simply.
Don’t wear too high end, just the most classy/non-flashy attire you have, black is best. A nice turtle neck is fine for example. No need to ovrrthink, just don’t come in a sweatshirt and blue jeans. Avoid skirts if you are going to sit on the floor.
Make sure you don’t wear perfume especially if seated at a counter, some places forbid it.
I don’t know exactly what would make sense but it might be worth walking around Takashimaya or Isetan and seeing if there are any stores there. My partner bought a one piece from Lauren (a Ralph Lauren sub-brand) in some Takashimaya store IIRC.
Though it probably would make sense for you to mention a budget, since the range can vary heavily.
I feel like lots of people go to these kinds of dinners in some one piece and an overcoat (not exactly warm at the moment!), but ultimately it is a taste thing. The fact that you’re worrying means you’ll probably be fine though.
Muji basics are my staple.