lk

I will be in London May 12-15. What is the day and or evening dress? Will I need a jacket (day or evening) and are leather dress boots okay for day or evening?

Kristine

My husband and I were in London the last week of May 1999. I was surprised at how cool it was and how everyone wore black. Ladies and men, locals were in black suits with solid shirts. Lots of black leather jackets and very little color. At home, we had put these away by now, not there. I felt that I stood out like a sore thumb as TOURIST with denim, tan or brown as we rode commuter trains daily.

Ben Haines

Fodors Dress for London? <BR> <BR>There are temperature and rain figures on http://www.worldclimate.com/. <BR> <BR>You'll need a jacket, or perhaps two, one heavy and one light. I doubt that dress boots have much role. You want something supportive and comfortable. Trainers if you like, but you'll get better service from shop assistants, doorkeepers and others in leather shoes. I see no difference in footwear between evening and daytime. Naturally, you'd buy any new shoes now, to let you wear them in before May. <BR> <BR>Please write if I can help furtrher. Welcome to London. <BR> <BR>Ben Haines <BR>

genie

We were in London in Jun 1999. I agree about the black---it was everywhere and very practical if you are riding the tube where you seem to pick up some kind of black dust or soot. London is a very clean city, but I think there is more use of diesel gasoline which tends to be sootier. The theatre is very casual and you don't need to dress up at all---if you did you would stand out. The restaurants would depend on where you are going and you can check that out in a guide book (whether jacket or tie is required).

Beth

Just returned from London last week and black is still the color. I took a pair of black jeans, black casual slacks and black dress slacks. I also brought a black blazer and I was set. It worked at afternoon tea, shopping and the theatre (we saw "Fosse" at the Prince of Wales Theatre. It was great!) I was surprised by the casual dress at the theatre. Jeans and Reeboks to suits and dresses. It really is what makes you comfortable. Leather shoes are definitely a good thing. It amazes me how differently you are treated when dressed like a Londoner. Actually, we were treated well everywhere we went, so I have no complaints. The weather was cold, windy and damp. I would hope May would bring a little more warmth and sunshine, but I would still prepare for the cold. Layers always work for me. I take a lighter jacket, but bring along a medium weight sweater and a turtleneck. Add those to the blazer if it gets cold. Have a wonderful time!