Walking into a high-end hotel bar in Mayfair or meeting someone for the first time in a quiet Soho lounge - your outfit isn’t just about looking good. It’s about signaling respect, confidence, and awareness of the space you’re in. In London, where class and subtlety often speak louder than flash, the escort dress code isn’t about following rules. It’s about reading the room - and dressing like you belong there.
Know the Venue Before You Pick the Outfit
Not every date in London is the same. A private dining room at The Wolseley demands something different than a rooftop cocktail spot in Shoreditch. The venue sets the tone, and your clothes need to match it.
If you’re meeting at a classic London club like The Ritz a luxury hotel and private members’ club in Mayfair known for its formal dining and elegant ambiance, go tailored. A well-fitted navy blazer over a crisp white shirt, no tie, dark chinos or wool trousers, and polished leather shoes. Skip the sneakers. Skip the hoodie. This isn’t a pub crawl. It’s a space where silence speaks louder than music.
For a more modern setting - say, The Ivy Asia or The Ledbury - you can loosen up a little. A dark knit sweater with tailored trousers, clean white trainers (no logos), and a minimalist watch still reads as refined. The key? No wrinkles, no stains, no overwhelming scents. Londoners notice the details. A single loose thread or a cheap belt can undo an entire look.
What Men Should Wear
Men don’t need to wear tuxedos. But they do need to look like they’ve put thought into it. Here’s what works:
- Top layer: A wool blazer in charcoal, navy, or olive. No denim jackets. No puffer coats. Even in winter, a slim-cut overcoat beats bulk.
- Shirt: Cotton or silk. Solid colors or fine stripes. No graphics. No slogans. No untucked shirts.
- Pants: Tailored chinos, wool trousers, or dark jeans - but only if they’re clean, unworn, and without fraying.
- Shoes: Leather oxfords, loafers, or clean minimalist sneakers. No running shoes. No boots unless they’re sleek and polished.
- Accessories: One watch. One belt. No chains. No bracelets. A pocket square is optional - but only if it’s folded neatly.
Remember: London’s elite don’t wear brand logos like badges. They wear quality. A £200 pair of shoes from a lesser-known Italian maker beats a £500 pair with a giant logo. Subtlety is currency here.
What Women Should Wear
Women have more flexibility - but that doesn’t mean anything goes. In London, elegance isn’t about how much skin you show. It’s about how much control you exude.
- Dresses: A knee-length sheath, wrap dress, or slip dress in silk, crepe, or fine knits. Black, navy, deep burgundy, or charcoal. Avoid sequins, glitter, or anything that catches light too loudly.
- Separates: A tailored blouse with high-waisted trousers or a pencil skirt. The fit should be snug but not tight. Shoulders should be covered unless it’s summer and the venue is outdoors.
- Footwear: Heels are fine - but only if you can walk in them without wobbling. Block heels, low stilettos, or elegant loafers are ideal. Barefoot sandals? Not in London.
- Accessories: One statement piece. A simple pendant, small hoops, or a delicate bracelet. No oversized bags. No clanging bangles. A clutch is better than a tote.
- Makeup and hair: Natural glow. Defined brows. A hint of lip color. Hair should be styled, not messy. A low bun or sleek ponytail reads as polished.
London women who stand out don’t wear the most expensive clothes. They wear the most intentional ones. A £150 silk blouse from a small designer beats a £800 dress from a fast-fashion brand with a logo on the back.
What Not to Wear - The Unspoken Rules
Some things never work, no matter the occasion:
- Logo-heavy clothing: Nike swooshes, Gucci belts, Louis Vuitton monograms - they scream "I’m trying too hard."
- Streetwear: Hoodies, baggy jeans, oversized tees - even if they’re designer. They belong in a gym, not a Mayfair restaurant.
- Too much perfume or cologne: A light spritz is fine. A cloud of scent is a red flag. Londoners notice when someone smells like a department store sample rack.
- Dirty or wrinkled clothes: A single stain on a shirt or a creased blazer says you didn’t care. And in this city, that’s worse than being underdressed.
- Flip-flops, sandals with socks, or sneakers with shorts: Not even in July. Not even if you’re meeting outside.
These aren’t fashion police rules. They’re social signals. If you show up looking like you rolled out of bed or raided a discount bin, you’re telling the other person: "I don’t value this time." And in London, that’s the fastest way to end a connection.
Seasonal Adjustments
London weather changes fast. A coat that works in March won’t work in August.
Winter (November-February): Layering is key. A wool coat over a tailored outfit. A scarf in a neutral tone. Gloves. No puffer jackets unless you’re walking from a taxi. Inside, remove outer layers immediately. People notice if you’re still wearing a bulky parka at the table.
Summer (June-August): Light fabrics. Linen, cotton, silk. Avoid white pants unless you’re sure you won’t sit on a wet bench. Light colors show sweat. Stick to dark neutrals. A linen blazer over a tank top? Perfect. A tank top alone? Too casual.
Even in heat, the rule stays: look put-together. No tank tops with cargo shorts. No flip-flops. No exposed midriffs unless you’re on a rooftop terrace with a view of the Thames.
Why This Matters - More Than Just Looks
This isn’t about impressing someone. It’s about creating a space where both people feel comfortable. In London, where class is often quiet and manners are expected, your outfit is the first conversation you have.
Think of it this way: if you showed up to a job interview in sweatpants, you wouldn’t get the role. Same here. This isn’t a casual hookup. It’s a moment of mutual respect. The way you dress says: "I’m here because I want to be, not because I’m killing time."
People remember how you made them feel. And how you looked? That’s part of it. In a city full of polished professionals, artists, and entrepreneurs, blending in doesn’t mean blending out. It means matching the energy - quietly, confidently, without shouting.
Final Tip: Borrow From the Locals
Watch how people dress in the places you’re going. Walk into The Wolseley. Sit at the bar at The Connaught. Look at the men in the corner. Look at the women sipping wine. Notice the fabrics. The cut. The absence of logos. The way jackets are worn, not thrown on.
You don’t need to spend thousands. You need to understand the unspoken code: quality over quantity, simplicity over spectacle.
When in doubt, underdress. It’s easier to look polished in a simple outfit than to recover from overdressing into something that feels like a costume.
Can I wear jeans on an escort date in London?
Yes - but only if they’re dark, tailored, and free of rips, fading, or washes. Pair them with a well-fitted blazer or fine knit sweater, and polished shoes. Avoid baggy or streetwear-style jeans. In high-end venues like The Ritz or The Ivy, jeans may still feel out of place. When in doubt, choose wool trousers.
Is it okay to wear sneakers?
Only if they’re minimalist, clean, and neutral - think Common Projects, Axel Arigato, or Nike Air Force 1s in white leather. No bright colors, no logos, no dirt. Even then, they’re best for casual settings like Shoreditch cafes. In formal dining rooms or private clubs, leather shoes are always safer.
Should I wear a tie?
No, unless the venue is ultra-formal - like a private dinner at a historic club. In most London settings, a tie feels stiff and outdated. A well-fitted shirt with a collar, no tie, and a blazer is the modern standard. It’s relaxed but still refined.
What about makeup and perfume for women?
Keep it subtle. A natural glow, neutral lip, and defined lashes are enough. Perfume should be barely noticeable - one spritz on the wrist or neck. Strong scents overwhelm in close spaces. Londoners value restraint. You want to be remembered for your presence, not your fragrance.
Is there a difference between daytime and evening dress?
Yes. Daytime dates - say, lunch at Sketch or a walk through Hyde Park - allow for slightly more casual options: a smart dress, tailored pants, or a silk blouse with flats. Evening events demand more polish: darker tones, finer fabrics, and attention to detail. Evenings are when the unspoken rules tighten.
If you’re unsure, ask yourself: "Would I feel comfortable walking into a Michelin-starred restaurant in this outfit?" If the answer is yes, you’re golden. If not, tweak it. London doesn’t reward loudness. It rewards presence. And presence starts with what you wear - and how you carry yourself.
