The reservation only restaurants have a wonderful atmosphere and I personally think it's important to dress respectfully when dining there. It adds to the atmosphere when everyone is dressed as nicely as possible. The rest of the trip people can be in 'relaxed' gear, wearing whatever they want or next to nothing and that's great, but for 2 hours it certainly doesn't hurt to dress up fancy and have a nice romantic dinner. I would rather not have to see man's gross feet when I'm in one of those nice restaurants, lol.
I don't think that sandals or nice flip-flops(not pool/shower ones) are a problem, as long as you are dressed appropriately. I will NOT be bringing dress shoes on vacation, and I don't wear loafers/boater shoes ever. I think this is something that people in a older generation are more comfortable with. My good friend is a retired air force pilot, he always is wearing loafers and a sport coat when we go out. If I was to wear the same thing, he would even look at me and be like "Steve what the F are your wearing". If I am dressed in nice linen pants, a button down with the sleeves rolled up, nice watch, and hair fixed, then I don't think it is a issue to wear casual flip-flops. You probably won't even notice my footwear. I also think it is acceptable to wear dress shorts, a button down, and sneakers. Now I am not talking about athletic sneakers, but rather causal shoes that are pretty much a solid color. Now back to my 50 year old neighbor, he doesn't even own sneakers like these, just like I don't own loafers. If when we go out to nice restaurants, or bars, no one think we were under-dressed or out of place.
I also think its a 'whole package' thing (yes I said package lol) I would never ever ever ever ask or expect my husband to wear loafers or boat shoes. He has never and will never own them. He is a casual guy who wears his combats or if not at work he is in sporty clothing. His idea of dressing up (in the summer or Cancun) is linen shorts, button up shirt and leather sandals. Is this what we are offended by now? Also, I have never looked at anyone's feet in any restaurant....ever. Nikki
Good thing I have short legs...cuz my feet ain't pretty after 27 years in combat boots, lol. Sorry Donald couldn't resist... Scott
Better be careful you just never know when you'll run across someone with a short leg and combat boot fetish.
