What to wear when dining downtown.

Oh, lucky you. You‘ve managed to land the most coveted table in town. You know the one. That cool, urban OTR restaurant that’s on everyone’s must-eat list: Abigail Street. 

Ever since Chef Daniel Wright won Food & Wine magazine’s “The People’s Best New Chef, Great Lakes Division” award — in fact, even before that — people have been lining up for his delectable tapas-style plates. Sharable, mouth-watering offerings such as Hanger Steak with caramelized Brussels sprouts and Sweet Pea and Ricotta Crostini have those in the know happily waiting for hours outside his Vine Street door. You have achieved the impossible. So, what’s the problem?

Your mouth has been oh-so-ready for the dichotomy of the zesty, crisp pita paired against the cool, refreshing cucumber of the Fattoush salad along with the meltingly soft Pan Roasted Cod for days. Thoughts of Chorizo Stuffed Dates occupy your brain even more than your actual human date, yet there’s this sinking sensation deep down in the pit of your stomach.  

It’s the crowd.  

Everywhere you turn in the NYC-subway-tile covered room are chic, effortlessly dressed women of all ages occupying this supremely hip space. Instantly, the feelings of culinary anticipation you’ve had all week yo-yo back and are replaced by all-too-familiar insecurities. A sudden feeling of angst washes over you as your eyes scan the room and you spy one ultimately stylish, urbane lady, casually draped over a cool cocktail at the bar, and you begin to wonder: Do I fit in? Am I dressed appropriately? Is everyone staring at me? WHY is everyone staring at me? 

There’s something about sitting down to dine in one of the most up-to-the-minute restaurants in town that just makes you want to look your best. It’s true, the attire of the crowd does add to the ambience of the establishment, as it should. It’s a sign of respect to the owners and staff of the restaurant who, after all, have spent their hard-earned money and valuable time putting together this magnificent space for your entertainment and dining enjoyment — and it’s respectful to your fellow diners. I, for one, certainly don’t want to look up from my super sexy plate of Chef Wright’s fresh roasted local beets, Grilled Octopus and delicate ricotta gnocchi to see that I’m sitting next to someone in sweatpants. This isn’t the time to forgo grooming or attire and throw on a “head for the drive-thru” get-up.  

So, if you’re going to be fed by an expert such as Chef Wright, why not dress like a fashion expert as well, for the complete downtown Cincinnati experience? Coincidentally, just a few feet from the door of Abigail Street is the door to one of the hottest — yet still affordable — OTR boutiques I know of: Sloane Boutique. 

Owner Duru Armagan has created a carefully cultivated collection of clothing and accessories, including pieces in all price and age ranges. The personalized service, and the fact that Sloane features lots of local designers and artisans with unique, one-of-a-kind jewelry and fashions, makes it the kind of shop you want to frequent. And the location, smack dab in the middle of all the Gateway Quarter fun, makes it perfect for the whole “ladies night out” shopping/dining experience.  

What exactly will the downtown dining divas be wearing this fall? At the fall shows this past spring, Armagan spied and snatched up elegant, traditional tweed jackets in some not-so-traditional colors, which are being paired with casual fabrics such as denim, or rich, luscious leather. Lady-like embellished collars on blouses and dresses are dainty and sweet, often showing up in unique combinations such as leather on silk. Both will be perfect for the “ladies who lunch” crowd.  

Personally, I can’t wait for the funky motorcycle jackets in racy shades like Hunter green from a line called Veda, and the furry vests coming into the shop soon. Just slip one of these on whenever you’re rolling into town on your Harley, and casually toss it over your shoulders as you nibble on your wood grilled lamb sliders. I guarantee that everyone in the room will be staring at you, but for this time, it will be for all the right reasons.

From L to R: On Gabriella: Haven Mini, $175; Tatiana Wedges, DV, $76; Stone cuff, Moss Mills, $88. On Ilene: Malia Tweed Jacket, Zoe, $347; Quincy Dress, $154; Orla Wedges, Dolce Vita, $175. 

Photography by Gina Weathersby/Kiwi Street Studios