When Jubans reopened after its pandemic closure, the interior of the longstanding fine dining institution was almost unrecognizable. With modern wallpaper, gilded mirrors and trumpet-shaped chandeliers, the eatery leapt into the future while still nodding to its storied history. Are diners leveling up their looks to match? We showed up to Friday lunch to re-evaluate today’s unspoken fashion rules for restaurant reservations. Jubans, after all, doesn’t have a formal dress code—but it still reliably serves impeccable food to those serving impeccable looks.
Lauren Rucinski, 34
Attorney
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The ’fit: Nursing dress from Amazon, KREWE sunglasses, TOMS shoes and a Michael Kors bag
Her style: “I’m easy. I want to be able to throw it on. I actually have a 4-month-old at home, so I want easy pieces that can be interchanged, sort of like a capsule-type wardrobe situation. My style is just function and ease.”
Chuck Sanchez, 51
Owner and creative director of STUN Design and Interactive
The ’fit: Martinez Custom Clothier button-up shirt and pants with Oliver Cabell shoes
His style: “Typically, it’s very relaxed business. … Let’s call it ‘Chuck-style.’”
Blake Dufrene, 31
Event coordinator for Jubans
The ’fit: Brooks Brothers jacket and pants, thrifted bow tie and a pin in celebration of Pride Month
His style: “I’m more of an overalls and Birkenstocks—big chillin’ type of comfy clothes—person. But this is what I wear to work. I’m trying to bring back the bow tie. It’s an old Jubans thing that at some point disappeared. I’m known for (wearing bow ties) and silly little enamel pins. It’s required at this point.”
Sandra Carter, 64 
Retired Entergy radiation technician
The ’fit: Talbots shirt, Levi’s shorts, bag from Macy’s, Sanuk shoes and an anklet gifted by Patterson (her daughter)
Her style: “Casual.”
Cadie Patterson, 22
Jubans bartender and LSU student
The ’fit: Lulus floral dress, purse from T.J.Maxx and shoes from Dillard’s
Her style: “More like athletic leisure. I dress up, but not all the time. It’s such a beautiful day, so I was like, ‘This is so out of my comfort zone.’ But (my mom) said, ‘You look great.’”
Paulette Holland, 47
Product manager at Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company
The ’fit: Banana Republic blazer, H&M linen pants and Mix No. 6 DSW sandals
Her style: “If I’m going to work, I’m dressed professionally. But if I’m going to hang out, it’s usually trendy, sophisticated glam.”
Missy Morgan, 53
Director of enterprise risk management at Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company
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The ’fit: Bindu maxi dress, Cordani sandals and all jewelry from Village Boutique
Her style: “I like to be up-to-date. My friend owns Village Boutique in Mississippi and I work there once a month, so I’m always fresh.”
This article was originally published in the July 2023 issue of 225 magazine.