What to Wear to the Opera - Your Simple Style Guide (2024)

FAQs

What is proper attire for an opera? ›

How to Dress for an Opera. Wear an extravagant outfit that's more formal than causal if the show is on a weekend night. Pick a formal but more creative costume that matches the theme of the show if you're a big fan. Opt for a well-tailored suit or black dress when in doubt.

But it's not mandatory. Look around the theatre and you'll see women in co*cktail dresses, men in chinos, corporates in business suits, families in their Sunday best and tourists in whatever-they-were-wearing-that-day. There's no compulsory dress code. Wear what you'll feel comfortable in.

Men wear black tie (tuxedo, preferably in a traditional style) or white tie and tails to an Opening Night. On other opera nights, black tie or a dark suit is appropriate. Women can choose long or short elegant gowns, but long is considered more formal. Ensembles are often accessorized with gloves.

There is no dress code for the Royal Opera House, simply wear what you feel comfortable in. Some people enjoy dressing up to visit the Royal Opera House. However, people also come straight from the office or from a day out in Covent Garden. Jeans or a suit, trainers or heels — the dress code is entirely up to you.

Sit back and enjoy the music. Please turn off phones and other electronic devices before the performance begins and leave any camera or camcorders at home. Also, it is inappropriate to whisper, talk or hum during the performance. Some operas can last up to 3 hours.

Pacific Opera and the Royal Theatre do not have a specific dress code other than requiring that you be fully clothed, including shoes. Some patrons see dressing up as an enjoyable part of the opera experience. Others come in business attire, and some prefer the comfort of jeans.

A big reason why many people don't like opera is because they simply can't understand the lyrics the performers sing. Many operas aren't in English and with no prior knowledge of the plot or the songs beforehand, it's easy to feel confused and lost.

The bottom line is this: the best thing to wear to the opera is whatever makes you the most comfortable. We'll be thrilled to see you in a gown, jeans, shorts, or even in a little bit of costuming. Come as you are! We'll be so happy to have you here.

Smart casual is an approach to dressing professionally that mixes trendier pieces in with classic staples. The goal is an appearance that's clean and professional but doesn't look too formal. You want to look pulled together but a bit interesting and approachable.

But what do you wear to the opera? Today's answer is whatever you like, however in previous centuries the dress requirement was a lot more formal. Opera has had a long history with fashion, with both previously being signifiers of wealth and status.

Should I wear black tie to the opera? ›

In fact, this is totally up to you. If you want to wear a tuxedo that's perfectly acceptable at the opera, but you can also go with a suit. The opera is actually the perfect place to wear your newest tuxedo, so don't feel too restricted and think that you can only wear black or navy blue.

You can't go wrong with an elegant white blouse. Pair it with wide-leg trousers or sleek black skinnies for a simple yet chic opera outfit.

While there is no dress code at the Met, we recommend comfortable clothing appropriate for a professional setting. Attendees tend to dress more formally for Galas or openings of new productions, but this is optional. Are children allowed? Yes; however, all attendees must be ticketed for the performance.

There is no formal dress code. We want everyone to feel comfortable and able to engage with what is happening on stage, and so we encourage audiences and visitors to wear whatever they feel comfortable wearing. We only ask that you are fully clothed and that your feet are covered.

Contrary to popular belief, there isn't actually a dress code for the opera. Some take the occasion as an opportunity to put on their finest clothes and make an evening of it. Whilst others will dress more casually. Most, however, will wear business attire and this is the safest option for your first time.

Both formal and informal clothing is accepted. From casual t-shirts, jeans and flip-flops to a co*cktail dress or tuxedo, the spectrum of audience style is so broad that there is no specific dress code.

Opera singers around the world sang in corsets for centuries. Today corsets are frequently employed in period costumes, and there are many singers who prefer to sing in corsets.

All Covered Up. While we love evening looks that show some skin, if you're going to a live performance of a ballet or play, you can expect it to get a little chilly in the theater. Stay dressed up and comfortable in a long turtleneck dress paired with some open-toed shoes and a gray clutch.