Styling Tips for a Night at the Opera or Theater

• Decode the dress code: Attending the opera doesn’t always require a floor-length evening gown. For the most part, the dress code for women’s opera attire has become much more relaxed. During opera season, elegant-casual looks such as chic day dresses, pantsuits, jumpsuits or the little black dress are perfectly acceptable outfits for the opera. However, rest assured that you can still wear a splashy evening gown to premieres and major festivals.
• Think big? Not this time! Venerable, time-honored theaters and opera houses often have narrow seating, which is why tailored silhouettes are preferable when it comes to opera gowns. You won’t do yourself – or anyone else – any favors with a wide, flared ball gown.
• Stay in your comfort zone. Wagner festivals and other extensive works often require more than just an elegant look, that is, the ability to sit still for long periods of time. In a tight corsage, the four-hour opera can become an ordeal. Instead, opt for figure-shaping draped designs and comfortable materials with a percentage of stretch. In outfits like these, you’ll still be feeling relaxed as the final curtain comes down. 

What I Should I Wear to the Opera?

When it comes to the right attire for the opera, various factors play a role. The first one is the venue. The major festivals in Bayreuth, Bregenz and Salzburg welcome glamorous evening wear with floor-length opera dresses and voluminous gowns – especially for the premieres. However, the time of day is the deciding factor. For the matinée, it’s okay to wear something more relaxed. Elegant pants with a blouse or a smart day dress, styled with pumps and subtle jewelry will not be considered overdressed. You don’t even have to forgo your jeans! Simply choose a darker wash and add glamorous accents with a top and accessories. For the evening, a cocktail dress is also a good choice for the opera. After all, special events deserve to be celebrated in a special way. 

What I Should I Wear to the Theater?

The dress code for the theater is always a little more casual than the opera.  Go for styles that are trendy, edgy, perhaps even extravagant. Just as the theater stage is often home to the avant-garde, your look can be more adventurous too. Of course, that doesn’t mean you can pass off a sloppy look as chic. Quite the opposite! The clothes you wear to the theater should stand out for their beautiful lines and cuts. Theatergoers’ dresses can play with new silhouettes as well. From oversized designs to cool, eye-catching details. Alternatively, simply wear a smart pair of jeans, combined with a dramatically elegant top, for a casually glamorous look. Add some chic heels for the perfect finishing touch. Just as you would at the opera, you can always dress up a notch at premieres, especially at the well-known theaters. A classy cocktail dress with beautiful jewelry or a sexy jumpsuit would both make first-class choices here. 

We would be delighted to help you personally in your search for the right look for the theater or opera. You are welcome to look online first to get an idea of what we have to offer, then contact our experts via “Just ask” or in our boutiques.