How to Dress for the Opera: A Gentleman's Guide (2024)

FAQs

What is the dress code for going to opera? ›

There's no compulsory dress code. Wear what you'll feel comfortable in. It can get cold in the theatre, so consider an extra layer. And if you're seeing a show on an outdoor stage, bring warm and weather-proof clothing!

Men traditionally wear a tuxedo, while women wear ball gowns, co*cktail dresses or elegant pants suits. It's not all black tie - there are plenty of options. The main idea is to show that you have confidence in your sense of style - without screaming about it.

Despite its image having been somewhat hijacked by the opera and cruise ships of late, this dress suit consists of a white dress shirt, black bow tie, evening waistcoat or cumme*rbund and dinner jacket. Trousers should have satin-striped sides and you should slip a pair of highly-polished black Oxfords on your feet.

Fortunately, nowadays, this isn't the case. A night at the opera can be as casual or as dressy as you like. On most nights at Lyric, you'll see everything from denim to sequins! Looking for an occasion to really dress up?

You won't be turned away for rocking up in your jeans and sneakers – and you won't be the only one – but there are still plenty of opera-goers who embrace the opportunity to dress up and there is certainly no harm in making an occasion of it.

As at the classic opera houses of Europe, those attending an Opening Night should dress in formal attire. 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.

Male singers can be classified by vocal range as bass, bass-baritone, baritone, baritenor, tenor and countertenor, and female singers as contralto, mezzo-soprano and soprano. (Men sometimes sing in the "female" vocal ranges, in which case they are termed sopranist or countertenor.

Understated, but supremely elegant, is the dress code there. Men should wear a dark suit and ladies don their finest. The more modest the seats, the less formal your attire needs to be, but this is not the place for shorts, t-shirts and tank tops. Ever.

Generally, ladies are expected to wear formal evening dresses in a color they like. Navy blue, red and black are ubiquitous at the opera. co*cktail dresses or business-casual outfits are also standard.

We do recommend smart casual attire.

What do people wear to the NYC opera? ›

There is no dress code at the Met, but a night at the opera can be a great excuse to get dressed up. If you need inspiration, check out some of our favorite looks from Last Night at the Met, our curated fashion Instagram account.

Decode the Dress Codes

If you ask someone what the dress code at their office is, they'll generally give you one of four dress codes: business professional, business casual, smart casual or casual.

Also known as “full evening dress”, white tie attire is considered the most formal of all dress codes. The white tie dress code indicates that guests are high-caliber, royal, or have high social standing.

It is fine to wear a black, charcoal grey, or navy blue suit as far as colors are concerned. As an exception, a classic pinstripe suit could also be appropriate, but only in a thin stripe, which would be far more accurate.

Unless it's truly all you own, avoid wearing jeans or shorts to the opera. You might be comfortable, but you'll probably also feel self-conscious standing in line next to people dressed in suits.

Are jeans appropriate to wear in Italy? While Europeans tend to dress up more than Americans, you still can wear jeans in Italy. However, avoid acid wash and extremely distressed denim and opt for medium-dark blues and blacks. Black skinny jeans always look chic in Europe!

Opera Pumps Defined

Opera pumps are an evening dress slipper with sometimes a silk or grosgrain bow across the vamp. They're typically available in black patent leather or calfskin.

Generally, the best seats in the house are going to be in the center orchestra and right in the center of the house. The right and left orchestra areas tend to have good seats for seeing the action taking place on the sides of the stage, provided the seats are reasonably close.

An elegant gown, especially a strapless one in a bold color, paired with dainty jewelry can never go wrong. However, if you wish to keep things simple, a black dress is a safer bet.

What is opera etiquette? ›

Just be respectful of the people sitting around you and don't wear something that might obstruct their sightline to the stage. Want to show off your favorite formal dress? Wear it, all your fancy jewelry, and don't forget your opera glasses.

If, like me, you're fond of dressing formally, the most traditional dress code for the opera is black tie. (Technically, white tie is acceptable for opening nights, but who owns white tie?) For men, this means a tuxedo or dinner jacket and black bow tie, with all the usual accompanying clothing pieces and accessories.

This helps to keep one's hair clean. Over time, this habit became a tradition, and this accessory has become an indispensable wardrobe item. For special occasions, men should consider wearing satin scarves or shawls. The usual colours are black or white.

The male voices are divided between countertenors, tenors, baritones, bass-baritones, and basses. Just like contraltos, true countertenors are very rare. Tenors are typically the highest voice type, followed by baritones, bass-baritones, and basses.

Operatic Styles of Singing

There are two main styles of singing in opera: recitative and aria.

Having a glass of wine (or three) might be a pleasant way for audience members to pass the interval, but most singers would agree that alcohol is an indulgence to be avoided, both in and outside of musicians' office hours.

On opening nights and premieres, patrons are invited to wear evening dress. Entry to the stalls and numbered seats in the gallery and balcony is prohibited once the performance has started.

Today, most opera singers study and know Italian so well that they express themselves correctly and precisely. Great Chinese and Indian artists, for example, speak and in particular sing Italian with incredible ease.

Don't wear a dress that is too short, too tight, too revealing, or too casual. Think co*cktail dress. Layer on a blazer, cape, cardigan, shawl or fur stole to keep from getting cold during the show.

Can I wear leggings to the opera? ›

What Not to Wear to the Opera. Anything that screams weekend, work wear, gym, outdoors, vacation, or casual. No distressed whatever, no sneakers, leggings, mini skirts, anything denim, bare mid-riff except you are Indian and wear a silk sari.

Many operas have been composed by Italians — Verdi, Puccini and Rossini, to name three notables — so, no surprise opera performances are especially popular in Italy.

Smart casual includes items like blazers, sports jackets, dresses, sweaters, trousers, khakis, skirts, blouses, button-down shirts, polos, dress shoes, boots, heels, flats, scarves and jewelry.

Clothing that should come to mind when hearing smart casual dress code are polos, sport jackets, short or long sleeves collared button-downs, fun patterned dress shirts, casual dress pants, chinos, dark wash jeans, and sensible yet professional foot-wear.

There is no particular dress code, but proper attire is required. For gala evenings, it is suggested that gentlemen wear a dark suit and ladies a dress.

Khakis, a dress shirt and your best sport coat.

This is a classic look, but not too formal — great for an outdoor opera or theater event, or an opera house with a business casual dress code.

Business casual seems to be the rule at Broadway shows.

After all, we New Yorkers have reputations to uphold. Keep in mind that black is the preferred color for most New Yorkers, and white pants aren't worn after Labor Day. But at Moulin Rouge, the new Broadway hit, many in the audience were colorfully dressed.

What should I wear? We encourage you to come as yourself in a style of your choice—there is no right way to enjoy the NY Phil!

“Clean, covered and comfortable” are three C's which guide the dress code.

We have a smart casual dress code policy, no tracksuits, no hats or caps, no cargo pants, no sliders, no slippers.

What is elegant casual dress code? ›

Elegant Casual

A step above resort evening, with this dress code, men are expected to wear a long-sleeve dress shirt with slacks and dress shoes—no shorts, t-shirts, or sandals. Women can wear skirts or pants with a nice top or a dress.

Create a good core wardrobe

They are the main pieces that you should invest in. The core wardrobe should at least consist of one well-fitting suit, a couple of dress shirts, a pair of trousers or chinos for business casual looks, a pair of classic jeans, a couple of t-shirts, a sweater and a jacket.

A 50+ year old man should dress casually in slim-straight jeans or chinos, solid color tees, polos or untucked button up shirts, and tasteful outerwear (like a Harrington jacket, leather jacket or bomber). For shoes, keep it simple with leather boots, casual loafers, or plain leather or suede sneakers .

Traditionally, men's formal attire indicates a black tie event, which means a black tuxedo and a tuxedo shirt, and there's very little wiggle room around it. Paired with a starched white shirt and cumme*rbund, the black tie look is the epitome of mens formal wear.

"Business / Informal"

Business and Informal attire is more sophisticated than Smart Casual, often signaling the need for suits, ties and dresses. For Him: Wear a business suit with tie. You may also opt for nice slacks with a sports jacket and tie.

For most of America casual is the main dress style – even for dining out. Jeans are always popular and will serve as a versatile base to your wardrobe. Wear them with cool layers such as a camisoles or t-shirts for the summer, or warmer ones e.g. a long-sleeved shirt and thick sweater in the winter.

There is no dress code at the Met, but a night at the opera can be a great excuse to get dressed up. If you need inspiration, check out some of our favorite looks from Last Night at the Met, our curated fashion Instagram account.

At a minimum, men should wear slacks, a button-down shirt, and a casual shoe, no sneakers. Women should wear either a dress or slacks paired with a blouse or sweater or jacket. A small heel or boots would work and no sneakers. No jeans, no sweatshirts and no gym clothing.

A much debated topic indeed, but the general rule is to dress 'nicely'. Many opera theatres in Florence don't have a formal dress code, but a certain touch of elegance is always appreciated. If you are keen on attending an opening night performance however, you'd definitely be advised to dress up.

How do you dress casual but classy? ›

The go-to outfit is typically a pair of slacks in a neutral color, such as khaki, navy blue, or black. This is worn with a nice dress shirt. If you want, add a cardigan or blazer on top. Examples of a nice dress shirt include collared button-up shirts, crewnecks, ruffled blouses, cashmere sweaters, and vests.

Also known as “full evening dress”, white tie attire is considered the most formal of all dress codes.