What should I wear to the Opera? - The Dallas Opera (2024)

FAQs

What do you wear to the Dallas opera? ›

What should I wear to the Opera? Wear whatever makes you comfortable. We do not have a formal dress code and most people tend to wear business attire. You will see more casual attire on Wednesday nights and Sunday afternoons, and more formal attire on Opening Night and weekend evenings.

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!

Opera dress code

But times have changed, and today there are no dress codes at the opera. You will see people wearing a huge variety of different fashion. You will never be turned away from the opera for what you are wearing.

First and foremost, the best thing to wear to the opera is whatever makes you feel the most like yourself. Gone are the days when a black-tie dress code was the standard. We promise we'll be happy to see you, regardless of what you're wearing!

The opera is an occasion to dress up, so avoid anything that appears so casual that you might wear running around on the weekend. This means no denim or denim jackets, no jeans, and no sneakers.

The simple answer here is anything. From a casual t-shirt, jeans and trainers to a tuxedo or formal dress, there are no dress codes. You could turn up to the theatre wearing anything and be permitted entry.

A chic white blouse outfit

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.

Smart Casual is a style halfway between formal and casual. Therefore, it is neither an elegant look with a jacket and necktie, nor an overly sporty outfit with sneakers, t-shirt and jeans. Smart Casual stands for 'simple, but elegant'.

The program handed out at the door will typically include a synopsis of the story line, so arriving a bot early will allow you to get up to speed before the show starts. Some opera houses will even have a discussion period ahead of the performance to further help attendees immerse themselves in the show.

Women should wear a dress or skirt with a blouse. White is the best color to wear. Evening gowns are not usually worn at Opening Nights, though they may be for special occasions. For opera, you must wear comfortable shoes.

Why do people dress up to go to the opera? ›

Most people who “dress up” do so for the sense of occasion, whether it's going out to dinner, to see a play at the theatre, or like going to see an opera, making a special evening of the event. Because it is an event. It is something that most people don't do every day. Dressing up can be part of it.

Most operas have at least one intermission—use that time to grab a glass of champagne or a quick bite (view food and drink options) and explore the opera house.

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.

Your jeans should sit at your natural waistline, usually around the belly button. They'll sag if they're too low; if they're too high, they'll cut into your waist and be uncomfortable.

The styles you'll find in a resort casual or informal atmosphere are similar to what you'd find at popular breakfast and lunch spots. You can comfortably wear swimsuit coverups, jeans, capris, and shorts with a t-shirt or polo. Tennis shoes, sneakers, and sandals, are all acceptable as well.

Jeans are usually considered business casual, with some exceptions. Business casual jeans should be clean and in good condition, free of any tears, fading or fraying. Avoid bright-colored jeans or styles that have flashy details, in favor of classic styles that you can pair with accessories or layers as needed.

Here are smart casual ideas for women: Pants, dresses, and shirts: Consider professional skirts, dress pants, or jeans. Your skirts and dresses can drape just below the knee. Tops: You can wear a neat blouse, t-shirts, and button-down shirts in plain colours, such as blue, red, white, or black.

Are jeans smart casual? According to Debretts, jeans can be smart casual, but only on the condition that the event or place you're heading to is a more laid back one. (Jeans would not be welcome at a smart casual wedding, for example.)

Can you go to the toilet during a theatre show? ›

Some shows will not let in audiences until a suitable moment in the show, so you may miss lots of the show. Try to arrive at the theatre at least 15 minutes before the show so that you can go to the toilet, get a drink, and relax.

How early should I get to the opera? Like any other show on or off Broadway, we recommend arriving at the theatre about 30 minutes beforehand.

The old-fashioned decree bans us from wearing white during the winter and spring, from Labor Day in September till May Day (another day designated to celebrate workers' rights). One popular theory dates back to the early 1900s.

White tie attire is the most formal dress code and is typically interpreted as floor-length gowns for women and a black jacket or coat with tails and matching pants for men. Uncommon for modern weddings, white tie attire has been around for centuries.

The casual dress code typically consists of jeans, T-shirts, and cardigans. If you prefer skirts and sneakers, go for them! This is a relaxed and comfortable type of dressing – have some fun!

What does dressy casual mean? It's a way to describe an overall aesthetic that is basically not-all-the-way-formal-but-please-don't-wear-jean-shorts. Swann explains that dressy casual is typically requested for daytime weddings—and the earlier the event, the less formal the attire.

In general, smart casual means neat chinos or a pair of dark-coloured jeans with a shirt, a blazer, and a pair of leather shoes. Your outfit should be well-fitting but slightly less formal than a business casual or business professional style.

Yes, you do. Because you won't want to miss one note and neither will anyone else. But that doesn't mean you can't clap, yell “Bravo!” give our performers a Standing “O” and show your appreciation of our wonderful singers and musicians at the right times during the show. When is the right time to clap?

L'applauso (applause) is welcomed at the end of an aria, an act and of certainly when the opera arrives at il finale – the end.

Arrive a few minutes early and read the synopsis in the program and become familiar with the plot so that you're not getting caught up in trying to read the supertitles (projected above the stage) instead of enjoying the whole opera experience.

What does listening to opera say about you? ›

Here is what the results showed: Classical – fans of classical music tend to be introverted, have high self-esteem, are creative, and are at ease with the world and their surroundings. Opera – fans of opera music tend to be gentle, are creative and have high self-esteem.

Black tie was once the only thing you wore to the opera, but nowadays you can get away with less formal attire. However, you will almost always find a crowd of regulars who still dress up to the nines, especially at the festivals and in continental Europe.

Verdi - LA TRAVIATA

The most played opera in the world with 871 performances in the analyzed period. The top of mind, it could be considered as the true emblem of the opera.

We want for all of our patrons to be comfortable, and so we encourage you to dress in a way that best allows you, and those around you, to enjoy the concert experience. Business casual attire is recommended.

Broadway Dallas generally recommends business attire or casual business attire. Some patrons do attend dressed in eveningwear, particularly on Friday and Saturday evenings. During the State Fair of Texas, many patrons are dressed much more casually, particularly if they plan on attending the Fair that same day.

Visit The French Room

Dress Code: Smart casual or as fancy as you'd like.

We often get asked what should I wear to see the KA show by Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas. You will end up seeing everything from tuxedos and gowns to extremely casual attire. Whatever you choose to wear there will be people more dressed up than you and also others more dressed down.