By DiDi Turley
Maybe it’s your first time attending the opera, or perhaps it’s simply your first time back in Music Hall since our 2019 season! Either way, you may be seeking some inspiration for what to wear to the opera this summer and we’re here to help! Keep reading for our recommendations from local boutiques, interesting online stores, and a haberdashery or two to keep yourself looking sharp for the opera:
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!
First up, some femme outfit inspiration:
For something that keeps you comfortable in the heat of Cincinnati’s summer season:
Eureka Dolman Dress
This breezy dress is from Native One, located in OTR. The pop of color is perfect for a photoshoot outside of Music Hall!
Baldwin Dress, Cream & Black Floral
This romantic number is from another local shop, Cala Boutique. This is a perfect look for getting drinks at The Porch in Washington Park before seeing a show.
Bash Paris Kory Dress - Noir
Another romantic moment, this dress is just the right amount of breezy and elevated. Plus, it’s 100% viscose, so it breathes!
Sierra Dress in Sand by NICHOLAS K
This dreamy kaftan is perfect for keeping cool and comfortable on your way to and from the opera. The satin and unique draping help to keep it from looking too much like a house dress, even if it’s just as comfortable as one!
Some things to keep in mind if your goal is to stay cool:
Wearing breezy, loose-hanging garments is always a safe bet!
Stick to natural materials like cotton and viscose.
You can easily dress up a comfy, loose dress with a killer platform shoe and a funky jaw clip.
Music Hall has great air conditioning, so you may want to bring a wrap for the performance itself!
For something that brings the DRAMA:
Harper Cut Out Maxi Dress
This dress from Native One has just the right amount of cut-outs to show some skin while keeping a flattering silhouette. The bell sleeves just add to the drama.
Corazon Midi Dress by Gil Rodriguez
This sleek body-con dress from TMBTITWI is perfect if you’re looking to bring a bit of retro drama to the opera house. With a neckline that says pin-up girl and an open back that keeps things feeling modern, how could you lose in this dress?
Dante Dress by Rachel Comey
This dress by Rachel Comey begs for attention, while still being comfortable to sit in for a three-hour performance. You can shop the look now at IDLEWILD, a local boutique in OTR.
Valeria Gown by Ulla Johnson
To really make a statement, something like this gown by Ulla Johnson is a great choice. This silhouette looks great on a variety of body types and ties at the side for some flexibility.
To keep your look just as dramatic as the plot unfolding on stage:
These dresses (or ones like them) are begging to be paired with big, sparkly jewelry. Try a glitzy choker with plunging necklines, or a pair of statement earrings to amp up the drama.
A headpiece is always a good addition to any look, so maybe consider a vintage one to add some character (just make sure that it doesn’t block your neighbor’s view!).
For something that plays with silhouettes and cut-outs:
Vanderwood Dress - Black
The cutouts on this dress add an interesting element to an otherwise simple dress, and the comfortable fabric is an added bonus. Add a bright and/or funky heel an a statement earring to lean into your inner artistic aficionado side.
Noble Mini Dress
Sleeves are such a good way to play with silhouette, and this dress is no exception. The pleats on this sleeve add just enough interest without letting your puff sleeves get in your neighbor’s personal space.
Strapless Dress by MM6 Maison Margiela
For something that mixes comfort and asymmetry, go with this piece by Maison Margiela, again available at IDLEWILD in OTR. Throw on a nude heel or a chunky flat, and you’re ready to go!
Planet Jersey Dress by Issey Miyake
To really make a statement, go for one of Issey Miyake’s mold-breaking pieces. This Planet Dress looks like an elegant, draped jersey dress when standing, but lifting your arms reveals a whole new silhouette that reminds us of Sarastro in Die Zauberflöte.
Abstract silhouettes are one of the hottest trends of late, and what better place to try something with a bit of creative flair than the opera?
Whether it’s a mini dress or something more dramatic, a modern, architectural piece is sure to contrast nicely with Music Hall’s traditional aesthetic for your Instagram photoshoot on the balcony.
For something chic, but not loud:
Twist Front Wrap Dress Sage
For something elegant and simple, this sage dress is a perfect bet. The waist detail makes this silhouette flattering for a wide array of bodies, and the leg slit shows just enough skin to keep things feeling young and fresh.
Saylor Emiliana Dress
This classic silhouette is sure to be comfortable from dinner and drinks to curtain call, and will look elegant for the duration of the evening. The summery leaf print just adds to the charm, and the fact that you can pick it up from our friends at SLOANE Boutique is an extra perk.
Evie Dress by Ulla Johnson
This elegant knit dress is the perfect pix of comfort and simplicity. Another pick from our friends at IDLEWILD, this dress is sure to be a staple in your wardrobe well after our season wraps.
Deep V-Neck Gown by NFP
This dress keeps it simple, with a few unique details that shine when you take a closer look. Though this isn’t the most traditional gown, it still carries the elegance of ballet costumes and starlets of yore.
Don’t love the spotlight? That doesn’t mean you can’t be a stand-out dresser at the opera!
Opt for something simple and elegant and add a touch of simple jewelry.
If you’re feeling adventurous beyond your clothing, a fun eyeliner look is a great way to step up these simpler dresses.
For a matinee:
Sloane Cowl Neck Dress
This dress leans into the abstract print trend, but it really reminds us of the panels in Music Hall’s Rose Windows.
Papaya Midi Dress
This breezy linen midi is perfect for bopping from a pre-show brunch to Music Hall for a 3:00 PM matinee. Check it out at Boutique Cala right here in OTR!
0039 Italy Roma Dress
This dress is perfect to dress up or dress down, depending on how you’re feeling. Want to get a little fancy for your matinee? Add heels and a sparkly bag! Feeling more like being cozy while you watch the show? Throw on a cardigan and a simple sandal ( so that you can kick your shoes off in the house) (we won’t tell anyone).
Manina Dress by Rachel Comey
This funky take on a simple sundress is a dream for a pre-matinee drink and a photoshoot in our lobby. More importantly, it’ll be comfortable for the whole afternoon. The Harry Styles vibes that the pink color gives off are just ice cream on the cake.
Matinees are the laid-back cousin of opening nights. If you’re headed to the opera after getting a little too full at brunch, you should be comfortable!
A sundress is always a safe bet for matinees!
Bright colors are a great way to feel more intentional with your outfit, without having to try too hard.
Again, it may be wise to bring a sweater along. It can get chilly in Music Hall when the AC is blasting!
For an opening night:
Satin Blouson Maxi Dress
Satin is a great way to bring a little glamor to your look. This dress from Native One ticks all the boxes to serve looks at opening night for any show this season.
Asher Dress by Line By K
For something that makes an impact while still remaining elegant, this draped number is the way to go. The stretchy material makes it the perfect look for enjoying a lengthy opera, followed by drinks with your date at one of the bars within walking distance to Music Hall!
Saylor Mauve Dress
This dress screams opening night of The Pirates of Penzance, but it would shine in any of our productions’ audiences! Another piece from our friends at Sloane this dress is sure to make a splash.
Desilo Dress by Rachel Comey
If you feel like pulling out all the stops on opening night, something like this pearl-endowed number from Rachel Comey is sure to turn heads! Find it at IDLEWILD, and pick up some ceramic earrings while you’re there to top off the look!
Opening night is a great place to bring your fashion A-game. From colorful gowns to wearable art, opening nights are a great place to see and be seen when it comes to the opera world.
Strut your stuff! This is a great opportunity to break out your funkiest shoes and make a statement.
If you’re feeling extra dramatic, try leaning into the theme of the show! For Fierce, bust our your brightest, most Harry Styles-inspired looks. For The Pirates of Penzance, a breezy maiden dress or something tropical is a great way to go. Personally, I’ll be going the swashbuckling maiden route with my outfit, but to each their own.
Some inspiration for masculine looks:
Again, something for staying cool in the Cincinnati summer heat:
Go for a linen suit to stay cool. You may be worried about wearing linen because of the wrinkles that may come along with sitting through four acts of marvelous singing. If linen isn’t your jam, try to stick to natural fibers like cotton and silk to keep from getting too warm on your way to Music Hall!
For something that brings the drama to Music Mall:
To bring the drama to the most dramatic of art forms, go for a wide-legged suit! This one from ASOS really nails the dramatic silhouette, but similar ones can be found at second-hand stores all around Cincinnati.
For something that goes outside of the box:
The asymmetrical, oversized silhouette has been a fashion staple in post-COVID wardrobes, and it’s here to stay. For something that screams “photo shoot on the steps of Music Hall,” try a unique belted blazer and some platform loafers!
For a subtle twist on a classic look:
Bonobos Capstone Italian Tuxedo Jacket
This Shawl Collar Suit from Bonobos is begging to be elevated with a touch of gold jewelry and a vibrant pocket square.
ASOS River Island Slim Tuxedo Jacket
For a more affordable option, this sleek jacket from ASOS is a great option! Dress it up with a saturated, colorful shirt and a funky shoe.
Put a simple twist on a classic look with a leveled-up tuxedo! It’s a staple for a reason, but why not bring a little bit of fun to the look?
If you’re on a budget, rent! Renting the tuxedo also gives you more room to spend on accessories like ties, pocket squares, and funky jewelry.
If you’re feeling daring, try playing with an eyeliner look, like dots under the eyes or a colorful swipe on the lid for an extra kick!
For a matinee:
As I mentioned before, matinees are, traditionally, a little more laid-back when it comes to wardrobe.
For something comfortable that still makes a statement, check out these matching sets from Tombolo. The dramatic prints and funky embroidery on these matching terry cloth sets are begging to be dressed up with a good shoe and a good watch.
My personal favorite is the fish set, but they’ve got tons of options, from golf and basketball prints to picnic ants and tigers.
For an opening night:
Pursuit Light Gray Suit Coat
Pursuit Burgundy Suit Coat
Pursuit Navy Regular Fit Suit Coat
Opening night is great for leaning into themes, of course. However, certain shows lend themselves to themes more than others. For one of our new works, it’s much harder to match a theme in comparison to, say, The Pirates of Penzance.
If you don’t feel like donning a puffy poet’s blouse for The Pirates of Penzance, break out some classic suiting! Bust out your favorite suit and tie, or treat yourself to some new threads from our friends at Pursuit!
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.
