Do you have to wear black-tie to the opera?
There is no set dress code at ENO. Many people dress up for our opening nights, and unless stated for an event, such as Gala performances and award ceremonies, when it is often black-tie, you can wear what you like.
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!
They're a great opportunity to whip out more formal dresses with big statement pieces and spiffy suits with the most tasteful of bowties. Weekday and matinee performances are generally where you'll see more casually dressed opera-goers in business casual or jeans and a nice blouse or button-up.
What Is Black-Tie Attire? Black-tie attire is a dress code reserved for formal evening events. Guests commonly choose floor-length gowns and suits or tuxedos when attending a black-tie event.
A night at the opera, however, can be one of the trickiest outings to get dressed for. Though there aren't any strict dress codes, it's best to wear something on the formal side. Things to definitely keep out of the opera house? Sweatpants, casual sneakers, or distressed jeans.
Business attire is the norm for opera, but anything goes, from jeans to your favorite evening gown! You'll see more formal attire on opening night and at Saturday night performances; the mid-week performance and Sunday matinees tend to be a bit more casual.
A gentleman would wear a dark suit to the opera, but it doesn't have to be specifically a tuxedo. A dark blazer is also appropriate if paired with dark trousers.
Opera glasses, also known as theater binoculars or Galilean binoculars, are compact, low-power optical magnification devices, usually used at performance events, whose name is derived from traditional use of binoculars at opera performances.
"The art of singing opera is the art of singing without a microphone. It's about how you project your voice from the stage, over an orchestra, in a natural acoustic, to those listening in the auditorium.
Business or business-casual clothing is what most people opt to wear. Think pencil skirts, matching separates, jersey or shift dresses, topped with a blazer. A dress is an easy solution and a good idea. I saw many women in dresses at the opera.
Can I wear a GREY suit to a black tie event?
Given the fact that Black-Tie Optional events, as with standard Black Tie events, take place in the evening, a light-colored suit would look informal and inappropriate. You can get away with something like medium grey in a pinch, but it's best to stick to the dark colors we outlined previously.
For a black-tie event, avoid wearing: Suits even black – black-tie dress code means a tuxedo or formal dinner jacket outfit. Opened toed shoes.
The black-tie dress code for women is a little more flexible than for men. You'll want a knee- to floor-length gown or evening dress or palazzo-cut pants. A black dress is a classic option, but you can go for colors as well. Accessorize with heels or flat dress shoes, a clutch, and jewelry.
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.
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.
You can wear anything you like. However, it's best to wear nothing less than dressy casual. I wore a tie as did most of those who were there. However, a number of people were more casually dressed.
We're pretty informal here at the Opera House. There's no real dress code for this event, you'll fit right in wearing smart casual. But, if you'd like to frock up, go for it! It's a special occasion, dressing up makes everything 100% more enjoyable.
