What can I wear to the opera?
What can I wear to the opera? I plan to go to the San Francisco Opera to hear Fidelio in October.
Opera is musical theatre originated in Italy that tells a story. In the past opera attire was semi-formal or formal attire. The way women dress today is more casual than years ago and you see everything at the opera.
Some of the opera audience dress casual but many women enjoy dressing up in cocktail and formal attire when they attend opera performances. You will see a variety of apparel when you arrive at the event but its great to dress up for special events. Afternoon performances are less formal than evening performances.
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What can I wear to a ballet?
A ballet is a special event. An afternoon performance is not as dressy as an evening event. Something in good taste is in order. Since your boyfriend is wearing gray slacks and a blue dress shirt you can wear a dress, pants or a skirt with a solid color blouse. Dress up your outfit with some pretty jewelry and/or clutch bag. If the event is in the evening dress up. A little black dress (LBD), long or short or dressy pants or a dressy skirt and a top, would be appropriate. If the weather is cool bring a shawl or jacket. Today you see every type of wearing apparel at the ballet so do not be surprised. Some people will be very dressed up and others dressed way too casual looking.
What do you wear to a semi-formal event?
Usually, women wear cocktail dresses to semi-formal events (A LBD is perfect!) and men wear dark color suits. Stylish pantsuits or dress suits in dressy fabrics like silk, velvet, or satin, etc. are also appropriate. Tasteful semi-formal clothing is conservative and does not expose too much leg or cleavage. Dresses or skirts should come to mid-knee but no higher than 1″-2″ above the knees. Tea-length dresses or (calf-length) skirts paired with dressy tops can be appropriate, but floor-length gowns are usually considered too formal. (Exceptions might be a maxi dress to a garden party or resort.) Strapless tops or dresses can be acceptable choices for some semi-formal events provided that they aren’t too skimpy. Avoid strapless dresses for business functions. Heels or dressy sandals that coordinate with your outfit are appropriate.