How to Dress for the Theatre

Going to the theatre is supposed to be a fun, relaxing experience, but what happens if the toddler in the seat next to you spills juice on your Italian suit? Or if everyone else is clad in diamonds and rhinestones while the shiniest part of your apparel is the button on your jeans? Most of us just want to fit in at the theatre, and that means being neither over- nor underdressed.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Determine the Event's Ambiance

1. Call the theatre. Some may request a certain dress code, or you may be able to talk with an agent who can advise you on what the audience usually wears.

2. Decide where you would like to attend a production. Some venues, such as Broadway, are tourist destinations and the style of dress is more casual. Local productions in small theatres are also casual.

3. Determine the audience. If the show caters to families, dress casually.

4. Check the calendar. The opening night of a performance or a special event calls for formal attire.

5. Decide when to attend. You'll see plenty of jeans and perhaps even shorts at a matinee and more suits in the evening.

Get Dressed

6. Choose black or another dark color for most venues. Whites and neutrals are also common.

7. Wear dark suits and calf-length or longer dresses to formal events. Tuxes and gowns are only necessary at black-tie events. Leave the fish novelty tie and the Mickey Mouse T-shirt at home.

8. Select business formal or cocktail attire for evening events. Men should wear slacks with ties or blazers, while women can wear cocktail dresses or pantsuits. Khaki pants with polo shirts are generally considered business casual and are acceptable at most events.

9. Choose a skirt, khaki pants or even jeans for a casual or afternoon event.

10. Pick a middle-of-the-road outfit, such as khakis and a button-down shirt for men and a nice blouse with a skirt or pants for women, if you do not know much about the theatre or performance. You'll see a wide range of clothing at most events, and most people feel the most comfortable dressing in the middle of that range.

Tips & Warnings

• Jeans, once frowned upon at theatres, are becoming more common. Be aware that some locals may view anyone in jeans as a tourist, particularly in Europe. The same is true of bright colors and tank tops.
• Operas and symphonies often are dressier than plays or musicals.
• Flip flops are generally not considered appropriate. Though you likely won't be denied entrance, you'll probably hear a snicker or two from the crowd.