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A suit is always an appropriate choice for men attending a Broadway play. A fashionable or trendy tie is a nice touch, since New York City has a well-deserved reputation for being fashion-forward. Alternately, a nice pair of dress pants or slacks with a button-down collared shirt or sweater is also an appropriate and popular choice. At afternoon shows, it's not uncommon to see men in khaki pants or jeans with a golf shirt or sweater.
Men should consider their comfort level when choosing clothing, as most Broadway theaters are designed with small seats and narrow aisles. Seeing a play involves sitting for at least two hours, and possibly traversing up and down crowded stairwells. It is crucial to select clothing that will be comfortable and not distract you or other guests during the performance and intermission.
The closeness of the crowd sometimes results in a rather warm theater temperature, so layering clothes is a smart option. Wearing a thin shirt with a heavier sweater on top is sensible. In the warmer months, men should consider bringing a sweater along in case the air conditioning produces a chill. The temperature inside the theater may range from very warm to very cold with no correlation to the current season, so it is wise to come prepared. -
The theater is a wonderful place to wear dressy or unique outfits that are not typically worn in everyday life, and New York lends itself well to a risk-taking approach to fashion. But while experimenting with style is common in the city, women should focus on expressing themselves in a way that is comfortable. New Yorkers are infamous for their love of black clothing, so visitors who simply wish to blend in may choose to wear this sophisticated color when attending a Broadway play.
There are a range of theater-appropriate clothing options for women that are both fashionable and comfortable. In the summer, a lovely sundress or sleeveless gown with sandals is a practical choice. A scarf, wrap, jacket or cardigan is a perfect addition to protect against an overly-air conditioned theater.
In colder months, women may choose to wear a long-sleeved dress or skirt with a shirt and sweater layered on top. Tights or pantyhose with closed-toe shoes or boots can complete the ensemble. In the winter, New York City can experience bitterly cold temperatures, so in the winter it's common to see women in multi-layered outfits or nice pants in lieu of a dress.
Choosing comfortable shoes is an important consideration for women who will be walking several blocks, especially when taking the subway to the theater. Women who want to wear attractive but uncomfortable high heels may choose to commute to the theater in flat shoes and carry their heels in a large bag, then change at the theater. However, it is not necessary to wear heels when attending a show and flats are perfectly appropriate.
