An evening in which you have to go to the theater can be a double pleasure. By choosing your favorite performance or ballet in your city on the poster website, you can enjoy watching it, as well as demonstrate your outfits to others and show the impeccability of your own taste. How to dress correctly for the theater? However, to visit the theater you need to be able to choose the right dress.
How to dress correctly for the theater?
After all, stylists claim that even for different theaters there are specific rules regarding the appearance of visitors. The most solemn occasion to dress up exquisitely, of course, appears on the occasion of attending a ballet or opera. 
But here we need to make one caveat. Perhaps, if you decide to go to the theater in an evening dress, complemented by family diamonds, then those around you may look at you with some amazement.
After all, the majority of the public in a similar establishment considers it normal to appear in jeans and sweaters that are far from new.
Therefore, taking into account such features, it is absolutely necessary to find a reasonable line between modern reality and a certain rigor appearance, which is desirable in a normal society when visiting a cultural institution.
What should a theater outfit look like?
Arm yourself with a rule that will give you a true idea of what your outfit for the theater should be. The larger, more beautiful and expensive the theater building itself and the furnishings in it are, the more elegant and sophisticated your clothes should be.
It is appropriate in this regard to provide the following classification. A dress with an open shoulder line to the floor, along with luxurious jewelry and gloves, is appropriate to wear to the theater if you are going to a gala premiere.
Also, such an outfit would be appropriate if you are going to a world-famous or big-name theater located in capital cities. Most often, this outfit is chosen for going to the opera house. However, this outfit is also perfect for visiting a drama theater, if the occasion is particularly solemn.
In a dress whose length reaches the ankles, the style of which includes any type of sleeves or without them, you can go to the ballet or any opera. But in this case it is better to wear the dress without gloves. It is appropriate to complement the outfit with luxurious jewelry or high-quality costume jewelry.
In this case, you may find yourself dressed more elegantly than most other ladies. However, it won't look pompous or too over the top. In a dress of medium length with closed shoulders or even long sleeves that do not include gloves, in principle, it is possible to go to any ballet or opera in a theater of any level. We can say that such an outfit will be universal for going to the theater.
How to dress for the Bolshoi Theater
In addition to this type of clothing, wear modest but elegant jewelry or good jewelry containing pearls and semi-precious stones. If we are not talking about attending the premiere in Bolshoi Theater or another establishment of a similar level, then it is quite acceptable to wear a blouse with a skirt.
But such wardrobe elements should be quite elegant and, if possible, complemented with beautiful jewelry.
Professionals also give advice on choosing an outfit for the theater and how to dress correctly for the theater. You shouldn’t take a dress in your wardrobe with a very original or intricate design to the theater. An outfit in very loud colors or with crinolines will not work either. After all, you will have to sit in a narrow chair for quite a long time.
A simple but elegant cut of the dress will always be preferable for the theater. The material should be in noble colors and elegant texture. According to tradition in drama theater you need to dress less smartly than when visiting the opera.
This tradition dates back to the times when opera genre was entertainment for the elite segments of the population. Previously, performances were staged for the general public, and they could be watched by anyone who wished, from commoners to the nobility.
What outfit is acceptable to wear to the theater today?
What kind of outfit is acceptable to wear to a theater performance now? A universal option can be a tight-fitting dress or a medium-length outfit, similar in style to an evening one. There is no point in exposing your shoulders.
And if possible, try to avoid a too deep neckline. Your appearance should personify modesty and intelligence, which is typical for frequent theater visitors. A combination of a blouse and a skirt will also be acceptable. But the skirt, naturally, should not be too short.
You can also go to the theater in a suit, but it should not be overly strict and gloomy in terms of color. Many women do not understand whether it is possible to wear trousers to the theater. With the traditional approach, a strict taboo is imposed on them, as possible option. However, in modern realities this rule is violated everywhere.
If you also have a great desire to go to the theater in trousers, then you can wear them. But of course, it shouldn't be jeans. Pants can be complemented with an elegant jacket or a beautiful classic blouse. However, such an outfit will be acceptable if you are not going to the premiere of the play, and it is not particularly solemn. Today, informal theater performances are often held in cultural centers.
Performances of a similar genre can even be held in a cafe or in a separate house. And this will be the very occasion when you can completely relax in terms of choosing an outfit. How to dress correctly for the theater - forget about all the taboos and rules. Wear what you like best for this occasion.
But even here, try not to look sad and, as they say, gray. Having decided on exactly what outfit you will wear to the theater, it’s time to think about adding different accessories to the outfit. In this regard, certain rules have also been established regarding theater visits.
Theater accessories
Of course, visiting the theater is inconceivable without a small elegant handbag. There are even separate models of bags that are called theatrical. As an option, it is permissible to complement the outfit with a beautiful handbag. But this is not a mandatory requirement either.
Theater handbags are like a separate fashion trend. Such handbags are not just very small, they are certainly made from elegant textured material. They are often complemented by all sorts of decorative elements in the form of sparkles, beads, embroidery or lace.
Most often, such a handbag is worn on the shoulder using a long shiny chain. But the handbag can also be carried in your hands.
Another accessory that will always be appropriate in a theater setting is a fan. It is especially recommended to take it if the clothes themselves are particularly solemn. After all, in auditorium The theater can be quite stuffy.
Therefore, the fan can be useful for its intended purpose. The fan, however, needs to be matched to the fabric and shade of the clothing. The most elegant version of the fan will, of course, be the one made of feathers.
But a fan made of fabric, carved wood or bone plates is also acceptable if it matches your outfit. In the theater, oddly enough, an evening hat would also be acceptable. Moreover, it can be absolutely any style.
Ladies often wear a “false hat” on a hairpin or hoop to the theater. However, before the performance itself, it is better to take off your hat. Otherwise, you will block the view of people sitting behind you.
Theater shoes
The only acceptable footwear option for going to the theater is shoes. And even when going to the theater, and even more so to an opera performance in the cold season, you need to take them with you in order to change your shoes in the theater.
Visiting the theater in boots is considered bad manners!!!
If the model of your dress requires a train, then it is permissible to wear ballet flats on your feet. After all, the train very easily clings to the heel, which can interfere with your safety.
There are certain restrictions regarding theater attire.
What not to wear to the theater
They wear so-called taboo outfits. These include, firstly, jeans and shorts. In extreme cases, such clothing will be appropriate for a performance in a provincial theater or an informal performance in an apartment.
It is not permissible to appear in a “radical” mini in the theater. After all, you’re not going to a club, so you shouldn’t bare your legs. Lace or fishnet tights are not suitable for visiting the theater. Your appearance in them in the refined interior of the theater will be too vulgar.
The clothes you wear when visiting the theater should be as elegant and beautiful as possible. Emphasized sexuality in the image is completely unacceptable.
You cannot dress too casually for the theater, for example, in a sweater or T-shirt. The same goes for coming to this cultural institution in sneakers, flip-flops, sandals or boots. An abundance of shiny fabrics, sequins or similar elements will not be evidence of your style.
Transform yourself into christmas tree not worth it if you are going to the theater. For the rest, be guided by your own preferences and make sure that your outfit is not only appropriate for the theater, sophisticated and elegant, but also as comfortable as possible for you.
We told you how to dress correctly for the theater - have a pleasant experience!
When going to the theater, say, in the nineteenth century, fashionistas faced the same question - “how to dress for the theater.” However, what a dress should be like for going out was absolutely clear: elegant, fashionable, beautiful and, if possible, expensive.
But what to wear to the theater these days?, when did the tradition of dressing up in elegant dresses and diamonds for the theater, and for men wearing a tailcoat, practically sink into oblivion? Today, when people come to the theater in jeans, sneakers, shorts and luxurious evening dresses with a deep neckline, how to dress so that, on the one hand, you don’t look too smart, and on the other, you don’t look like a tourist with with a backpack on her shoulders, who ended up in the theater by chance?
Of course, the choice of outfit depends to a large extent on what you are going to see.
If you are going to a high-profile theater premiere(to the Bolshoi Theatre, Mariinsky Theater or even a local theater) or the opening/closing of a theater or film festival, then a lot depends on... the cost of your tickets. If you are going to experience art from a gallery, then you should not wear expensive jewelry and bare your shoulders. A versatile little black dress and stylish accessories are ideal:
If you wish, you can experiment with the style:
If you are a happy owner of seats in the stalls, casual style will be out of place. According to the norms social etiquette What's the best thing for women to wear to a premiere? evening dress or elegant evening dress, preferably with a skirt. It is not at all necessary to wear an evening dress or a floor-length skirt to the theater, especially considering the fact that the length of the evening dress has been significantly reduced. The amount of expensive jewelry and furs and the degree of openness of the shoulders directly depends on the cost of tickets.
Look at the photo and decide how to dress for the theater!
How should a man dress for the theater?
If your companion asks you for advice on going to the theater for a man, recommend that he wear a classic men's suit to the theater premiere or, if you are going to attend the opening or closing of a theater or film festival and walk along the red carpet, a tuxedo.
How should a woman or girl dress for an ordinary performance at the theater?
Theatergoers in the post-Soviet space dress for the theater more carefully than European theatergoers. Perhaps the whole point is that in Europe a person with aesthetic taste visits the theater once a month or a month and a half, while we go to the theater on average once or twice a year, and going to the theater is to some extent a holiday.
How to properly dress for an ordinary theater production?
The opinions of stylists differ greatly: some of them believe that you need to dress for the theater as you would for a holiday - or in an evening dress (to the middle of the knee or - for young girls - even higher) or in a good suit. At the same time, others argue that it is quite acceptable to dress casually for the theater, and the option jacket-jeans very acceptable.
We advise our readers to follow the golden mean and, when going to the theater, wear an outfit in the style creative casual . You can wear a cocktail dress to a private performance (it’s better not to show your shoulders at a private performance, don’t show a lot of expensive family jewelry), a blouse with a skirt or trousers, or a stylish fashionable suit.
By the way, in the photo on the left is a pantsuit.
Girls can dress like in these photos:
"If you don't know what to wear, wear red!" 
What should you not wear to the theater?
In addition, shorts, T-shirts, tunics, short dresses, miniskirts and any sportswear will look inappropriate: after all, a theater, even the most modern and experimental one, is not a gym.
What shoes should I wear?
When going to the theater, wear whatever you want on your feet - shoes or sandals with stilettos or wedges, medium heels or even flats. Boots and boots would also be appropriate.
Depending on the time of year The exception is flip-flops, sneakers, sneakers, military boots and UGG boots.. Even if you are an inveterate theatergoer and go to all the performances of creative groups touring in your city, let the theater still remain a theater - a place of introduction to high, intellectual and beautiful art. Dress creatively there and show off your own taste. Dressing beautifully and stylishly is also an art.
Despite the development of fashion trends, you should dress correctly in a temple of culture and art. We’ll look at how to choose an outfit for such a rare “holiday” below.
Which dress to choose?
If you are concerned about the question of what to wear to the Bolshoi Theater, then you should look for the answer in evening dresses. According to the rules of etiquette, such an outfit will not be pretentious, especially if you are going to a premiere and have seats in the stalls. In other cases, it is better to wear a cocktail dress.
For youth theaters, it is better to prefer a long dress to a short (knee-length) straight silhouette of a dark light. The exception is dresses with long sleeves and small prints. The look can be completed with a thin belt at the waist. Do not expose your shoulders and décolleté. The intelligentsia gathers here and will not appreciate these impulses. But light jewelry or high-quality jewelry will come in handy.
A taboo for the theater is fluffy dresses. It should be remembered that the places are quite narrow and a crinoline will be inappropriate. It is better to choose dark, calm shades for the color scheme.
Alternative options
Some stylists suggest replacing the dress. What to wear to the theater is a skirt suit. The main thing is that the skirt is not short, and the suit is not too conservative.
A worthy alternative is trouser overalls. It doesn't look too fancy like an evening dress, so you can safely wear it when you're going to visit youth performance. In cool weather, it is indispensable in combination with a jacket.
You can also wear cropped trousers and a blouse to the theater. This option looks especially good if the pants are colored or have a pattern. But it’s better to leave the shirt white.
When choosing a jacket, you should take into account the age of the visitor and the characteristics of the performance. To complement an evening dress at the opera, fur boleros, a kimono jacket or a shawl are suitable. For other outfits, they prefer a jacket studded with rhinestones. But the outfit itself should have monochromatic shades. A bright tweed jacket is also appropriate.
Accessories
When you have decided what to wear Mariinsky Theater or any other, it's time to think about accessories.
The main rule to follow is the “calmness” of the jewelry. Your outfit already speaks of the holiday. You should opt for a small necklace, ring or earrings.
It is important to choose the right bag for the theater. A small elegant clutch or handbag with a short chain is what you need. There is also special kind– a “theatrical” handbag, which is necessary in such a situation.
The fan complements the most sophisticated outfits. Sometimes the room becomes stuffy, then it is used for its intended purpose.
Theater shoes
Above we looked at what to wear to the theater. All that remains is to decide on shoes. Classic option are shoes. Super fashionable and modern models are best left at home. The heel should be no higher than 7 cm. For long dress With a train, you can choose ballet flats so that the heels do not cling to the hem of the dress.
If you come to the theater in the cold season in boots, it is better to change your shoes there. Winter shoes are bad form. Shoes should be formal, but not stand out from the overall outfit, but complement it.
Makeup
Makeup helps complete the look. It should be remembered that the theater is not a nightclub and therefore immediately put aside shiny cosmetics. Discreet shades are just what is needed. Be sure to use foundation and powder to even out your complexion. Blush makes the face more prominent and corrects its shape. Therefore, they should not be neglected either.
Use eyeliner. Choose shadows depending on the color. Makeup should be evening, but not intense. Use a lipstick slightly darker than the shade of your lips. In such cases, it is important to use lip liner.
What's better to leave at home?
If the answer to the question of what to wear is obvious, then many people forget about the taboo. Is it possible to go to the theater in jeans? No way.
Below we have compiled a list of prohibited elements:
- boots, slippers, sneakers, sandals;
- jeans, shorts;
- mini-skirt;
- fishnet tights;
- T-shirt or sweater;
- an abundance of sequins, rhinestones and shiny fabrics.
When leaving home, just look in the mirror and adequately evaluate your outfit. People come to the theater to watch a performance. Therefore, you should not turn a visit to a cultural event into a demonstration of bare legs or cleavage. You should also choose accessories carefully. Two or three decorations are enough.
Casual style is only appropriate for provincial cultural centers or youth performances. There is never a need to dress in sportswear.
Let's sum it up
Choosing an outfit for the theater is important. To choose the right clothes, accessories and hairstyle, you should know theater etiquette.
It’s quite easy to understand it by remembering a few simple rules.
- The dress should be simple and elegant. Professionally sewn and ironed, with a clear shape.
- A beautiful gait is also important in the theater. The key to this is comfortable low-heeled shoes.
- Accessories are in harmony with the entire outfit.
- The hairstyle should be modern and individual. In the theater, they prefer smoothly combed hair so as not to disturb the audience sitting in the back during the performance.
What should a girl wear to the theater: photo
We have prepared several photos to clearly show the outfits for going to the theater.
This is how our women are structured, the genetic memory of grandmothers is so strong in them, the longing for beautiful appearances in society, that they perceive a trip to the theater as the only opportunity to wear their best at once. And they are right. The theater is the place where you can afford to look a little overdressed. Wear jewelry, a deep neckline, high heels, luxurious outfits, perhaps something overly shiny. However, one should not forget about a sense of proportion, taste and style - no one has canceled them in the theater.
We must learn to restrain our wildest impulses. Remember: going to the theater in “grand soir” dresses - luxurious floor-length dresses, boas, coats and diamonds - is only appropriate if it is a grand premiere at the Bolshoi Theater or Vienna Opera, For example. All other theaters, of course, have their own dress code requirements. Theaters are different: in genres, styles, and in each of them it is worth choosing a certain outfit that corresponds to the place and philosophy of this temple of art.
Theater matters
If you are going to an experimental and underground theater, for example, “Teatr.DOC”, then wearing a floor-length dress with an open back is at least strange. This is the place where you will look great in jeans, sneakers or sneakers, a white T-shirt and leather jacket. But that's the only thing theater place where you can dress like this.
Evening at the theater– double pleasure: firstly, to watch a play or opera, and secondly, to dress up and show your good taste! But how to choose the right dress for going to the theater (and does it have to be a dress?), how to complement it, what are dress code options for different theaters?!
How to dress for the opera?
The most special occasion to dress up for the theater – this is a visit to the opera or ballet. However, don’t be surprised - if you come to the opera in an evening dress and family diamonds, perhaps the audience in jeans and sweaters will stare at you in amazement! So how do you find the line between modern realities and the strictures of the classical theater dress code?
The more beautiful, larger and more elegant the building itself and the interior of the theater are, the more elegant the clothes for going to the theater! It would be best to make a decision based on the following classification:
- Floor length dress off the shoulder, jewelry, maybe gloves. This is how you should dress for the theater on the occasion of a gala premiere, as well as for visiting “name” theaters - in capital cities, for example. Most often, this is how they dress for the opera house, but this is also acceptable for the dramatic theater - also on especially special occasions.
- Ankle length dress, with sleeves of any length or without sleeves, jewelry or good costume jewelry, without gloves. In principle, you can go to any opera or ballet in any theater - at most, you will be more dressed than most, but this will not be excessive.
- , without open shoulders, with sleeves possible. Again, an absolutely universal option for opera house. It is better to wear elegant, modest jewelry with such a dress, or you can wear good costume jewelry (for example, pearls or semi-precious stones).
- Skirt and blouse (possibly with a jacket). Not for every opera house, but if it’s not La Scala or a premiere at the Bolshoi, then why not! It is advisable that things be quite elegant and complemented with beautiful jewelry.
Advice from “Beautiful and Successful”: you should not “walk” dresses of intricate styles, flashy colors, or crinolines to the theater (you will have to sit in a narrow audience seat, remember!). It's better to prefer simple elegant cut, good elegant fabric and noble colors.
What to wear to the theater for a performance?
Traditionally It is customary to attend the drama theater in less elegant clothes than the opera- this developed in those ancient times, when opera was the entertainment of the elite, and performances were staged for everyone and everywhere - commoners could also attend a performance at their own cost.
What is appropriate to wear to a theater performance now? Quite acceptable and universal for any performance cocktail dress or ankle-length dress. There is no need to expose your shoulders, and it is better to do without a neckline - let your appearance speak of the intelligence and modesty of a real theatergoer!
Combination allowed skirts and blouses(of course, if the skirt is not mini), and also skirt suit(not too gloomy looking).
Is it acceptable to wear to the theater? trousers?
The classic dress code imposes a strict taboo on them, but... it is violated everywhere. Therefore, if you really want to, you can wear it (not jeans!) in combination with a beautiful blouse or smart jacket. Of course, this is only if the performance is not too solemn.
How to dress for informal performances, which are held in cultural centers, various cafes, apartment performances, etc.? This is the case when you can relax and forget about taboos! Dress the way you like - just not too dull and gray!
How to complement a dress for going to the theater?
Having decided what to wear to the theater, you need to think about what accessories complement a dress or set of clothes. There are also special rules for this!
A trip to the theater is unthinkable without small elegant handbag, which is called theatrical! Alternatively, it could be a beautiful clutch, but not necessarily!
Theater bags- this is a special “genre”: they are certainly small and always made of elegant materials, often decorated with abundant decor: sequins, beaded or lurex embroidery, lace, etc. They are often worn on a long chain, but sometimes simply in the hands.
An item that is quite appropriate in the theater (especially in the most formal dress codes) - fan. Sometimes the auditorium can be stuffy, and this accessory comes in handy for its direct utilitarian purpose. Depending on the clothing, the design and material of the fan is selected - fabric, carved wooden or bone plates, paper, and the most elegant evening option is a feather fan.
Acceptable in the theater and evening hat. This can be a model of any style that suits you best, including a small veil or a decorative “false hat” on a hoop or hair clip. But remember that during the performance it is better to remove this accessory so as not to obscure the view of the people sitting behind you!
About jewelry We have already told you above, but let us remind you that putting the entire contents of the box into the theater at once is overkill! After all, people come to the theater to watch a performance, and not to envy your wealth! If you wear jewelry, limit yourself to one or two. Do you prefer costume jewelry - please, if it is of sufficient quality, elegant and does not turn an elegant lady into a Christmas tree!
Theater shoes are shoes.
If it happens during the cold season, it is better to take them with you and change your shoes, because visiting the theater in boots is bad manners! The heel may not be the most stunning, but average - 5-7 cm. In some cases, you can even wear ballet flats - for example, if your dress has a train that would cling to sharp heels and interfere with your movement.
What should you not wear to the theater?
You already know what to wear to the theater, but it’s also worth remembering the list of “taboo” outfits:
- Pants, especially jeans, and a definite no - shorts. Unless this is some very informal apartment performance or a performance in a provincial cultural center.
- Radical mini. This is not a club - open legs look inappropriate!
- Fishnet or lace tights. This is too vulgar - clothes for going to the theater suggest beauty and elegance, but not overt sexuality!
- Sweater, T-shirt. Too casual (again, except for informal performances).
- An abundance of rhinestones, sequins, shiny fabrics... Not that style!
- Boots, flip-flops, sandals, sneakers.
Perhaps this is all you need to know about clothes for going to the theater!
Copying this article is prohibited!