And now for something completely different. This post is for those in need of a styling hand to help assemble looks to wear at the ballet, opera or even a fancy theatre outing. We like ballet, we like fashion, we used to like dressing up our dolls and most of all we like to have fun, so here we have an opportunity to combine all of these!
Yes, the days of dressing up to the opera house are long gone. With the exception of a positively glitzy premiere of the ballet Jewels in 2007 (floor length gowns galore), today’s audiences do not tend to go couture overboard when getting ready for an evening at the theatre, not even expensive ticket holders. Anything too big and bold might look out of place, especially if you are seated “up in the gods”. Remember that famous Sex and the City episode where Petrovsky (ballet god Misha Baryshnikov) treated Carrie Bradshaw to an Oscar de la Renta dress for an evening at the Met? Nice but fiction. Nowadays, with opera houses afraid of being branded snobbish & with jeans having made it to the mainstream, the reality is way more relaxed. So relaxed in fact, that last Saturday I spotted someone in Bermudas & Birkenstocks. And a guy in a kilt! It was an evening of sartorial diversity.
Many people don’t go to such extremes of course and even if jeans and trainers are completely acceptable it doesn’t mean you should, especially if you are a girl. There is much fun to be had dressing up for an afternoon or evening at the ballet, it’s all part of the experience of being transported into a different universe and with the dancers looking so graceful and glamorous it’s only natural to want to give them some competition this side of the stage!
Here we showcase some of our favourite basic looks (picked & chosen from the UK high street, but any of these can be reproduced with more high end or save-tastic brands):
Girly and classic. The cardi & opaque tights are great add ons for winter, the flouncy skirt is feminine and the flats are ideal for those in the standing areas (besides, Blair Waldorf would approve!):
A paired down version of Carrie’s Oscar de la Renta effect, matched with discreet accessories. For this look, you can opt for any boldly coloured dress (though purple is huge for the autumn):
London is cold and sometimes you just want something cozy & warm, here’s a way to wear woolies with an “evening feel”. Also, this skirt will suit most body types:
But for a summer evening, what better than a strappy LBD & peepy heels? For the autumn transition, wear it with black opaques:
If you have the legs you can try the mini, a nice modern look for a Wayne McGregor premiere:
Or this perfect basic look that can be worn from winter to summer, from gentle Swan Lake to rocking Chroma:
Note: All images taken from the brands’ websites. Copyright belongs to its respective owners.
No pants options?
You’re right, we should have pointed out that look n. 5 goes wonderfully with a pair of chic black trousers! And for those who go straight from the office it’s a great option too…
Feel sheepishly ecstatic that you used a U2 song in your post title 🙂
And, love the cute couture! Particularly since I’m also a stay/work-at-home mom, I relish going out to a performance and dressing up.
He he! Well spotted Nichelle ; )!!
I’m afraid my look is alwys “what I wore to work that day.” I’m lucky to work in walking distance of the ROH, though.
I’m afraid my look is always “what I wore to work that day.” I’m lucky to work in walking distance of the ROH, though.
Hey, nothing wrong with that, “what I wore to work that day” is a look we’ve often adopted ; )!!!
I tend to wear what I wore to work as well. However, I have noticed that in the US people in some cities dress up more than in others. For example, in Washington DC people tend to dress up quite a bit for evening performances. Carrie would only be slightly overdressed. New York tends to be more casual. But then for galas, New Yorkers go all out, while in DC there is less difference between dressing for a gala and for a regular performance.
Interesting to know these differences between DC & NY, your comment left me curious as to what people around the world wear for gala vs. non gala occasions, from Mariinsky regulars to La Scala, from POB to Hamburg Ballet, I need to go on a field trip and find out!
[…] not intimidate you, there will be representatives of every kind of demographics in the house, from Bermuda guys to Oscar de la Renta ladies. And if you attend a Wayne McGregor premiere at the Royal Opera House you could gather enough […]