Dress Code for Theatergoers

Proper dress to both the ballet and other types of theater is seriously in decline. I attended the ballet the other evening (review to come this week) and was appalled by what some people were wearing to the ballet. Even my date, I won't mention his name here because he admitted that he was embarrassed by his dress, wore blue jeans to attend the performance at the Metropolitan Opera House this past Friday evening.

In his defense, he lives in Brooklyn and spent the whole day up until the time of the performance on the Upper West Side, with no time to go home and change. However, in my opinion he could have planned ahead knowing that we were going to attempt to buy student rush tickets that evening. It was a temporary lapse in judgement for him, but it brought my attention to the other ballet goers around me. 

Only the balletomanes (ballet enthusiasts) were properly dressed, most others were wearing some ghastly outfits. Now, I am not by any means suggesting that you should wear a ball gown or a tux to the ballet (even though there is a time and a place for such a thing), but I am suggesting that the art form be honored with respect and a little extra effort towards flair and elegance.  

I believe that ripped jeans, flip flops, sweats, ath-leisure wear and most shorts (for men) are unacceptable forms of dress, especially for an evening performance. Also, because most theaters blast the air conditioning it would be advisable not to wear shorts and flip flops anyway to stave off the frostbite.  Also, hats are most unwelcome, mainly because they obstruct the view of fellow audience members in your vicinity. And, while we are briefly on the topic of obstructed views, I would also like to recommend that women try not to wear their hair so high, so that the people behind them can see. Beehives are most definitely NOT a good idea. Luckily, they are not in style during this era, even though some older ladies still rock it.

I suggest that when in doubt you should over dress especially in New York City. Suits for men are always welcome, but nice pants and and nice shirt also do the trick. Ties and jackets are not necessary especially during the summer months. Dresses or nice pants and a top are a great option for women.  As long as you stay away from the items listed above or anything too casual you should be ok.

The ballet should be treated as a special occasion to dress up for. You wouldn't wear flip flops and jean shorts to a club. Would you? I know certain clubs and lounges wouldn't even let you in if you did. You should feel comfortable attending any performance but you should also make sure that you do it in style.