What to Wear to the Ballet and Opera: The LaPointe Edit

For the ballet and the opera, wear a satin midi, a cape tee with satin trousers, a fine knit with a feather skirt for an ordinary evening performance, and a long satin gown for an opening night and a gala; LaPointe’s best pieces are the satin drape neck dress, the satin cape tee, the satin halter gown with feathers and the satin coat with fur. There is no formal dress code at most ballet and opera houses today, but an evening performance is still an occasion, and most of the audience dresses for it. The rule of thumb: the later the curtain and the grander the house, the dressier the outfit.

This guide covers an evening performance, a matinee, opening nights and galas, and The Nutcracker season.

Quick answer: what to wear by performance

Is there a dress code at the ballet and the opera?

Not officially at most houses. You will see jeans in the balcony and gowns in the boxes. But dressing up is part of the pleasure, and an evening performance in a major house sits naturally at smart to cocktail. Opening nights and galas are the exception: these are usually formal and black tie, and the invitation will say so.

Practical rules for a theatre seat

Quiet fabrics. Avoid anything that rustles and clatters. Satin, jersey and knit are silent; heavy sequins and metal fringe can be noisy in a quiet aria.

Nothing tall. No hats, no high hair. The person behind you is watching too.

Layers. Old theatres are cold in the stalls and warm in the balcony. A cape tee, a blazer and a shrug adjust easily.

Sit comfortably for three hours. A soft waist and a skirt that moves.

An evening performance

A satin cape tee with satin trousers is the ideal outfit: it is silent, comfortable and elegant from the seat up, which is what the people around you see. The Satin Cape Tee in Black with the Satin Relaxed Pleated Pant in Black is the classic. For colour, try the Satin Cape Tee in Mulberry. Our LaPointe cape tops guide explains the shape.

A satin midi is the dress option. The Satin Drape Neck Sleeveless Dress in Black has a draped neck; the Satin Drape Neck Sleeveless Dress in Cinder is a dusty mauve.

Opening nights and galas

A gala calls for a gown. The Satin Tab Gown in Indigo is a quiet navy column for an opening night. The Satin Halter Gown With Feathers in Black is the gala choice, and feathers are silent, which makes them better than sequins in a theatre. For a gala on a cold night, bring the Satin Double Breasted Coat With Fur in Black. Read our guide to what to wear to a gala and our LaPointe halter gowns guide.

The Nutcracker season

The Nutcracker runs through December at most ballet companies, and it is a family occasion. Choose something festive but practical: a feathered knit with a bias skirt, such as the Merino Mock Neck Sweater With Feathers in Mulberry with the Satin Bias Midi Skirt in Dark Olive. For an evening performance, the Satin Shift Dress With Feathers in Berry is a festive pink. See our LaPointe holiday party outfits.

A matinee

A matinee is daytime, so dress down a step. A cashmere turtleneck with a satin midi skirt is right: the Cashmere Silk Turtleneck in Black with the Satin Bias Midi Skirt in Washed Silver. A trench over the top: the Washed Cotton Double Breasted Trench in Washed Silver.

Sizing

LaPointe runs true to size. Bias satin follows the body; size up if you are between sizes. See our LaPointe sizing guide.

Frequently asked questions

What should you wear to the ballet?

For an evening performance, smart to cocktail: a satin midi dress, and a satin top with satin trousers. For a matinee, a knit and a midi skirt. For a gala and an opening night, a long gown.

What should you wear to the opera?

The same as the ballet: smart to cocktail for an ordinary evening performance, and formal to black tie for an opening night and a gala. Choose quiet fabrics that do not rustle.

Is there a dress code at the opera?

Most opera houses have no official dress code, but most of the audience dresses up for an evening performance. Opening nights and galas usually have a stated formal dress code.

Can you wear jeans to the ballet?

You can at most houses, but an evening performance is an occasion and smarter clothes are more usual. Save jeans for a matinee, with a smart knit and a coat.

What should I wear to The Nutcracker?

Something festive and practical: a feathered knit with a midi skirt, and a colourful satin dress for an evening performance. It is a family occasion, so comfort matters.

Are sequins appropriate for the theatre?

Light sequins are fine, but heavy sequins and metal fringe can be noisy in a quiet performance. Satin, jersey, knit and feathers are silent.

Read next

• What to wear to a gala
• LaPointe halter gowns
• LaPointe winter formal dresses
• LaPointe Thanksgiving outfits

Written by Gemma Deeks, Fashion Editor at Coveti.