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What do I wear to the opera?

19 replies

Greatfun · 03/11/2008 07:05

Help - DH and I are going to the opera at the weekend. I spend most of my time in jeans so are clueless on what to wear. Anyone have any ideas? I am 5'4", size 14, with a sizeable post baby tummy. I am on a budget so will need to stick to the high street.

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TheRealMrsJohnSimm · 03/11/2008 09:19

Where are you seeing said Opera? I would always dress up anyway - not necessarily full on cocktail dress gear but "going out for posh dinner" kind of outfit......a knee length dress (perhaps a wrap dress?) or smart trousers/top combo.

If it is somewhere posh (i.e. Royal Opera House type posh) then I personally would go for knee length cocktail dress. Tis always better to be overdressed than underdressed imo!

Check out Coast - they always have a sale rail in the store and online (not sure what delivery times are like). Hobbs is always a good bet for "occasion" wear but can be a bit bleurgh. Given your description of figure, I would go for something structured so that you don't feel like you are "holding yourself in" but the dress does that for you .

Have fun. Am v jealous.....LOVE the opera!

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samsonara · 03/11/2008 11:20

Oh yes, definately dress up, nice posh dress, shoes and a shrug, everyone will be eyeing up what everyone else is wearing doing the interval when you either go for champagne or coffee although I did see some women who looked like they came straight from work in worky suits, I guess it's ok what you wear these days but a great excuse to dress up, enjoy!

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CountessDracula · 03/11/2008 11:23

You can wear anything tbh
I have been to the ROH in jeans, suit (straight from work) etc
There don't tend to be many people really dressed up

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Greatfun · 03/11/2008 15:41

I am going to the English National Opera. I am going to check out Coast right now. Thanks.

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IorekByrnison · 03/11/2008 15:43

I've never dressed up particularly to go to the ENO - been in jeans etc (but then I've always been in the cheap seats). Hope you have a good time.

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Bink · 03/11/2008 15:47

Only thing I'd say is wear something comfortable to sit in & that doesn't crease - no fun swanning about in the interval when you realise your (eg linen) skirt has concertina'd. Big pretty shawl thing always good. You're seeing Aida arncha

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Wheelybug · 03/11/2008 15:47

No need to dress up for ENO - smart casual I'd say. Same for ROH. Glyndebourne you have to put a bit more effort in .

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Greatfun · 03/11/2008 15:54

Oh poo! I wanted to dress up. Might opt for the black dress I have seen on the monsoon website anyway. Its the more casual end of smart. Yes I am seeing Aida. I am so excited. . Tis wedding anniversary.

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IorekByrnison · 03/11/2008 15:56

Well if it's your wedding anniversary then you must dress up.

Do you have a link to the dress? (just being nosy now)

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Bink · 03/11/2008 16:25

You won't feel out of place if you do dress up, so go on. Also - anniversary - bring out the gems & sparkle I think.

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janeite · 03/11/2008 19:14

Not jeans, please. I think people going to the theatre, opera, ballet etc should make a bit of an effort, even if it's just black trousers and a nice top. A black dress would be totally appropriate. Have a lovely time.

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hanaflower · 03/11/2008 19:20

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Greatfun · 03/11/2008 20:25

this

or this

Am undecided.

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Greatfun · 03/11/2008 20:27

I resemble an apple on stick legs so perhaps the first would be better now I think of it.The second is just less serious looking if you know what I mean.

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Bink · 03/11/2008 20:41

Second one. (Unless the first is really beautiful material it looks like it might be a bit background.)

I think the vibe of the second one is quite ENO too, you know, that bit bohemian.

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Greatfun · 03/11/2008 20:44

hmmm I think you maybe right so have ordered both and will send one back once I have tried them on.

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Bink · 03/11/2008 20:54

I loved the one called Katrina (Catrina?) but it looks like it mightn't pass my non-wrinkly test.

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janeite · 03/11/2008 21:08

I like that 2nd one; really interesting and unusual but not too, too dressy.

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p1umpudding · 03/11/2008 23:10

A cocktail dress with bolero cardigan would be fine and not too dressy. If you want to wear a dress but feel a cocktail dress would be over the top, then you could opt for a black wrap dress with a brightly coloured pashmina. Whatever you decide, have a fabulous time.

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