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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Do people still dress up

37 replies

User67556 · 08/02/2025 11:40

To go to the ballet? Taking my daughter to see the cinderella ballet in Southampton tonight, I say we need to look smart, My daughter wants to wear a nice dress (she's 8) but my husband says no one does that anymore unless it's a big event in London for example.

YABU no one dresses up smart for ballet anymore
YANBU of course you dress up

OP posts:
Parrotinthehouse · 08/02/2025 12:53

Please dress up OP!

Unpopular opinion but we are becoming a country of scruffs!

Bloody leggings and puffers everywhere !

Drives me mental.

EggshellAttic · 08/02/2025 12:53

PontiacFirebird · 08/02/2025 12:21

I don’t want to live in a world where people don’t feel like they can dress up for the ballet! Of course she should wear a lovely dress.

No ‘shoulds’. If an eight year old wants to wear a lovely dress to the ballet, absolutely she should. However, if someone contemplating going to a ballet for the first time thinks it’s ’not for the likes of us’ because of an imagined dress code stipulating formal wear, that’s a completely unnecessary exclusion.

heyhopotato · 08/02/2025 12:57

As an adult I wouldn't because I think it's a bit sad (sorry) like you don't have a social life so it's a big important event in your calendar. But for an 8 year old, absolutely, it's part of the fun.

okydokethen · 08/02/2025 13:01

Dress up and enjoy!

User67556 · 08/02/2025 13:15

Thanks all, smart (but not too smart- no ballgowns here) it is! My daughter will love dressing up.

OP posts:
Nothatgingerpirate · 08/02/2025 13:26

I wouldn't want to, so I avoid these situations.
😐

DappledThings · 08/02/2025 14:10

Nothatgingerpirate · 08/02/2025 13:26

I wouldn't want to, so I avoid these situations.
😐

No need to avoid enjoying an evening at the theatre because of a perceived dress code. There really isn't one.

Lolalovesroses · 08/02/2025 14:18

I always dress up for ballet, concerts and theatre. We only go once a year to each. We see it as a special treat, so dress up to give it a sense of occasion.

Estampie · 08/02/2025 14:25

DappledThings · 08/02/2025 14:10

No need to avoid enjoying an evening at the theatre because of a perceived dress code. There really isn't one.

Absolutely this. I also used to go to the ROH for ballet and opera on my way home from work on a regular basis, and was usually in jeans and Birkenstocks.

Disturbia81 · 08/02/2025 14:39

TMGM · 08/02/2025 11:43

I’ve always loved to dress up for the theatre and still do, it makes it feel more special. Let her wear her dress and I hope you both have a lovely time.

Yeah most people make an effort here in Yorkshire theatres, it's really nice

User67556 · 08/02/2025 15:39

Nothatgingerpirate · 08/02/2025 13:26

I wouldn't want to, so I avoid these situations.
😐

That's sad. No one should miss out on a good show.

OP posts:
taxi4ballet · 08/02/2025 19:55

User67556 · 08/02/2025 11:47

Thanks I've never done it for the theatre even in the west end and Broadway but I thought it was expected for ballet.

For the avoidance of doubt - no, it isn't an expected custom. Perhaps it might have been in times past, but that was probably when the people who could afford a ticket would have really dressed up for the occasion anyway.

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