What to Wear to the Theatre?

[hedwig06]

I've never been to the theatre. My DH is going to book some tickets for a night out for a bit of couple time

Could I have some advise on what to wear please.

I am size 14, 5ft 5in, with an hour glass figure if that helps, although I don't like tight clothes.

Thanks.

Sadly no-one seems to get really dressed up for the theatre any more, the last few times Ihave been I have seen people in jeans and walking type trousers .

Last time I went I wore a spotty navy blue tea-dress which has a sort of frill across the chest (nicer than it sounds!). The sort of thing you would wear to a smart restaurant for sunday lunch.

Thanks Awooryingtrend.

I'm not one for dressing up, as I've been a SAHM for about 15 years. So don't really know theses things.

I have a couple of tea dresses, which I could wear with thick tights and flats.

Thanks again xxxx

people wear all sorts - depends sometimes on what you are going to see? some of the west end shows have devout followers where people go in themed fancy dress. opera/ballet crowd tend to be a bit more formal. apart from that, smart casual to lbd to jeans is fine.

why not think more about what you are going to be comfortable in (you're going to be sitting in a seat for the best part of a few hours!) and what you want to wear out for a special night with your DH? honestly, you really can't go wrong.

have a lovely time

Thanks teejwood,

That's why I avoid going out, I never feel comfortable.

A really big hat :)
But seriously don't worry about it, people wear anything even on so-called gala nights these days, and you'll be mostly sitting in the dark

that's the great thing about the theatre, or gigs - everyone is paying attention to the stage (or diving for the bar/ice-cream vendor during the interval) and not critiquing anyone else's look!

seriously, you will be fine - and hopefully you'll enjoy it so much you'll want to go again!

Yes really don't worry . Wear what you're comfortable in and don't make a huge effort to dress up because noone else does. I usually just put one of my 'better' pairs of jeans on with something like a stripy top. Enjoy it!

Thanks everyone, you advice is much appreciated xxx

Can I suggest 2 things.
Wear something that is cool as in temperature wise. Theaters get really hot because of the lights. If it's a cold night take a big coat and put it in the cloak room.
The second one is my personal preference. Don't wear perfume. In hot enclosed spaces anyone wear perfume is really full on.

I tend to wear a jersey dress and a flamboyant accessory like a bright pink shawl.

Thanks for those tips hazchem, I do tend to wear perfume

Anything you like - no one gets dressed up for the theatre these days, wear what you will be comfy in.

Have a lovely time :)

Honestly, wear whatever you like. You will see people there dressed all sorts of ways, it really doesn't matter. If you feel like wearing nice jeans and top then fine, or a 'dressy' dress then fine also. Just leave your gardening clothes at home .
The theatre is thankfully a much more relaxed place than it once was.
Just go and have fun.

I agree with you Selks about people wearing anything (and posted the same further upthread) but I think it's a bit of a shame that people don't dress up any more. Even the opera. I miss the sense of occasion. We went to the Met in NY a couple of times and only a few people had evening dress on there. I like to see people in their glad rags.

You can always go to Glyndebourne if you want the dressing up bit. Personally quite glad not to have to have to dress up to go to the Royal Opera House any more.

No I know. We've done Longborough a few times which is like a mini- Glyndebourne and people do dress up. Not sure we can afford the RHO or the real Glyndebourne.