Theater outfit

[VeryHappyIndeed]

Hello! I am looking for advice and suggestions on what to wear to go to the theater in London.

I have been invited by work colleagues and would like to look good. I don't think that I own anything appropriate.

I am a size 12, apple shape, so cannot wear anything clingy around the middle. For some reason, I cannot ever achieve an elegant look, no matter how much I spend. I'm mid forties and don't usually wear dresses as they don't tend to be flattering, but I'm willing to experiment.

My budget is around 200 pounds, and I would like something classic that can last.

Many thanks!

What sort of theatre?

Because unless it’s a corporate box at the Royal Opera House you would be well advised to wear the normal clothes you would wear for a day in London. No one dresses up for the theatre.

You don’t have to wear a dress! Jeans, shorts, jumpsuit, leather, mini, midi or maxi skirt are all perfectly acceptable. Wear something that makes you feel good - nothing else is required.

Also, most women will be in flat boots or some version of trainers. No need for stilettos.

@surprisesparday Thanks! It's not a fancy box at ROH : ) It's in the National Theater (I believe) in the evening.

I would normally wear smart trousers and a nice top, but I have changed sizes recently and do not have anything suitable (I live in jeans and jumpers), so I wanted to take the opportunity to buy something nice, not too fancy but more appropriate than the casual clothes that I wear everyday.

Europeans (Brits included) don’t seem to dress for the theatre. I find it a bit sad because I like nice clothes but then again it’s a bit cringey when people dress up for anything.

Thanks for the feedback. I will go shopping to see what catches my eye. Though I do not have high hopes because when I have done this, I can never decide what looks good....

Hi op,

Have you tried wrap dresses??

I love a shop called never fully dressed. I'm
Mid thirties size 12 and also an apple shape

www.neverfullydressed.co.uk/collections/newness/products/multi-printed-patsy-maxi-dress - I'm lusting after this dress

I cannot help feeling that pursuing elegance - if it’s not your natural stance - might be a waste of energy! There are other ways to look good.

If you have decent jeans I’d put your £200 towards a jacket that fits well in a flattering colour. Layer with a plain top. Cool footwear. Good hair.

Read up on the play. (Order the script if it’s available.) Find out about the playwright’s other work. Where do they sit within their particular genre? Have there been other productions of this play? Have a look on YouTube. Go with an open mind, pay attention, form an opinion and compare it with the opinions of your colleagues. This is what you’re going for. If they care more about your outfit, I suggest you find more interesting people to see plays with!

Thanks for the suggestion! That dress is beautiful but to be honest, I don't think I would feel comfortable because I am used to more "boring clothes", in solid colours. But maybe it's time to change that : ) I will browse the website, thanks again!

I think the only thing which would explain wearing anything other than comfortable and ‘presentable’ would be how you would feel if those you go with have ‘dressed up’.
People really don’t tend to wear anything terribly special to the theatre - some do but they do tend to be in the minority.
Have fun anyway !

Use the money to get a really good hair cut and have your make-up done somewhere like Bobbi Brown.

Just an every day look, obviously! And buy the products you love.

@SurpriseSparDay That is really useful advice, a million thanks! I will do the research you suggest on the play. I am already getting excited as I do not know much about theater and do not go often, but when I have been I have thoroughly enjoyed it.

On the more frivolous question about the jacket, do you have any shops that you like and can recommend?

@peachgreen @harinlanyon thanks, I will look for something comfortable then. I hope that my hair will be nice because I have booked a cut and colour two weeks before the play (which was due, but should make me feel more confident).

Okay ... This would be a bargain. Wonderfully versatile - if it’s your style.

tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk/p/Blue-Check-Blazer-/136451821-Blue?searchTerm=:newArrivals:style:Blazers&searchProduct=

This may be too casual, but I have this and wore with dark denim jeans, white linen shirt, mid heel boots and a tan Ralph lauren bag. It's the first time in ages that I have been complemented on an outfit.

This would be beautiful with jeans. Great bargain and a useful thing to upgrade more casual things in a wardrobe.

People dress for the theatre (Buxton Opera House) or at least they do for the ballet. Not OTT but made an effort/smart and elegant kind of thing. I wore a black jumpsuit and cashmere Aquascutum coat last time I went.

Thank you for all the suggestions! The Net-a-Porter pieces are not something that I would normally choose, but I would really like to improve my wardrobe, so will give it a try, specially the second one to se if it fits my body shape.

I quite like to blue jacket. I have a simile one that I could style as you suggested, and had not thought about wearing it with jeans and a white top (shirts don't look well on me because of my tummy).

More generally this designer might suit your budget, and the clothes are fairly casual.

Alternatively, have a look at Raey on the Matches Fashion site. Very easy-wearing, good quality clothes for grown ups.

You can of course find cheaper clothes - but I find buying the best one can afford (using sales where possible) makes for a much better wardrobe.

@surprisesparday Many thanks!! Really appreciate it!