Going to the opera - I am flummoxed so please help?

[Ratonastick]

I’ve been invited to attend an outdoor opera by a rather posh friend. It’s a pretty small affair, 2-300 people per performance in the gardens of a historic building, all seated with a sort of drinks reception at half time (ie not one of those picnic in the park things). She’s an invited guest and I am her plus one so I need to get this right. I asked her and she vaguely said “Oh anything is fine. Your presence is more important than your outfit!” Sweet but deeply unhelpful.

I have absolutely no idea what to wear. Absolutely not a clue and I can’t find any photos of previous events to help me. I just don’t know. I think a jumpsuit or similar might strike the right note by being smart ish but not overdone and warm enough at 10pm. Or maybe a midi dress? Or wide leg trousers and a top (though I have stacked it in palazzos before now so have a healthy fear of them)

To add to the problem, I’m a 16-18, 5ft4 and carry my weight in my boobs and my tummy. I’m not an easy shape to dress at the best of times but generally look good in column dresses for smart or crop trousers and floaty tops for casual. Does anyone have any suggestions?

If you will be sitting on the grass not on deckchairs, I'd go for elegant palazzo pants with a long sleeved draped silk shirt and maybe a long cardigan or throw.

For Glyndebourne the only time I went, I wore full length evening dress and didn't feel out of place but my friend wore a midi dress and kept having to pull it down and rearrange it while sitting on the lawn so trousers or maxi imo are the most comfortable options.

I've worked on a fair few outdoor/country house operas.

Best to wear/bring layers - it can get windy/cold quicker than you think. If it's outside on grass, wear flats, no point bothering with heels.
Take a blanket/cushion unless you know what the chairs will be like.
Take a hat/suncream in case the sun actually appears.

You’ll have a great time. Do you know what you are seeing or is it a gala with lots of bits of opera?

I've been to Glyndeborne, wore a cocktail style dress and heels,; luckily a warm day for picnicking in interval - the performance itself is indoors. Most opera is not very dressed up these days (I went to see the whole Ring Cycle at the Royal Opera a few years back and was a bit disappointed that people weren't more dressed up!) but outdoorsy type things do tend to be a bit more formal. Enjoy!

Honestly, most people go to the Royal Opera House in jeans! I appreciate this is a different setting, but your trousers and kimono outfit sound fine!

Opera is a performance like any other and agree with pps to focus more on the staying warm outside aspect! The vibe definitely isn’t that snobby and everyone will be chatting with their friends not looking at anyone else’s outfit

apart from all the old men who suddenly got into opera after seeing Danielle De Niese dance on stage in a little black dress

I generally like an excuse to wear a dress inside but you’d be fine with casual with a couple of glam touches?

Without looking like you’re going hiking, definitely aim for things like tights under trousers and take a spare hat or layers. If you want to wear a faux furry hat now is the right time in your life!

when the sun goes down, sitting outside, people will be ready and willing to trade jewellery for a puffer jacket!

I'm soooooooo envious!!!

What's the opera?

Glyndebourne is black tie so very posh, although the women do tend to be in a wide range of dressed up ness. Given that it’s outside I’d go for warm, shoes you can walk in and smart. As a PP said, the range at the opera these days is very wide. Places like Glyndebourne, Garsington & Wexford were VERY black tie even 20 years ago but (much to the chagrin of the older generation (mu mum in particular!), they’re really not anymore)

Mad jealous OP - live opera - lucky you! I do miss it.