What does one wear to a London theatre on a Monday evening on a date?

[SausagesSausagesAndMoreSausages]

Just that really! I haven’t been to the theatre for ages. Do people smarten up or does no one care?

The only thing I'd take into account is the theatre seats can be itchy and irritating on bare legs so if it is very short when you sit down maybe have something you can sit on top of so you are comfortable.

I found this out after DD was very squirmy and wouldn't sit still during Wicked which was incredibly unlike her, turned out it was the chair and she had to sit on my scarf for the second Act

OP, that dress with DMs is perfect. Have fun.

One of the best things about London is that almost nobody judges you on your appearance.

You do you. I love the people watching at London’s theatre’s; it’s often as entertaining as the play. I particularly love the little girls dressed in ballgowns and elaborate plaits while their long suffering parents are in jeans, and the very chic European pensioners who are Maxmara’d in cashmere tailoring head to toe.

I went on Wednesday and wore an office dress and trainers. If you want a drink before the Z hotel round the back did a nice glass of wine at a reasonable price. And you could hear each other talk (unlike pub opposite!). The play is good but not very feel good! Have fun!

Enjoy the theatre, think your choice is appropriate.

I went to the Barbican recently and there were far more people wearing knitted beanie hats for the entire production than I would have anticipated.

I'd avoid short skirts anyway, especially if sitting in the circles as if there's a decent rake your knees will be around head height for the row in front. Saying that, everyone should be looking at the stage so unlikely to notice.

I went straight from work on Thurs. I'd say most people had either done that or were in their sightseeing clothes from a day out.

That's a longer than average play! Wear something comfortable that doesn't crease too much!

Having worked front of house at the Pinter back when it was the Comedy, there is a heck of a rake in the balcony especially. But I don't think you'd book the balcony for a Significant Date!

I have an aversion for being over-dressed, so I’d go smart casual. But anything goes.

No one cares. You get loads of people wearing jeans at the theatre. I would probably wear a nice top or dress though seeing as it’s a date

I've been to see this (it's great) and the crowd were fairly dressed up.

Dress for the date. Don't worry about the theatre, anything goes.

OP that dress is super short especially with the buttons at the front! To me it looks a bit like a nighty in that fabric as well but you could definitely accessorise it well.

My question would be…, has he seen you in anything this short before, is it your usual style? If it is go for it. If not, it gives a totally different message, so if this is the right date for that message, awesome. If not… maybe something else?

Too cold for bare legs!

Yes, I always wear short skirts so not revealing anything he hasn’t seen before. His own style is quite bohemian and noticeable, so I’m good with not fading into the crowd.

Great to hear all the good reviews, and thanks for the tip about the Z hotel @Radiatorvavles

Having been there last night, I'd say your choice is just right. There were several dresses, plenty of silk or silky tops, some jeans-&-jumpers. And tons of people in DMs - they are the boot that will never die.

If you're in one of the circles up above, be warned, it gets very warm up there by the third act!

Also, something comfortable to sit in that won’t crease. Theatre seats are generally smaller and more tipped back than cinema ones so I’d not wear anything too short that you have adjust to sit comfortably in. DMs good footwear 👍🏼

Take tissues!

Harold Pinter is a smallish theatre with a limited lobby/ common area, so it's often pretty much a 'straight to seats' situation and you won't see other people and their outfits too much :) At the interval many pop outside, especially if it's a hot summer's day. Dress will likely be mixed, but not many dress up much.

Your dress looks absolutey fab though. As others have said, the 'date' part is key, it's about matching with how dressy/ casual your date intends to dress as well, and where you'll go before/after (lots of nice options along Piccadilly and around).

I'd say dress whatever makes you feel confident, whether it's up or down. Some people may feel self-conscious dressed up in a crowd. Personally I'd always wear my red Ralph Lauren dress or similar to the theatre/opera as I love getting dressed up and looking glam sometimes, and it's a great occasion for it. If getting dressed up makes you feel confident and sexy then absolutely go for it, it's London and nobody will bat an eyelid to what you choose to wear.