First time at the opera - what to wear?

[Purplebutterfly320]

First time I'm going to an opera and out of my comfort zone - what would you recommend?
Thank you

You can pretty much wear anything. Is it just a regular performance? I’d say wear what you would wear to a dinner out or to see a play. It doesn’t have to be a posh dress but you can if you want. It’s really varied.

It depends on a lot of variables. The opera house/venue itself might have suggestions. Some do. The one in Helsinki asks you not to wear strong perfume.
People dress up more for a first night. Some people enjoy dressing up. I tend to wear something nice but comfortable.

We really need more context as I’d give different advice for different houses! But most just want you to feel comfortable. Make an effort if you like to!

Where is the performance? Many years ago I went to opening night of an opera at The Royal Opera house. We dressed up for that one but I've been to others since and worn whatever I felt comfy in. Jeans included.

If it's Covent Garden I go more dressed up than usual, but otherwise I wear my usual clothes. The sheer beauty of the Royal Opera House deserves a bit of glamour.

Depends on opera house. Being London-centric here but I go to opera a few times a year - ENO at Coliseum is totally casual, you'll stick out in evening wear. Even Royal Opera, TBH, isn't dressy; I'd do smart casual at most - I do sometimes dress up for the hell of it. I was a bit disappointed when I saw the whole Ring Cycle there 8 years ago that no one even dresses up for that anymore, but I decided to go for it a bit on the final night anyway!

Only 'country house' opera these days seems to be evening wear.

Thank you. Yes it is London. Would you think a skirt and top / black trousers kind of outfit?

Thank you! I might wear a top and skirt / black trousers

You can honestly wear anything. I was at the ROH last week and was in black trousers and a black top; I’d planned to wear a sequinned dress and tights but it was too cold! Some people were very dressy (strappy dresses and heels) and others were in jeans. Anything goes.

Double post

Thank you - the Royal Opera House.
So maybe a top and skirt or black trousers would be ok?

Thank you - it is ROH.
That is helpful - I'm thinking top and skirt / black trousers.

That would be perfect. Have a lovely time!

It's my first time posting - though I've been a long time lurker and struggling a bit with the app 🙄
But thank you so much for all the replies and advice - I really appreciate it!

Ooh lovely, which opera is it? You'll love it but no need to stress about what to wear.

Put your coat in the cloakroom - it’s pretty quick afterwards. Do wear something like a silk shirt and skirt or trousers or a top you are comfortable in. A sequinned dress is ott and most women don’t. What I see more often are well tailored dresses or trouser suits or what I described above. Many people rock up from work, and they are well presented as they have well paid jobs! Few wear jeans from what I’ve seen.

Have a wonderful time OP. The ROH is a beautiful venue. If you can, have a drink at the Paul Hamlyn Hall.

Hope you have a wonderful time!

Anything you fancy. Which opera is it?

Comforable and something you can adjust quickly when rapidly using the loos in the interval.
Flat or low heels as there are lots of steps

I've always been a fan of layers - cardigan, shawl - as the temperature in Covent Garden varies between and during performances

Enjoy

Cocktail dress or trouser suit with high heels?

don’t expect any change from a twenty for two drinks and a tin of crisps…