What do I wear to the opera?

[Greatfun]

Help - DH and I are going to the opera at the weekend. I spend most of my time in jeans so are clueless on what to wear. Anyone have any ideas? I am 5'4", size 14, with a sizeable post baby tummy. I am on a budget so will need to stick to the high street.

Where are you seeing said Opera? I would always dress up anyway - not necessarily full on cocktail dress gear but "going out for posh dinner" kind of outfit......a knee length dress (perhaps a wrap dress?) or smart trousers/top combo.

If it is somewhere posh (i.e. Royal Opera House type posh) then I personally would go for knee length cocktail dress. Tis always better to be overdressed than underdressed imo!

Check out Coast - they always have a sale rail in the store and online (not sure what delivery times are like). Hobbs is always a good bet for "occasion" wear but can be a bit bleurgh. Given your description of figure, I would go for something structured so that you don't feel like you are "holding yourself in" but the dress does that for you .

Have fun. Am v jealous.....LOVE the opera!

Oh yes, definately dress up, nice posh dress, shoes and a shrug, everyone will be eyeing up what everyone else is wearing doing the interval when you either go for champagne or coffee although I did see some women who looked like they came straight from work in worky suits, I guess it's ok what you wear these days but a great excuse to dress up, enjoy!

You can wear anything tbh
I have been to the ROH in jeans, suit (straight from work) etc
There don't tend to be many people really dressed up

I am going to the English National Opera. I am going to check out Coast right now. Thanks.

I've never dressed up particularly to go to the ENO - been in jeans etc (but then I've always been in the cheap seats). Hope you have a good time.

Only thing I'd say is wear something comfortable to sit in & that doesn't crease - no fun swanning about in the interval when you realise your (eg linen) skirt has concertina'd. Big pretty shawl thing always good. You're seeing Aida arncha

No need to dress up for ENO - smart casual I'd say. Same for ROH. Glyndebourne you have to put a bit more effort in .

Oh poo! I wanted to dress up. Might opt for the black dress I have seen on the monsoon website anyway. Its the more casual end of smart. Yes I am seeing Aida. I am so excited. . Tis wedding anniversary.

Well if it's your wedding anniversary then you must dress up.

Do you have a link to the dress? (just being nosy now)

You won't feel out of place if you do dress up, so go on. Also - anniversary - bring out the gems & sparkle I think.

Not jeans, please. I think people going to the theatre, opera, ballet etc should make a bit of an effort, even if it's just black trousers and a nice top. A black dress would be totally appropriate. Have a lovely time.

this

or this

Am undecided.

I resemble an apple on stick legs so perhaps the first would be better now I think of it.The second is just less serious looking if you know what I mean.

Second one. (Unless the first is really beautiful material it looks like it might be a bit background.)

I think the vibe of the second one is quite ENO too, you know, that bit bohemian.

hmmm I think you maybe right so have ordered both and will send one back once I have tried them on.

I loved the one called Katrina (Catrina?) but it looks like it mightn't pass my non-wrinkly test.

I like that 2nd one; really interesting and unusual but not too, too dressy.

A cocktail dress with bolero cardigan would be fine and not too dressy. If you want to wear a dress but feel a cocktail dress would be over the top, then you could opt for a black wrap dress with a brightly coloured pashmina. Whatever you decide, have a fabulous time.