What to wear to the ballet-Royal Opera House

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Am going to the ballet for the first time,at Covent Garden and haven't a clue what to wear.

My friends and I are all 'oiks' in as much as never been anywhere like this before so are ignorant of the dress code-if there is one.

Also as we probably will never afford to be able to go again, want to make an effort without looking like 'provincial out of towners' coming into London...if you know what I mean.

All advice gratefully received

Smart casual - unless you are on stage then you need something a little different

have a fab time

Love the ballet and go as often as I can afford - what are you seeing? You can wear whatever you want, thankfully there is no snobby dress code.

But it gets really hot! So a nice underneath layer is important.

I went to Swan Lake at Covent Garden a few weeks ago, it was amazing. I saw women dressed in everything from jeans to full evening dress. I wore a favourite dress, I'd say wear whatever you feel comfortable in.

Have a lovely time

No dress code - smart casual is fine and be prepared to get quite hot if you are up in the Amphi with the plebs (like me).

You know, I love going to ROH. And as comfortable as I am to shlep along in jeans and t-shirt (and it has been known), I do love an excuse to dress up . And, in my probably hugely proletarian point of view, I do think that the theatre is an occasion for which we should dress up

You don't need to do full length gowns and white elbow length gloves But a cocktail dress would not look out of place either.

anything you fancy. nice to dress up for a change but jeans if that's what you are comfortable in them.
get there a bit early for looking around - it is a fabulous building.
and the ice cream in the interval is very good too.

Are you planning to eat there too? DH and I have done this - have starters and main course before first act and then desert during interval.

Tis a great place for people watching......particularly the very sweet and earnest little girls who stand there executing perfect "fifth position" whilst queuing for icecream in the hope that we will all recognise them as a dancer

As others have said you can wear anything from jeans to full length evening gowns.

I was there at Christmas and there was this fantastic very elderly tall lady in cream evening dress, mink coat, diamond tiara , diamond necklace, white gloves and what looked like solid silver opera glasses. Sort of a cross between Miss Havisham and one of the guests in My Fair Lady.

I gawped at her openly. Like stepping back in time.

Anything you like. I wear jeans and DMs and feel fine. Only dress up if you want an excuse to put on your fave dress.

Have fun!

Laurie- tiara! OMG!

Oh thanks very much everyone.

Yes, we are going to see Swan Lake 4/4/09 and I can't remember where we are sitting as I don't have the tickets. However am assured they are good seats...with no pillars blocking our view.

I will probably go with a dress of some sort-
as i slob about in jeans so often and am in smart workwear all week so want to wear something different for a change.

Laurie- Aah to Miss Faversham!

oops-I mean Miss Havisham-Doh!! was thinking of work colleague at time, but obv played on my mind all night as I had to check asap this a.m, cos I dreamt I'd put wrong name..