A night out at the theater is special — the velvet seats, the ornate lobbies, the glamour of a performance — and one should always dress accordingly. Still, assembling a theater outfit takes a bit of finesse, as the dress code can range from business casual to cocktail attire. The key is to find a middle ground — never too dramatic, never too lax. We spoke to luxury stylist and wardrobe strategist Elsa Boutaric of Miami’s ElsaBStyling to learn more.
Being Thoughtful Matters
Your best bet, Boutaric says, is to choose looks that are elegant and classic. A neutral color palette often works if you don’t know where to start. For women, she recommends a modern suit or dress pants with a nice blazer or jacket, along with a kitten heel or pump. You can also wear a cocktail dress. For men, Boutaric suggests a full suit or a sport coat, a button-down shirt and loafers. Jeans can be acceptable, but only if they’re tailored, dark, crisp and clean. Above all, the goal is to look intentional and appropriate for the setting.
This Isn’t A Gym Or A Nightclub
The theater is an occasion — dress like it. “People don’t realize that they usually need to dress up,” Boutaric says. “Sometimes they just show up very casual.” Sweatsuits stay at home. Sneakers, if worn, should be pristine and styled for fashion rather than athletic activity; for example, pair clean white sneakers with a suit for a modern look. Dresses shouldn’t be too short, too low cut or too bright, and should always err on the side of tasteful. “You can be a little bit dramatic, of course,” she says. “You can put some edge — not a problem — but it still needs to look like you’re putting yourself together to get there.”
The Performance Counts
What you wear should reflect the production and the venue. “If I’m going to see a Broadway show, and I’m going to see a theater piece or an opera show, obviously it’s going to be very different,” Boutaric says. The opera typically calls for a more formal approach — think evening gowns and tuxedos — while a Broadway show is usually business or business casual attire. Ultimately, dressing for the theater comes down to reading the room and meeting the moment without overthinking it.