If shopping wasn’t your favorite thing to do anymore, what would you do instead? Do you think you would spend all your time in art galleries? You might be able to get tickets to a show. For me, I’d choose going to the theater. Getting a designer purse is exciting, but so is when the spotlight strikes the stage. I’ve seen a lot of shows over the years, so I can say for sure that it’s something you should do at least once in your life. I will be the first to say that some parts of the experience can be, well, too much. It’s already hard to get through the crowds in Times Square, but it’s nothing compared to trying to figure out what to wear to a Broadway musical.
Trying to figure out what to wear to the theater may be hard, whether you’re a long-time New Yorker or just visiting the Big Apple for the first time. I want to make your experience better, so I’ve decided to take what I’ve learned from going to popular musicals, plays, operas, and even some ballet events to write a guide on how to dress for the theater. I’ve put up 15 outfit ideas, styling tips, and purchasing suggestions that will help you choose what to wear to a Broadway performance. Whether you’re in the front row, on the balcony, or won the ticket lottery, being in a theater is a magical experience, and these outfits will be great for the (play)bill. Without further ado, turn on the spotlight…
WEAR: Formal Minidress + Black Tights + Pumps + Clutch Bag
Styling Tips: If you don’t want to wear a full-length strapless gown, try a minidress instead. If you want to wear a dress with a shorter hemline to a formal theater, you should choose one with richer features and style it more modestly, like with tights, a light coat, and pumps.
Calzedonia
Sheer Effect Opaque Tights
WEAR: Sheer Black Gown + Black Pumps + Black Clutch Bag
If you don’t think you can pull off a minidress but still want your Broadway attire to be a mix of refined and sexy, attempt to copy the look above. Wearing a semi-sheer black gown with little embellishments will put you in the spotlight.
Reformation
Canice Dress
WEAR: Collar Necklace + Black Gown+ Bangles + Clutch Bag + Kitten Heels
Styling Tips: Not everyone can pull off a sheer dress, but if you still want to make your black dress stand out, don’t be afraid to add accessories. Adding statement jewelry and a one-of-a-kind clutch purse can make sure your ensemble still shines, whether you’re going to the matinée or the evening show.
Alexis Bittar
Collar Necklace
WEAR: Sweater + Sequin Skirt + Slingbacks
Jewelry isn’t the only thing that can make your Broadway performance costume shine. The elegance of a sequin skirt will make sure you stick out in the Times Square shuffle, so you won’t get lost.
ZARA
Basic 100% Wool Sweater
WEAR: White Button-Down Shirt + Maxi Slip Skirt + Kitten Heels + Mini Bag
Styling Tips: If you’re going to a show during the day, wearing sequins and eveningwear may not work. You may still look nice by dressing up your ordinary clothes in a classy way. When you wear a white button-down shirt with a white satin maxi skirt, kitten heels, and a tiny bag, you’re ready for a matinée.
DISSH
Charli White Satin Maxi Skirt
WEAR: Tweed Jacket + Tweed Skirt + Kitten Heels + Shoulder Bag
MANGO
Pocket Tweed Jacket
WEAR: Silver Jacket + Dark-Wash Wide-Leg Jeans + Silver Slingbacks + Black Handbag
Styling Tips: Tailored pants, satin skirts, and dresses are good choices for going to a Broadway performance, but sometimes you just don’t want to wear anything that makes you uncomfortable. You can wear jeans to a less formal show, which is good news. The key to making this work is to wear dark-wash jeans with more formal items, such a metallic blazer, a polished handbag, and silver slingbacks.
Dune
Classify Pointed Toe Slingback Pump
WEAR: Cape + Sweater + Knit Pants + Ballet Flats + Clutch Bag + Silver Jewelry
Styling Tips: Another method to create a comfortable atmosphere at your forthcoming performance is to choose a cape moment. Throughout the performance, you will maintain a sophisticated appearance while remaining comfortable by wrapping yourself in a long gray scarf, shawl, or cape, which should be paired with a matching knit top and trousers.
Tory Burch
Cap Toe Ballet Flat
WEAR: Satin Coat + Tank Top + Satin Skirt + Heeled Mules
Styling Tips: If you prefer not to wear a faux-fur coat but still desire outerwear for the evening, you may want to consider a satin, velvet, or wool option. It is the ideal method of contributing to the formality of the evening without the need to wear a cloak that will cause you to overheat.
Clyque
Lauren Tank
WEAR: Black Coat + Gold Earrings + Red Cocktail Dress + Black Kitten Heels
By now, you might be wondering whether there is an unspoken rule about wearing neutral colors to a Broadway musical. There isn’t. If you want to make your show even more memorable, choose a colorful cocktail dress instead of a little black dress. If you take the chance, you’ll definitely be the star of the show.
Reformation
Pacie Satin Dress
