Say you just purchased tickets to your first-ever classical concert, perhaps your city’s professional orchestra or opera. You researched which concert to pick, decided where to sit, and maybe even started thinking about where you and your spouse, partner, or friends might enjoy a great meal before the show. Then as the date nears, the dreaded question arises: what do you wear to the concert?
There’s a common misconception that classical concerts require very formal attire — a tuxedo for men, an evening gown for women. This usually gets new concertgoers a little nervous. Few of us have these kinds of outfits ready to go in our wardrobe.
The reality, however, is you should wear what feels comfortable to you for a special occasion. That doesn’t mean ripped jeans and a sweat-stained t-shirt; what might be day-to-day clothes wouldn’t be appropriate for a special night out. What is appropriate is relative to you, your personal style, and how special you want to make the event.
We’ve seen everything from nice jeans dressed up with a sportcoat to Scottish kilts to full tuxedos. All are appropriate. We’ve also seen Viking helmets at Wagnerian operas, which is fun, although we’d prefer no ballcaps that seem a little too casual without adding anything to the atmosphere. (Certain cap-wearing musicians might disagree.)
Our tips:
- Express your personal style (within reason). If your favorite color is bright pink and you want to wear an eye-popping bright pink dress, go for it! If you want to wear clothes that emphasize your ethnicity or cultural heritage, do it! Just keep in mind it should feel special, not everyday wear for you.
- Keep comfort in mind. You’ll be sitting still for two hours, maybe more, so think about how your clothes will feel over that period of time. Uncomfortable shoes or waist-cinching pants may not be the best idea for the occasion.
- Be respectful of others. Jangly jewelry or oversized hats might be best left at home, as they could be a distraction to other concertgoers. No one wants the embarrassing tap on the shoulder, “Excuse me, would you mind please removing that?”
- Think about your plans before and after the concert. A tuxedo may not be the best choice depending on where you’re eating dinner beforehand. High heels may be uncomfortable if you’re planning on going out late afterward.
Above all else, let your clothing choice add to the specialness of your concert experience. Your first classical concert should be a night to remember forever, not just for your eyes and ears, but also for how your body feels on an extraordinary night at the concert hall.
Classical 101 is our back-to-basics series for the classical music newcomer. If you have a question or idea for a future article in this series, please feel free to contact us.
