What to wear, play?

annagybe

A friend of mine scored an extra ticket to a mature themed play tomorrow. Basically my friend was warned to not bring clients which why I get to go. We'll also be attending a wine and snack reception prior to the show. I assume plays are less dressy than the opera.

11 years ago

Dressing

11 replies

Latest reply was from viva

April

Veteran

I think so too, Anna, though I'm not sure what I'm basing that on since I've been to more operas than plays. I think "smart casual" is usually fine for theater -- especially if the play is a little bit non-mainstream.

11 years ago

Missey

Veteran

You could likely get away with a more avant garde dressing style, considering this is a "mature themed" play. With plys you can still dress up, but I think you can get away with more "artistic" styling

11 years ago

El Cee

Veteran

Theater here (in CT) is definitely less dressy than opera. Smart casual is seemingly the preferred attire, although you see folks on both sides of the casual/dressy spectrum. At a "mature themed" play, you might see less conservative attire and more fun/funky nightclub wear. You have so many great pieces in your wardrobe that would make a statement. Off the top of my head -- How about your black silk jumpsuit with one of your fab jackets (MSGM?), an equally fab necklace and a great pair of heels. I also think your circus striped pants with an arty topper and killer boots would be sharp. And then, there is always leather. Have fun! I am sure that whatever you wear will be awesome.

11 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

Sadly, where I live, theater is nice jeans. Maybe a step up from that. Much more and you stand out.

11 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Is there an item in your wardrobe you really feel like wearing?

11 years ago

JAileen

Veteran

We go to community theater every month. We see everything, from jeans and old tees, to super dressy ladies-who-lunch-wear. I usually wear slacks, sweater, scarf, and boots. I'm middle of the road. Your style is certainly more avant garde, so really anything would work, I think.

BTW, quite a few of the plays we've seen have been mature themed. I think the theater director wants to stretch our boundaries and thinking. Sometimes it's uncomfortable, but other times it's thought provoking. I hope you enjoy it.

11 years ago

rabbit

Veteran

Usually the more experimental plays I've been too in smaller theaters (and I'd include in that ones where somebody is mostly naked), attract an arty crowd of all ages and incomes (assuming it's not in the city's premier theater and the ticket prices aren't super high). The theater people I know wear whatever the heck they want to although it tends to be more counter-culture, experimental, or vintage than mainstream in my experience.

11 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

I'd say less formal, nor necessarily less fancy. But a mature theme...that actually sounds like jeans to me...

11 years ago

Karie

(website)

Veteran

Is this a Broadway touring company or local community theater? Having been to both, dress is definitely more casual for community theater.

11 years ago

unfrumped

Veteran

Ditto a lot if above. Our rep theater is where I can step outside of workwear. I do occasionally wear dark jeans but can add a special top or boots or heels , or more drama in scarf or jewelry, but also experiment with pants or skirt combos. Just nothing too " fancy" or cocktail- glam--more smart casual, leather jacket or fun topper , one element of sparkle or metal, that sort of thing.
You have so many great items and
looks for this type of occasion. I would tend to go a bit simple but with a great jacket or boots. Nonchalant but edgy or interesting. Our theater runs cold for sitting still but yours may be toasty.

11 years ago

viva

Veteran

Mature theme? Don't bring clients? I'd be inclined to wear my most edgy something, the thing I don't get the opportunity to wear very much.

11 years ago

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