What to wear to brunch and Ballet matinee

citygirldc

My friend and I are going to brunch, then going to the ballet at the Kennedy Center this afternoon. The last time I attended the ballet was in February right after work so I had a dress on. The sad thing is that 70% of people there were casual including jeans. Knowing me, I choose not to wear jeans. My friend is wearing a LBD (I'm assuming she meant ??? black dress) which is odd for the day. Any suggestion for me?

11 years ago

Dressing

8 replies

Latest reply was from Traci

moira

Veteran

Do you have a suit or skirt and jacket that can be worn with a dressy blouse or sweater? I don't go to the ballet but I do go to the opera and people dress up, even for a matinee. A bit of sparkle is appropriate, but not too much. A broach or necklace to make the outfit a little special. It's brunch and a show, not church.
Be a little festive,
I have a very dark purple short sleeved scoop neck A-line stretch velvet dress that I wear a lot to things like this. Tights, heels, some jewelry and a jacket and I am comfortable and look dressed for the "occasion".
I would not wear boots. I find them uncomfortable if it is hot in the theater.
FWIW, I get annoyed with people who schlep to these types of things in jeans. It makes the event so much more special when people in the audience put forth a bit of effort.

11 years ago

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I am also annoyed when people wear jeans and casual wear to events like this...

Would you consider a long skirt? Or dressy slacks? Since it's a daytime event, I agree with you that LBD may be a bit much (depending on how it is styled, of course). I would think that a dress would work with a cardigan and maybe flats.

11 years ago

Jjsloane

Veteran

You have so many great dresses. I'd go with non-denim, but not too dressy. Maybe dress and cardi and boots or booties?

11 years ago

citygirldc

(website)

Veteran

Thanks ladies. I was thinking of a dress too and boots since it's a bit a cool out. I got to figure all this out by 10:30 EST. Gotta jump in the shower.

I'll try to take photos before I leave and post later.

11 years ago

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

I was just going to suggest a dress with boots. I think this would be perfect for a matinee.

We had season tickets to the ballet until this year and I was surprised by how casual the dress was in general. I thought about it though and realized that the attendance would likely be reduced dramatically if everyone thought they needed special clothes to attend. I suspect the artists would prefer to have a larger audience enjoy their performance.

11 years ago

Anonymous

Is it cold today? If it's not too cold, I would do one of your nice cropped pants, those pretty heels from anthro that you have and one of your nice blouses. You can top it with your trench, perhaps that new leather jacket and a clutch. Red lips and you are all set to go. With all of these relaxed dress codes, it is very easy to look overdressed. I would just wear whatever you feel pretty in and forget the rest.

11 years ago

Anonymous

Ah never mind you must be out of the house by now! I'm sure the outfit is a success. You have great style.

11 years ago

Traci

Veteran

New striped dress FTW!

11 years ago

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