What is the dress code in the theater? A wardrobe for all occasions. Seven reasons to go to the theater


The question of what to wear to the theater, which worried high society several centuries ago, remains relevant. After all, previously, her success and the ability to find a suitable match depended on how a girl was dressed. Today, the choice of outfit is treated with the same care, because everyone wants to look “on the level,” especially in a temple of art.

Visiting the theater is a double pleasure: firstly, to watch an interesting production, and secondly, to demonstrate your best outfits and good taste. Still, whatever one may say, this social event, special atmosphere which requires certain rules of behavior and selection of wardrobe. And even if you like a sporty style, here you will have to give it up, revealing your femininity and elegance.

You will be surprised, but the choice of outfit will depend on several factors:
the type of production you are going to see. The coolest wardrobe is needed when attending an opera or ballet: here you can’t do without a dress.

For dramatic performance you can choose something strict, classic, it will do a good suit.

And the most democratic version of clothing is appropriate for performances in children's, puppet, and informal theaters. Although this also has its own rules - casual style is still undesirable; the prestige of the building itself obliges.

Remember: the larger the theater, the more luxurious its furnishings, the more spectacular the outfit must be prepared to correspond to the level of the cultural institution.

The time of display also affects. Daytime productions, running until 6 pm, do not require a special dress code: girls can wear a dress to the knee or below in any color, and men can limit themselves to dark trousers and any plain shirt.

And the performance after 6 requires more strict rules: for women - these are evening dresses, and their companions - suits.

"Theatrical" dress code for women and girls

And now – more about the outfits. What should a woman or girl wear to the theater? Be sure to take into account the recommendations above and consider options for secular “equipment.”

When is it appropriate to wear an evening dress to the theater?

The occasion is a gala premiere or a theater of the highest elite level. Floor-length models with open shoulders or backs and gloves are welcome here; and jewelry - jewelry, of course, no costume jewelry. In winter, you can throw fur over your shoulders. Pay special attention, but don't overdo it. Some dresses do not require any additions, just a minaudiere and flesh-colored pumps.

A more democratic option is an ankle-length dress, plain elegant with or without gloves, as well as “” or cocktail dresses; accessories – in the absence of jewelry, expensive jewelry is allowed.

A black-black dress, but with shiny decor, would be appropriate in the theater.

A classic outfit - both a blouse or jacket. Stylish, elegant, tasteful. You can also go to a premiere or an opera, only if it is not La Scala or the Bolshoi Theater.

Pants are a controversial issue. The dress code prohibits them, but the rules are constantly violated. If you really want it, so be it, wear trousers with a jacket or a beautiful blouse. Just not jeans and not to the premiere! Ideally - pantsuit.

Stockings or tights are plain, strong enough, but not dense.

Shoes - any classic - stiletto heels, medium heels, those that go with a dress or suit.

Handbag - preferably a clutch or a tiny hard clutch (minaudière) that matches the style of the outfit and its color scheme.

The hairstyle is elegant, stylish, but neat, preferably smooth, so as not to interfere with the spectators sitting behind to watch what is happening on stage.

And if you have an elegant fitted jacket that fits your figure perfectly, don’t miss the opportunity to show it off.

Cool jacket! INCITY

What to wear to the theater in winter

If we talk about the cold season, then the rules remain the same, except that you can throw furs over the shoulders of an evening dress, and the jacket-skirt suit will be made of thicker fabric.

By the way, about outerwear: a short coat or short fur coat made of natural fur, fitted or straight cut, is ideal for going to the theater. Shoes will replace boots, ankle boots or ankle boots of a classic design, always with heels.

What should a girl who is going to an informal performance wear to the theater? Typically, such productions are held in cafes, cultural centers, clubs and other establishments rented by the theater.

Here you can completely relax and forget about all prohibitions. Jeans and a striking blouse or an interesting sweatshirt will be just right.

Men's theater outfit

The question of what a man should wear to the theater is easier to solve. For a daytime session, you can limit yourself to trousers and a plain dress shirt.

For an evening premiere or to the opera, a suit is required; for an elite theater, a dark-colored tuxedo is required. It is black, dark blue or gray, possibly striped or checkered, almost invisible.

The classic version of the shirt is white or another light shade. A tie without any colors or abstractions – just plain. If you are wearing a tuxedo, a bow tie would be appropriate. And classic black shoes will complete the elegant look.

There are things you need to avoid when visiting a classical theater, otherwise you will look out of place and funny.

These are any tops, T-shirts, jeans, in a word, sports style.

Miniskirts look vulgar; the length should be no higher than 3-4 cm from the knee.

The deep neckline and long cutout on the thigh are also from the “bad manners” series. Why? Because you are not the one performing on stage today!

No “acid” shades in clothes – only deep, beautiful, noble colors.

And most importantly, by putting on elegant things, creating a charming image, do not forget to behave accordingly in order to make a truly chic impression.

In any case, go to the theater as often as possible and definitely learn how to dress impeccably for a trip to the temple of Melpomene.

Where to buy an outfit for going to the theater

Spend some time shopping for a good elegant dress, suit or evening dress. Search online stores, subscribe to mailing lists of sites that sell expensive clothes to stay updated on sales and discounts. Successful and elegant things can be found in mass-market stores, but you will have to search long and meticulously.

Very beautiful things can always be found on Aizel.ru, Lamoda.ru, Asos.com, LightIntheBox.com

And don’t forget that if you go to the theater with the same friends or boyfriend, you can’t repeat yourself, you need to have several images.

And if you're going to spend time in a more relaxed environment, read on to look chic.

Do you often go to the theater?

If you are going to the theater or opera, you should find out in advance how to dress and follow the established rules. IN big cities Ladies often wear modest evening dresses in black, blue or red to the theater. However, this does not mean that you have to wear a dress of these exact colors. You can experiment with other colors. Men usually come to the theater in a dark suit.

However, the color of the suit depends on the established rules of a particular society. Casual wear clothing such as jeans, shorts and shirts of frivolous colors should be avoided. However, in small towns there may be exceptions.

Let's take a closer look at what women and men should wear to the theater.

What to wear to the theater for men

What should men wear? Men rarely spend time carefully selecting clothes for going out. However, if you want to look stylish, the following tips will help you:

  1. Choose a stylish tuxedo or a dark suit.
  2. If you plan to go to the theater immediately after work, you should dress appropriately in advance, while being careful not to violate your company's dress code. Semi-formal attire is only appropriate if the theater allows it. There is often an indication of this on the ticket.
  3. Choose a formal business shirt with a white or black tie, depending on your preference.
  4. White ties are usually worn at the opening of the theater season. True, if you are going on a tour of a visiting theater, which will not last long, you can wear a white tie to all performances.
  5. On your feet, wear leather boots that match the color of your suit.
  6. Vests, cufflinks and tie pins are good theater accessories. Their color is selected depending on your style, approximately the same color as the rest of your clothes, or a contrasting one.

Useful tips for men:

  • Wear pants that won't wrinkle because you'll be sitting all evening. If your trousers wrinkle easily, you can imagine what they will become after the performance.
  • If it is customary to dress strictly formally at the theater, never come there in casual clothes.
  • If your lady is going to wear black dress, you should not choose a black suit for yourself, otherwise your couple will look boring and uninteresting. Your clothes should be slightly different in color from your partner's.

What to wear to the theater for women

What should women wear to the theater? An evening at the theater or opera is a great opportunity for a woman to dress beautifully and show off. Your dress should be formal but attractive. Here are some guidelines for choosing your clothing:

  1. It is customary to wear long evening dresses or gowns to the theater middle length made of silk, satin or chiffon; These materials drape well and look very beautiful.
  2. It is better to choose the color of the dress dark. If you choose a black dress, you will always look stylish.
  3. Hair can be pulled back at the back of the head, loosened, or done in some elegant hairstyle. If your hair looks clean and well-groomed, you will always look great.
  4. The beauty of your dress will be emphasized by subtle Jewelry, elegant shawl, clutch or small evening bag.
  5. Shoes should be chosen with platforms or heels. Their color should be in harmony with your dress.

Useful tips for girls and women:

  • There is no need to invent any stunning outfits when you are going to the theater. Your dress should be beautiful, but not provocative.
  • Don't wear tops or skirts.
  • Prepare your dress in advance and keep it ready. Give yourself enough time to select all the necessary accessories.

Both women and men feel confident if they are well and correctly dressed. The theater or opera is a place where you can meet your friends or business partners. You have to impress peoplepleasant impression. Follow the theater dress code and read our tips, then you can easily choose an outfit for yourself.

When going to the theater, say, in the nineteenth century, fashionistas faced the same question - “how to dress for the theater.” However, what a dress should be like for going out was absolutely clear: elegant, fashionable, beautiful and, if possible, expensive.

But what to wear to the theater these days? when the tradition is to dress up for the theater in elegant dresses and diamonds, and for men to wear a tailcoat has practically sunk into oblivion? Today, when people come to the theater in jeans, sneakers, shorts and luxurious evening dresses with a deep neckline, how to dress so that, on the one hand, you don’t look too smart, and on the other, you don’t look like a tourist with with a backpack on her shoulders, who ended up in the theater by chance?

Of course, the choice of outfit depends to a large extent on what you are going to see.

If you are going to a high-profile theater premiere(to the Bolshoi Theatre, Mariinsky Theater or even a local theater) or the opening/closing of a theater or film festival, then a lot depends on... the cost of your tickets. If you are going to experience art from a gallery, then you should not wear expensive jewelry and bare your shoulders. A versatile little black dress and stylish accessories are ideal:

If you wish, you can experiment with the style:

If you are a happy owner of seats in the stalls, casual style will be out of place. According to the norms of social etiquette What's the best thing for women to wear to a premiere? evening dress or elegant evening dress, preferably with a skirt. It is not at all necessary to wear an evening dress or a floor-length skirt to the theater, especially considering the fact that the length of the evening dress has been significantly reduced. The amount of expensive jewelry and furs and the degree of openness of the shoulders directly depends on the cost of tickets.

Look at the photo and decide how to dress for the theater!

How should a man dress for the theater?

If your companion asks your advice on going to the theater for a man, recommend that he wear a classic dress to the theater premiere. men's suit or - if you are going to attend the opening or closing of a theater or film festival and walk along the red carpet - a tuxedo.

How should a woman or girl dress for an ordinary performance at the theater?

Theatergoers in the post-Soviet space dress for the theater more carefully than European theatergoers. Perhaps the whole point is that in Europe a person with aesthetic taste visits the theater once a month or a month and a half, while we go to the theater on average once or twice a year, and going to the theater is to some extent a holiday .

How to properly dress for an ordinary theater production?

The opinions of stylists differ greatly: some of them believe that you need to dress for the theater as you would for a holiday - or in an evening dress (to the middle of the knee or - for young girls - even higher) or in a good suit. At the same time, others argue that it is quite acceptable to dress casually for the theater, and the option jacket-jeans very acceptable.

We advise our readers to follow the golden mean and, when going to the theater, wear an outfit in the style creative casual . You can wear a cocktail dress to a private performance (it’s better not to show your shoulders at a private performance, don’t show a lot of expensive family jewelry), a blouse with a skirt or trousers, or a stylish fashionable suit.

By the way, in the photo on the left is a pantsuit.

Girls can dress like in these photos:

"If you don't know what to wear, wear red!"

What should you not wear to the theater?

In addition, shorts, T-shirts, tunics, short dresses, miniskirts and any sportswear: in the end, a theater, even the most modern and experimental, is not a gym.

What shoes should I wear?

When going to the theater, wear whatever you want on your feet - shoes or sandals with stilettos or wedges, medium heels or even flats. Boots and boots would also be appropriate.

Depending on the time of year The exception is flip-flops, sneakers, sneakers, military boots and UGG boots.. Even if you are an inveterate theatergoer and go to all the performances touring in your city creative teams, let the theater still remain a theater - a place of introduction to high, intellectual and beautiful art. Dress creatively there and show off your own taste. Dressing beautifully and stylishly is also an art.

How to spend your free time most effectively? There is a huge amount various options: playing sports, reading books, watching TV shows, meeting friends and acquaintances. One of the ways to effectively spend your free time is to go to the theater.

Why is this option the most preferable? How to dress for the theater? When and where did they appear? How to behave correctly in the theater? What you should not wear and other interesting facts.

From the history of theaters

The first information about the emergence of this art dates back to Ancient Greece. In those days, actors dressed in goat skins and sang songs in honor of the god of agriculture, Dionysus. They were highly respected.

In Rus', theatrical art arose with the advent ritual rites and Christian holidays. One of my favorites was Maslenitsa. It was a rite of farewell to winter and welcome to spring; on this holiday it was customary to gather large folk festivities with dressing up, jokes, games, and performances.

in Ancient Rus'

People's He was represented by: buffoons, showmen, puppeteers.

School. The plays were written by teachers and performed by students. Performances were shown on holidays.

Courtier. Appeared in the mid-17th century. The first stage directors and actors were foreigners, mostly Germans.

Curious facts

In ancient theaters, the plots of performances were only on mythological or historical themes.

The actors were only men who performed in special, high masks. Shoes with thick soles were worn on the feet. Women were not allowed to attend performances; later they sat separately from men.

Actor Bruce Willis, known to many Russian viewers for his roles in the films "Die Hard" and "Armageddon", played in the school theater as a teenager.

The longest performance in ancient times could take one year.

First stone theater was built under Catherine II, it was located in St. Petersburg.

In the Middle Ages, women could only play maids or slaves.

Seven reasons to go to the theater

  1. Spend the evening in a beautiful setting and with nice people.
  2. Get the whole gamut of human emotions: laughter, tears, excitement, joy and others.
  3. By worrying about the fate of the characters in the play, you can find a solution to some of your life problems.
  4. Broaden your horizons.
  5. Going to the theater can become a good family tradition.
  6. An opportunity to mentally transport yourself to other times and learn a lot of interesting things about people’s lives.
  7. The atmosphere of magic and fairy tales inherent in the theater helps to escape from everyday work and forget about unresolved problems.

How to dress for the theater

Many lovers theatrical arts do not always dress in accordance with certain rules of etiquette. Let's look at how to do this beautifully and elegantly. Basic Rules.

  • How should a woman dress for the theater? This issue must be taken very seriously, since attending such an event is considered a solemn occasion. First of all, it is necessary to take into account the type of theater, as well as the time of the performance. Children's and doll's allow you to dress without any frills. This could be a skirt and blouse, or a trouser set. For the evening performance in drama theater, a classic dress would be more appropriate. Preferably black or of blue color. If you are going to the opera or ballet, then in this case you need to wear an evening dress. There may be different options, but be careful with the neckline and cutouts, they should not be too revealing. A win-win option for any type of theater would be a little black dress, the main thing is that its length is not too short. Be sure to bring a second pair of mid- or high-heeled shoes. Don't forget about accessories that match your outfit: jewelry (earrings, rings, beads, etc.), scarves, a small handbag. The most important thing when choosing options for how to dress for the theater as a woman is to remember that clothes should be smart and comfortable. Makeup should be made brighter and more festive than daytime.
  • How should a man dress for the theater? A suit of dark colors is preferable: black, blue, gray. The shirt should be light colors, preferably plain. Don't forget a tie or scarf.
  • to the theater for a teenager? The most best choice there will be a dress to the knees or a little higher, as well as a skirt with a blouse or blouse. You can choose any color. You can wear trousers if you don’t have skirts or dresses in your wardrobe.
  • to a musical? and suits should be worn in classical theaters, and in more modern ones, the options may be slightly different. For a man - jeans with a jacket, and for his companion - a dress or skirt with a blouse, jeans can also be worn. A musical allows you to wear clothes of a more informal nature, although you should not forget that this is still a theater.

Three-piece suit

This option for going to the theater is best chosen by a man. What is included in the concept of a three-piece suit? Trousers, jacket and vest. The most preferred colors: black and gray. The vest may be a different shade than the trousers and jacket. In such a suit, any man will look elegant and solemn.

Theater etiquette

If you go to the theater, it is not enough to know how to dress correctly; you need to remember the basic rules of behavior in this place. These include:

  • You must arrive at the theater 20-30 minutes before the start of the performance. Why is this necessary? So that you have time to undress and clean yourself up in the toilet room: change your shoes, if necessary, correct your makeup and hairstyle.
  • If a woman goes to the theater with a man, then he should help her take off outerwear and put it in the cloakroom.
  • What if your seats are in the middle of the row, and other spectators are already sitting in their seats? You must apologize for the disturbance and walk towards those seated. The man always goes first and helps his lady sit down.
  • IN auditorium They come no later than the third call. There are also some nuances here. If your seats are in the middle of the row, then it is better to go to them in advance so as not to disturb the people sitting on the edge. Otherwise, you can enter the hall a little later.
  • Being late for a performance is considered a sign of bad taste and a gross violation of the rules of theater etiquette.
  • Before the show starts, you can buy binoculars from the cloakroom. Remember that it is intended to look at the actors and theatrical scenery, and in no case other people who came to the theater.
  • During the performance you must turn off Cell Phones so that they do not disturb the actors and other spectators.
  • Discussing the actors' performance during the performance is unacceptable, like any other conversations. Keep quiet.

10 things you shouldn't wear to a classical theater

  • Sports suit.
  • Ripped jeans.
  • Sneakers or sneakers.
  • Shorts.
  • Very short dress.
  • T-shirt.
  • Sweater.
  • Tights or fishnet stockings.
  • Dress with a very deep neckline.
  • A formal suit without accessories.

People come to the theater to enjoy the performance and the acting. Therefore, you need to know one simple rule. How to dress for the theater is up to everyone to decide for themselves, but remember that appearance reflects your attitude to what is happening, it is necessary. If you are not sure about the correctness of your decision, then choose an old classic that has been proven over the years. We wish that your choice will always be impeccable, and that the problem of how to dress for the theater will always find its solution.

Going to the theater has always been and remains a festive event, a kind of going out into the world, which allows you not only to enjoy interesting production and exciting acting, but also the opportunity to dress well, show off and look at others.

Agree, life is so fleeting and busy that all the weekend outfits that you so want to wear more often remain hanging in closets and wardrobes for years until they finally go out of fashion.

Fashionistas of, say, the nineteenth century faced exactly the same question, although they knew for sure that going to the theater should be accompanied by a beautiful and fashionable dress, jewelry and perfect hairstyles. Not surprising, because this was one of the few opportunities to express yourself and your capabilities. What about today?

When going to the theater nowadays, it is difficult to guess what you can wear to the theater, because people have abandoned theatrical traditions, many have completely forgotten that in such places there is a certain dress code.

So it turns out: dressed up in an expensive and chic evening dress, you can easily feel like a black sheep among the gray mass of sweaters and trousers. But this does not mean that one should be like everyone! Of course not.

Nowadays, when the tradition of dressing up in elegant dresses and elaborate tailcoats has sunk into oblivion, there are still certain rules of theatrical etiquette, observing which, it is not difficult to look decent and, at the same time, not cause surprised looks from the public.

How should a girl dress for the theater?

As we have already said, modern theater fashion has transformed, it has become much more mobile, the modern pace of life forces you to visit such places almost immediately after work, which does not give the opportunity for a girl or a man to change clothes on a formal weekend.

That is why today, more and more often in the theater you can find a democratic uniform: trouser or skirt suits, and sometimes, unfortunately, even jeans and sweatshirts, which you will agree is not the most appropriate option.

If you don't have time to change clothes after work, then, in fact, there is nothing wrong if you come to the performance in a business suit - you just need to add a few touches. For example: take off, remaining in your blouse, pin up your hair, make up your eyes and, for example, decorate yourself with a cute neckerchief.

So the usual business suit turns into an elegant outfit for going out. Thus, we answer another popular question - although it is undesirable to wear trousers to the theater, it is still possible to wear them, the only exceptions are, especially options with various abrasions and tatters.

Another exception may be noisy premieres or closings theater seasons, especially if you are going to a theater “with a name”, something like Bolshoi Theater, Mariinsky Theater or, for example, La Scala.

Wearing trousers, and even more so jeans, in such places is beyond bad taste and impudence. There is another interesting unspoken rule: the more pompous and elegant the theater building itself, the richer and more elegant your clothes should be.

If you are going to the theater on a particularly special occasion, then it may be appropriate to wear an expensive floor-length evening dress with open shoulders and gloves. Typically, such sets are complemented with jewelry and high heels.

For particularly pompous theatrical occasions, a fur cape, a dress with a train, long gloves and even family jewels may be suitable. However, do not overdo it, even high-profile premieres such an image may look “flashy”, and therefore it is very important to observe moderation in everything.

The second, calmer and more affordable option is an ankle- or knee-length evening cocktail dress, covered shoulders or no sleeves at all, good jewelry or fine jewelry.

For ordinary everyday trips to the theater, a festive blouse and a narrow skirt of any length can do (with the exception of a mini, of course). The look can be complemented with a jacket or neckerchief.

As for colors and decor, it is better to use fabric of noble colors: no acidic shades that will eat away at the artists’ eyes. The styles should not be too intricate; if you choose a dress with a neckline, then it excludes a slit and vice versa.

Remember that in the theater it is better to look too modest, thereby emphasizing your intelligence, than to look flashy and defiant. What you definitely cannot wear to the theater are miniskirts and similar dresses, revealing tight corsets, jeans, shorts, sweatpants and T-shirts.

Hair, makeup and accessories

Since most shows take place in theaters after 18.00, this suggests that it is appropriate for a woman to try on an “evening dress.” This means: higher heels, brighter makeup, larger and longer jewelry.

And yet, we must not forget the measure: makeup should be richer than everyday, but not so bright, as if you were going to a night club. This can be a dark eyeliner to even out the complexion, as well as shadows that harmonize with the color of the eyes and skin.

The hairstyle should be neat and, preferably, collected, especially for girls with long hair. It is not recommended to do voluminous backcombing or high buns, or wear hats or headbands with bows; it’s probably not difficult to guess why.

Jewelry has its place, but everything should be in moderation: it could be a chain with a pendant and small, or a large cocktail ring and large earrings, perhaps a string of pearls around the neck or other beads, the main thing is that they fit harmoniously into the whole image.

As for shoes, naturally, heels from 5-7 cm are welcome. If you are by car, it is better to take with you replacement shoes that can replace inappropriate ones winter boots. Large handbags are usually not taken to the theater; they are replaced with theatrical handbags or clutches.

What about men?

If you are going to go as a couple, then it is important that your outfits are in harmony: for example, the color of your dress and tie. A slender young man will look good in a fitted black or dark blue suit; the shirt should complement his complexion.

A tie or bow tie is not mandatory, again, with the exception of the most pompous outings. and tailcoats are practically no longer worn in our theaters today.

For a young and creative crowd, a shirt, perhaps in a bright color, and plain trousers will do. Not a bad decoration male image will be a neckerchief, scarf, glasses with an unusual frame or creative shoes.

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