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Think evening wear.
Think evening attire.
It may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s worth noting that symphony halls are not casual places. If you plan on attending the symphony, present yourself accordingly. Most people will be dressed in formal wear, but don’t let this dissuade you if such attire isn’t your cup of tea. That said, there are some outfits that should be avoided in most concert halls—your favorite sweatshirt (unless you’re sitting very far back), a t-shirt with a crude slogan or image on it and a baseball cap are just a few examples of what not to wear. However, basic formal wear is by no means required for all attendees: after all, dress code rules differ depending on the venue and the crowd. It’s fine to attend in a nice pair of trousers and blouse or sports coat; jeans and an elegant sweater also make for good options if your opera house allows it.
Don’t forget about accessories.
While it can be tempting to ditch those accessories altogether, we think this is a mistake. Accessories are crucial in enhancing your overall look and making you feel special. It can be as simple as a pair of earrings that matches the color of your dress or adding a pop of color with your shoes. The goal is not to overdo it but to choose pieces that add just the right touch.
Our only advice here is to be careful about wearing anything that will jangle or make noise during the performance. This includes big bracelets, large necklaces, or jewelry that features charms or other dangling elements. A small handbag or clutch may be fine, but if you prefer something bigger, consider leaving it with one of the ushers before finding your seat for the evening so it won’t be noisy when you settle into your seat during pre-show music.
Consider the weather.
Whether you’re attending your first symphony performance or a seasoned regular, one of the most important things to consider is what to wear.
For starters, you should dress in accordance with the season. While the concerts may be held indoors, the weather outside will still have an effect on how you feel and look. If it’s sweltering out and you’re in a wool suit, chances are that you’ll sweat through your wool suit before the night is over. On the flip side if it’s cold out and all you can find is a sundress then you might be shivering well before intermission (what is intermission?).
Additionally, don’t forget about different climates. If your concert hall is located in Florida then it will probably be stifling inside but not because of global warming; they just don’t have central air conditioning there. A good rule of thumb when picking an outfit for any occasion: always check the weather forecast!
Be aware of different venue standards.
Your first order of business is to find out whether the venue has specific dress code standards. It may be helpful to peruse the venue’s website and see if they list anything about their policies surrounding attire.
But if you’re still not sure, you can always call the box office and ask for clarification. If it ends up being black tie, then you’ll want to rent a tuxedo or buy one if you plan on attending events like this regularly.
If the event is black tie optional, it’s safest to assume that most people will opt for formal clothing, so don’t show up in jeans and a tee shirt. But also don’t feel obligated to break out your pocket watch or opera gloves unless that’s how you roll.
As mentioned above, some venues are more casual than others. The symphony in Los Angeles tends to be a little more laid back than New York City’s Metropolitan Opera House which is generally thought of as the standard bearer when it comes to formality (although many attendees have been known to wear jeans there too).
Dress for comfort—and keep your ears in mind.
Dress for comfort—and keep your ears in mind.
You don’t have to wear a ball gown or tuxedo to attend a symphony concert, but it’s important to dress comfortably and appropriately. Some people may be tempted to wear flip-flops and shorts, but this choice is not recommended because it might make you feel out of place. You should also consider wearing comfortable shoes, as performances can last anywhere from an hour to three hours depending on the production (intermissions are usually included during longer concerts). Additionally, if you’re sensitive to loud noises, consider bringing along ear plugs as some musicians use instruments that generate extremely high volumes of sound.
Consider your transportation options and what you’re bringing with you.
The first thing to consider is your transportation options and what you’re bringing with you. If you’re walking, how will that impact the shoes you’ll wear? Are you attending with an orchestra that provides a coat check service, or are you bringing your own bag or purse? Will it be raining or snowing as opposed to sunny skies? For example, if it’s raining, I’ll likely opt for sturdy boots, no bag and a long umbrella (like the ones in Paris) so I can stay dry while navigating bumpy cobblestone streets. If there’s snow on the ground but no rain forecasted, I’ll bring heeled ankle boots and skip the umbrella in favor of a chic wool coat.
Have fun!
People sometimes feel intimidated about attending a classical music concert. It can seem too formal, or not casual enough, or stuffy in some way. But that doesn’t have to be the case at all. In fact, we recommend having fun with your evening at the symphony!
Classical music is an art form that has been developed and refined over centuries; it’s been around for hundreds of years. So you certainly don’t have to feel like a novice here. There are no tricks you need to know—no special tips on how to behave or what kind of clothes to wear (unless you go super-formal). It’s just an opportunity for you and your guests (and everyone) to enjoy a wonderful piece of art that is performed live right in front of you.
That should be reason enough to make it worth your while!
What to wear to watch a symphony
It was late winter, and the big Italian opera house was dark and hushed. I didn’t know much about the first half of the evening’s program, but I remembered a scene where Figaro and Susana sneak into Count Almaviva’s study in order to escape her father’s suspicious gaze. The moment they enter, the music swells up to an operatic climax. A few lines later, it all falls silent. Suddenly it dawned on me: these are moments when we see Figaro and Susana as their true selves: they’re not just a pair of attractive lovers; they’re also romantic cadets from rival military academies.
This is how I felt as I entered Stravinsky Hall for a concert performance of The Rite of Spring . Every minute or so, the performance would hit its peak—and then stop for another ten minutes before starting again—then suddenly come to a halt for another ten minutes before beginning again. What happened? Turns out that this symphony is supposed to be played in four movements instead of three, but by some unfortunate quirk of fate (or perhaps some clever marketing scheme), one movement got left out from that originally proposed scheme due to an error during Stravinsky’s printing process. The missing piece ends up being as important as any other movement (if not more so). So while you may have been there at the time thinking you were seeing what you paid your money for, in reality you were witnessing something else entirely—a glimpse into the true nature of these characters’ relationship with one another: athletic competition disguised as romance
What to wear to a Christmas symphony
If you’re going to a Christmas concert at the symphony, dress up a little. It can be fun for both your ears and wardrobe.
Maybe you’ve heard of Michael Jackson’s 1983 hit “Thriller.” In the song, he sings: “This is Halloween, but I don’t care…” If you’re going to an orchestra concert this holiday season, feel free to dress in costume if it makes you happy. Just keep in mind that most people who go to a symphony are there to hear music and enjoy themselves. The clothes aren’t as important as your attitude or soulful pipe organ playing (yes, that’s right! Pipes! Not woodwinds or strings!) on the way home from work.
As long as you have something nice on underneath your nice clothes, they can still be casual (or even sloppy!) enough for comfort and style. Don’t try too hard with props like elaborate hats or wigs unless you really want them there.
What to wear to Houston symphony
There is no set dress code for the symphony. However, attire is usually formal for this classical music event. If you are uncertain of what to wear, consider dressing in layers as some concert venues are air-conditioned and can get cold. Consider bringing a jacket, sweater or wrap to stay comfortable during the evening. Dress shoes are recommended for men and women at the symphony.
What to wear to SF symphony
Even if you’re going to a casual venue, many performers like to be treated as special. That means dressing nicely and paying attention to the music. And if you’re planning on going to a formal concert in San Francisco, here are 7 ways to dress for it:
- Consider the venue. Yes, this is an obvious choice, but some venues require different dress codes than others. For example, Davies Symphony Hall has more of a “black tie optional” policy than a strict one. This gives anyone who attends the option of wearing their best clothes or just wearing something nice that they already own (and feel comfortable with).
- What to wear at SF Opera House: If you are attending a performance at this grand opera house it is still fairly relaxed when it comes down to what your should wear. The most important thing is that you look presentable; be comfortable but try not make yourself look like someone who just rolled out of bed. Anything from business casual attire will do.”
What to wear to Atlanta symphony
When it comes to the Symphony, you will want to look your best! While there is no official dress code for attending a performance at Atlanta Symphony Hall, we recommend an appropriate level of dress so that you can enjoy the performance in comfort and avoid distracting yourself or others.
While jeans are fine in most places, we strongly suggest against wearing them when attending a show at Symphony Hall. A pair of nice khakis or slacks paired with a collared shirt is usually enough to fit right in with our guests. The same goes for shorts and other very casual attire. For women, business casual is often the way to go. A nice pair of black pants or stylish skirt paired with a blouse or top that allows you to feel comfortable and confident is perfect for getting dressed up for an evening of music! It’s even better if the outfit has some color; bright colors are encouraged at performances as it adds to the energy of your experience!
What to wear to Dallas symphony
- Know the Dress Code for the Venue
The dress code for the symphony varies from venue to venue, so it’s best to look online or call ahead to find out what people typically wear. For example, some places have a more formal dress code, while others are more casual. In some venues, jeans and t-shirts are fine, while in other venues you may want to dress up a bit more. It all depends on where you’re going!
- Dress for the Weather
Some venues require that you walk a long distance from your car to your seat in the theater or concert hall, so if it’s raining or snowing outside you might want to wear something that will keep you warm (and dry!). Also make sure not to wear anything too tight — like an evening gown — because it could constrict your movement while walking around outside in inclement weather conditions.
What to wear to afternoon symphony
If you’re attending an afternoon symphony, you’ll probably find that people are a little more apt to dress casually than if you were attending a night concert. However, morning or afternoon, it’s still important to remember that the symphony is not your living room and PJs are not appropriate attire. Dress up nicely. Not everyone will be wearing their Sunday best, but they will be dressed in dressy casual clothes.
Layer up if you feel like it: many concert halls have chilly air-conditioning or heating systems that make it hard to predict what the temperature of the room will be when taking your seat. So dress in layers and remove them as needed!
Can you wear jeans to the symphony
Contrary to popular belief, jeans are fine attire for a symphony performance. The key is that they should be dark and dressy. Don’t let your denim be faded, ripped or torn. In short, if you wouldn’t wear the pants to a job interview, they aren’t appropriate for the symphony either.
Also of note: Jeans paired with a nice blouse or shirt are ok as well; just make sure to have them pressed so you look polished when you arrive!
Symphony audiences dress up, but comfort is important as well.
- There’s a certain atmosphere of sophistication you want to capture
- Consider the way you’ll accessorize
- The weather can change everything
- Different venues have different standards
- You want to be comfortable, and even bring an extra layer
- Your ears are important
- How do you plan on getting there? Do you need to save room for a coat? These are all things to consider.
