What would be your activity of choice if shopping was no longer a favored pastime? Would you spend all your time in art galleries? Maybe you'd secure tickets to a concert. Personally, I'd pick going to the theater. Sure, securing a designer bag is thrilling, but there's something equally riveting about when a spotlight hits the stage. As someone who's seen her fair share of productions over the years, I can safely say that it's an activity that's worth doing at least once in your lifetime. I'll be the first to admit that there are aspects of the experience that can be, well, overwhelming. Trying to weave through the crowds in Times Square is already quite stressful, but it's nothing compared to figuring out what to wear to a Broadway show.
Whether you're a seasoned New Yorker or simply visiting the Big Apple for the first time, trying to decode the dress code for the theater can feel nearly impossible—until now. To make your experience more enjoyable, I've decided to use the knowledge I've gained from attending best-selling musicals, plays, operas, and even some ballet shows to create a guidebook on how to dress for the theater. Ahead, I've rounded up 15 outfit ideas, styling tips, and shopping suggestions that will help you decide what to wear to a Broadway show. Whether you're front and center, have balcony seats, or were the lucky one to win the ticket lottery, being inside a theater is a magical experience, and these outfits will surely fit the (play)bill perfectly. Without further ado, cue the spotlight…
WEAR: Gold Earrings + Strapless Gown + Clutch Bag + Pointed Flats
Styling Notes: When in doubt, keep it simple. Let your strapless dress be the real showstopper by styling it with a sleek clutch bag, gold earrings, and pointed ballet flats.
WEAR: Formal Minidress + Black Tights + Pumps + Clutch Bag
Styling Notes: When you can't be bothered to put on a full-length strapless gown, try turning to a minidress instead. The key to making a shorter hemline work for a formal theater setting is opting for a dress style with fancier details and styling it more modestly—e.g., pairing it with tights, a light coat, and pumps.
WEAR: Sheer Black Gown + Black Pumps + Black Clutch Bag
Styling Notes: If you can't imagine wearing a minidress but still want your Broadway outfit to be a mixture of classy and risqué, try re-creating the outfit above. You can put yourself center stage by donning a semi-sheer black gown styled with minimal accessories.
WEAR: Collar Necklace + Black Gown+ Bangles + Clutch Bag + Kitten Heels
Styling Notes: Wearing a sheer dress isn't for everyone, but if you're still looking for a way to make your black dress stand out, don't be afraid to accessorize. Whether for the matinée or evening show, adding statement jewelry and a unique clutch bag will ensure your look still shines.
WEAR: Sweater + Sequin Skirt + Slingbacks
Styling Notes: Jewelry isn't the only way you can make your outfit for a Broadway show shine. With a sequin skirt, there's no way you'll get lost in the Times Square shuffle, as the style will ensure you stand out from the crowd.
WEAR: White Button-Down Shirt + Maxi Slip Skirt + Kitten Heels + Mini Bag
Styling Notes: If you're attending a show during the day, wearing an eveningwear look with sequins won't necessarily work. You can still dress up by styling your everyday staples in a sophisticated way. A white button-down shirt can be matinée ready when worn with a white satin maxi skirt, kitten heels, and a mini bag.
WEAR: Tweed Jacket + Tweed Skirt + Kitten Heels + Shoulder Bag
Styling Notes: Wearing a tweed set is always elegant, no matter the occasion. The look is especially fitting for an early-evening show during the workweek.
WEAR: Tailored Blazer + Full Skirt + Shoulder Bag + Pointed Pumps
Styling Notes: Devising an outfit idea for a daytime production can be tricky. Enter the ensemble above as the solution. A tailored blazer with a matching full skirt channels the elegant ensembles women wore to the theater throughout the '60s without feeling too over-the-top.
WEAR: Earrings + Blazer + Strapless Top + Trousers + Satin Heels
Styling Notes: When you secure a ticket to the hottest show in town at the last minute, you can't waste time trying to figure out what to wear! Instead of trying to buy a new outfit, dress up your everyday blazer and trousers for the evening by pairing them with a strapless top and satin heels.
WEAR: Blazer + Capri Pants + Heeled Mules + Clutch Bag
Styling Notes: What's another fail-proof outfit idea for a Broadway show? An all-black ensemble, of course! Styling your favorite black blazer with capri pants or cigarette trousers, heeled mules, and a black clutch bag always looks elegant, even if it was put together at the last minute.
WEAR: Silver Jacket + Dark-Wash Wide-Leg Jeans + Silver Slingbacks + Black Handbag
Styling Notes: Tailored trousers, satin skirts, and dresses are safe bets for dressing for a Broadway show, but sometimes, you can't be bothered to wear anything uncomfortable. Luckily, you can get away with wearing jeans to a more informal show. The secret to pulling this off is to style a pair of dark-wash jeans with more elevated pieces—e.g., a metallic jacket, a polished handbag, and silver slingbacks.
WEAR: Cape + Sweater + Knit Pants + Ballet Flats + Clutch Bag + Silver Jewelry
Styling Notes: Another way to be cozy at your upcoming show is to opt for a cape moment. Swaddling yourself in a long gray scarf, shawl, or cape styled with a matching knit top and pants will ensure you look sophisticated while staying snuggly throughout the show.
WEAR: Faux-Fur Coat + Black Minidress + Tights + Pumps + Clutch Bag
Styling Notes: You can count on the theater being warm during the winter, but once the curtains drop and you have to go back outside, that's another story. Opting for a faux-fur coat layered over a black dress is the perfect outfit for a Broadway show during the year's colder months.
WEAR: Satin Coat + Tank Top + Satin Skirt + Heeled Mules
Styling Notes: When you don't want to wear a faux-fur coat but still want some outerwear for the evening, consider opting for a satin, velvet, or wool option. It's the perfect way to play into the formality of the evening without wearing a coat that will make you overheat.
WEAR: Black Coat + Gold Earrings + Red Cocktail Dress + Black Kitten Heels
Styling Notes: By now, you may be wondering if there's an unspoken rule about wearing neutral colors to a Broadway show—there's not. If you want to make your show even more memorable, consider showing up in a colorful cocktail dress instead of a little black dress. Should you take the risk, you'll be a showstopper for sure.
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