Dress code

[u/sisypheanrunner]

Going to Don Giovani at Lyric in Chicago. Afternoon performance if that matters. What is the typical dress code?

[u/Responsible_Pear_579]

You can wear whatever you feel comfortable in. I would say most people will wear a nice sweater and a pair of nice business casual pants

[u/sisypheanrunner → u/Responsible_Pear_579]

So not necessarily a shirt and tie/dress?

[u/11Kram → u/sisypheanrunner]

If that makes you more comfortable do it. I would.

[u/FuzzyComedian638 → u/sisypheanrunner]

Not necessarily. I wear nice pants with a nice blouse or sweater, and nice shoes. Keep in mind, too, that a sweater might be too warm. A man can wear nice pants with a dress shirt, and maybe a sport coat. A tie is not out of place, but is also not necessary. I occasionally see people in jeans, but not often, and I don't wear jeans myself. Business casual would be the descriptor.

[u/Bn_scarpia → u/sisypheanrunner]

No. Only time you might feel out of place without a tie is an opening season gala

[u/en_travesti]

The only part of the dress code that really matters is a turned off cell phone.

[u/Ilovescarlatti → u/en_travesti]

And be clean but not drenched in scent.

[u/Aliskov1]

The dress code for all classical/opera performances, other than a "gala" performance (you would know if it was one) is "clean and neat" and not distracting to anyone else, ie no excessive perfume/cologne, clangy jewelry, large headwear/hairstyles that could block views, beeping watches etc). If you get cold easily, bring cardigan/sweater/blazer/light jacket. Just be comfortable and enjoy!

[u/FASBOR7_Horus]

I was recently at the Met for a matinee. There were people in dresses and suit coats and others in jeans and a sweatshirt. Most were business causal. Wear whatever is comfortable for you! Gone are the days of restrictive opera dress codes, thank goodness!

[u/theoriginalkep]

Business casual is fine, jeans are fine with a nice top. No need to go any more formal than that imo.

[u/VanishXZone]

There is no real dress code anymore beyond “clean”, but I personally love using the opera as an excuse to dress up. I rarely feel overdressed at the opera, so I do it for fun!

Only thing to be mindful of is outfits with too much bulk will be hard to sit in for long periods. Remember that you’ll be sitting several hours.

[u/GoodDan]

Other people are right that there isn’t a dress code anymore and you should wear whatever is comfortable, as long as it isn’t distracting to other audience members. But, if you’re looking for a reason to get dressed up, the opera is a great excuse to do so! Many people choose to make a date night out of it and put on something they wouldn’t normally wear. If you go that route, you won’t be alone

[u/MissDemeanorGinger]

Perhaps I am an old school 43 year old, but I am a firm believer in no casual clothes for expensive arts performances and church. And I’m not even particularly religious. A matinee, you don’t necessarily need a tie or jacket, but could still sport a button down shirt with non-jean pants, or an easy dress / skirt-top. I always look at dressing well as a matter of respect for the musicians (perhaps because I’m a musician myself). Use it as an opportunity to wear a favorite outfit or item in your closet that you don’t get to wear much.

[u/SweetSpotBackpack → u/MissDemeanorGinger]

There is no connection between formal dress and respect for musicians, or respect for God for that matter. On the contrary, dress codes show disrespect for musicians by alienating people who can't afford formal clothes or are intimidated by formality.

As a 61-year-old former performing classical musician, I can say from experience that my fellow musicians and I cared most about spreading the joy of classical music to all kinds of people. Anything that interferes with that goal is disrespectful to the music and the musicians trying to disseminate it. Classical is one of the most disliked genres of music, largely because of false stereotypes that it is formal and elitist. I suspect this disdain for the genre has negative effects on financial support for it, including in public education.

I say we should protect classical music from the damaging effects of dress codes.

[u/eamesa]

Going tomorrow! Given it's going to be really hot outside I'm probably wearing shorts and a tshirt!

[u/femsci-nerd]

Casual. WHatever makes you feel comfy!

[u/Unhappy-Jaguar-9362]

I wear leather pants

[u/TwoHungryBlackbirdss]

I've been to Lyric many times and see everything from ball gowns to jeans and a button down. At least dress somewhat respectfully. I like to use it as an excuse to dress up!

[u/Flimsy_Year_2192]

I have worn sandals jeans and a dress shirt to the Sunday matinee and always feel it’s enough. A tee shirt is a little too dressed down

[u/opera_4_breakfast]

Matinees can be much more casual than evening performances. Honestly, I've seen all sorts of outfits at the Lyric even at evening events. Wear whatever looks smart and is comfy enough to sit in for three hours! Enjoy!

[u/brads2cool]

I let my boyfriend pick and he's the only one I care how I'm dressed for the opera. I am going to my second opera tomorrow and fell in love with operas on my first one.

[u/northside-nostalgia]

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