This spring, I’m going to the Metropolitan Opera with my partner to see La Bohème. Yes, I already have plans this far in advance. I like to plan out my year, and if tickets are available, I book them early. Originally, I wanted to see Carmen, but it was sold out for the date and time that worked for me. So instead, I chose the next opera on my list, which takes place in April.
Attending the opera is a full experience—from getting dressed, to making dinner reservations before or after the show (I personally prefer dinner beforehand so I can be in bed early), and of course, enjoying the incredibly talented musicians and performers on stage.
But this always raises the question: what does one wear to the opera? While there isn’t an official dress code, it’s certainly far from casual. The time of day plays a big role—what you’d wear to a matinee is very different from what’s appropriate for an evening performance.
For this blog post, I’ll be focusing on evening attire, since La Bohème is an evening show. Evening performances tend to lean more toward formalwear—think gowns rather than semi-formal cocktail dresses.
Although the opera doesn’t enforce a dress code, there’s an unwritten rule that says you should take full advantage of the occasion and dress to the nines. In fact, the Met Opera even has a social media account dedicated to showcasing fashion spotted at the opera.
You can view it here:
https://www.instagram.com/lastnightatthemet/
With these unofficial-but-very-real rules in mind, here’s what I suggest for a night at the opera.
I recommend fabrics like silk, velvet, cashmere, linen, and cotton. Since this is a spring evening performance, silk and cotton work beautifully. Personally, I’d opt for something sophisticated, elegant, and comfortable. You’ll be seated for most of the evening, with some standing while enjoying a glass of champagne at the bar, so comfort matters just as much as style.
For my partner, I suggest a well-tailored suit paired with a nice pair of shoes. A tie isn’t necessary, but if your partner enjoys dressing up—as mine does—a tie is always a welcome addition.