If there is one type of outing which is guaranteed to throw women into a quandary in terms of what to wear, it has to be a night at the opera. Perhaps because many people see the opera as being somewhat elitist, making sure that they do not show themselves up by turning up inappropriately attired is of the ultimate importance.
Actually though, for all the perceptions of the opera, it is not nearly as elitist as most people imagine. The majority of the people who attend are there simply because they appreciate the music, and not because they want to say ‘Look at me. I’m rich.’ A lot of them are just ordinary people like you and I who come from all walks of life, and so perhaps the first point to make about what to wear is that there is no need to rush out and buy yourself a Cinderella ball gown for the occasion, as you will almost certainly have most of what you need in your closet already.
As you might expect, going to the opera is not like going to the cinema and you should be prepared to dress smartly and elegantly for the occasion, although how smartly and elegantly will depend slightly on what type of seats you have booked. If you have a box seat, for example, you are probably going to want to choose a full-length dress which comes right down to the ankles or to the floor, whereas for orchestra seats, something along the lines of the little black dress (either sleeveless or with short sleeves) would be perfectly appropriate, although it need not necessarily be in black. You could also wear something similar if you are occupying an ordinary seat, but if this is the case, you might also opt for smart pants and top.
With any of these outfits, be sure to choose a pair of dressy shoes and a smart purse, and the other thing to consider is a shawl. Regular coats and jackets tend not to work well in an opera setting and usually they do not look chic or elegant enough. Shawls, however, are almost ‘de rigueur’.
The best type of shawl to choose is one which is made from 100% pure silk, as not only will the quality be in keeping with the occasion, but the great insulating properties of the fabric will ensure that you do not get cold on your way to and from the performance. It is also better to choose a handmade silk shawl, firstly because the better quality will show, and secondly because these silk shawls incorporate totally unique designs, and the last thing you want is to turn up in a department store silk shawl which looks identical to someone else’s.
Although you might have to pay slightly more for a hand dyed shawl, the investment is well worth it in terms of making the right impression. Also, don’t forget that your fabulous silk shawl can be used time and time again with a whole range of different outfits and for a whole range of different occasions, so represents truly excellent value for money.
Julie-Ann.
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