As someone who went to her first real ballet just last month, I can say from experience how difficult it is to dress for an event. Part of that is due to its allure and exclusivity. Often held in opulent theaters, such as the Palais Garnier Opera House in Paris and the Vienna State Opera in Austria, it’s easy to assume that attending a large-scale ballet immediately calls for an exquisite outfit that says, “Of course I’m at the ballet. Where else would I be?’
The pressure to appear sartorially increased by the pop culture moments that take place during or outside of one of the elegant performances, from Carrie Bradshaw in that pink low-waisted mini dress outside Lincoln Center at Sex and the city (fun fact: Sarah Jessica Parker is the Vice President of the New York City Ballet) to Julia Fox wearing a Zac Posen metallic dress to the city’s 2022 Fall Fashion Gala. When we see photos of people attending the ballet, it is usually to celebrate a big moment for the company. A red carpet is rolled out and the expectations of the participants are high.
But contrary to what you may have seen on the society pages, experiencing the beauty of a ballet in one of the world’s best theaters is not always a glitzy event. Sometimes, for example if the performance you are going to see takes place during the day, the dress code can be quite sober. But then again, no one will say a word if you push it a little. It’s really all about your personal style preferences. According to the New York City Ballet, that and your comfort level are all that matter. Of course, if you are attending a gala or other special event, always refer to your invitation for dress details.