Attending an opera -- no suits or lounge coats (!)

[Tristan.sf]

On Saturday, I'm attending the first of two performances of the opera, Carmina Burana; last November, I was in a similar situation with a dress rehearsal for an opera. Once again, I need some advice. My wardrobe is so basic to the extent that I don't even have a lounge suit or a blazer [yet]. What can I possibly wear? As a reference, here is a list of some of things in my wardrobe: Shirts: Oxford shirts (blue and white) Pants: Grey (cotton) and black (wool) -- these are from before I joined Styleforum. Sweaters: Solid v-necks in black, navy, and red; navy cardigan Neckties: Solid navy; red-and-navy repp stripe Shoes: Black captoes and chestnut chelsea boots

 

[Ich_Dien]

You don't need to dress up for the opera anymore.

 

[LukeM]

^But if he decides dress up he has two options

1. Wear pants, shirt, and tie
2. Pick up a suit which you are already going to buy from BB at the Stanford Shopping Center in Palo Alto

 

[comrade]

Originally Posted by Tristan.sf
So, all of the sort of posts I've seen for what to wear for x occasion typically come from people older than myself, and, when one has a smaller wardrobe than almost anyone on this forum (e.g., no suits, outerwear, or sport coats [yet]), can all of you give some advice on what to wear for the following occasion? Tomorrow night, I'm going to the dress rehearsal for a show from the Opera San Jose

From my wardrobe, here are some of the items I have in mind:

Shirts: Dress shirt (blue, white), oxford (blue)
Pants: Dress pants (black, gray), chino pants (gray, medium tan)
Shoes: Black captoes, shell cordovan bluchers

My response last year:

I went to one in San Francisco last Spring. It was in the afternoon.
I wore a cashmere wool houndstooth sportcoat, tan twill slacks,
suede shoes and a non solid color dress shirt without a tie. Put on tie
for Style Forum Meet-Up in the evening. At the rehearsal I was one
of the most "dressed-up".

Don't sweat it. Just look neat and clean.
BTW, Carmina Burana is not an Opera.
Opera's date from around 1600.

*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carmina_Burana

*

 

[PregnantBob]

Not to be a stickler but that doesn't look like a formal event. I don't remember wearing a dinner suit to anything that cost less than 20 dollars to attend.

Just go with a collared shirt, pants and polished shoes. Tie in this case is optional

 

[bhall41]

Originally Posted by comrade

of the most "dressed-up".

Don't sweat it. Just look neat and clean.
BTW, Carmina Burana is not an Opera.
Opera's date from around 1600.

*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carmina_Burana

*

Agreed Carmina Burana is not an opera but I am not sure of the relevance of your following comment. Operas may well date from 1600 but continue to be written and performed, right up to the present day.

To the OP: just look as presentable as you can, given your wardrobe limitations!

 

[comrade]

Originally Posted by bhall41

Agreed Carmina Burana is not an opera but I am not sure of the relevance of your following comment. Operas may well date from 1600 but continue to be written and performed, right up to the present day.

To the OP: just look as presentable as you can, given your wardrobe limitations!

Carmina Burana is based on Medieval Texts. That was my point. It was only set to music by
Carl Orff in 1936

 

[GBR]

You have plenty to choose from - no need whatever to dress for the opera nowadays.

 

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by GBR

You have plenty to choose from - no need whatever to dress for the opera nowadays.
True, sadly.

 

[Tristan.sf]

That's most unfortunate that dress for the opera is less common; it's not really surprising though.
If I have a good spot, I'll take a glance and see what some of the audience is wearing, just for curiosity.

Cheers!

 

[musicguy]

Originally Posted by comrade

Opera's date from around 1600.
Strange statement that is completely false. Opera was, in fact, in its early stages in the 1600s. It wasn't until the late 18th century did opera become really popular. Still, Carmina isn't an opera. The is no acting. It's more of a collection of songs for soloists, choir and orchestra, somewhat like an oratorio. Anyway, on topic, if you wear a nice shirt and pants you'll be fine. I'd invest in a properly fitting navy blazer if I were you.