Classical concerts - what to wear?

[Mr Clumsy]

Hi all.

I’m after a bit of sensible guidance on what to wear to a classical concert. Think Vivaldi four seasons in an old church type concert not Pavarotti opening night at the royal Albert hall.

What’s the “norm” for these types of events?

Thanks.

 

[Old Red]

This last year I've attended symphonies in Syracuse,NY (home), Phoenix, London, and Paris. I'd say the sport coat/collared shirt/no tie has been the most common tailored outfit. You'll see a few suits. And you will see hoodies, etc. The best dressed crowd was Paris but even there only a small minority wore ties.

Our local symphony does casual performances in a church. On those Sunday afternoons a few wear sport coat or sweater with a collared shirt, most sans tie. The majority are in dress trousers, collared shirt and nylon jacket they've removed.

 

[Mr Clumsy]

thanks for the quick reply. That’s kind of what I imagined so that’s good. I’ll be looking at London and Oxford.

 

[Bankers_Stripes]

I’d wear a solid navy suit with no tie or with a tie. I’m not really a sport coat guy. But that’s just me.

 

[Mr Clumsy]

I just got back from my first concert. Was as described. A mix of suits and ties to sport coats to jeans. I went sport coat roll neck and wool trousers. Venue was warmer than expected which was a nice bonus. The concert was great too.

 

[jazar01]

This original post really caught my eye because I'm going to see/hear Vivaldi Four Seasons at an old church-type venue next week! I plan to wear a suit and tie. Should I lean conservative with a solid navy two-button, or go quite bold with a navy and white chalk stripe three-piece? I'd prefer the bold chalk stripe, but don't want to be too out of place. Thoughts?

 

[breakaway01]

This original post really caught my eye because I'm going to see/hear Vivaldi Four Seasons at an old church-type venue next week! I plan to wear a suit and tie. Should I lean conservative with a solid navy two-button, or go quite bold with a navy and white chalk stripe three-piece? I'd prefer the bold chalk stripe, but don't want to be too out of place. Thoughts?

As described above, you will see the whole gamut from jeans to suits at concerts nowadays. I doubt the chalkstripe suit would stand out on the basis of its pattern alone, unless there was something very unusual about its cut or styling. At what kinds of events do you feel comfortable wearing that suit?

 

[jazar01]

As described above, you will see the whole gamut from jeans to suits at concerts nowadays. I doubt the chalkstripe suit would stand out on the basis of its pattern alone, unless there was something very unusual about its cut or styling. At what kinds of events do you feel comfortable wearing that suit?

Thanks for the reply. I'm generally pretty conservative in dress, so the high-contrast stripes are little bold for me. I'll wear it to a nice dinner, wedding, most events where semi-formal is appropriate. Certainly not to a funeral and probably not to the opera. I think I will wear it to the concert next week. Thanks again.