Dressing for opera & symphony in Europe

[Doremus J.]

I'm an American going to Budapest and Vienna soon and I plan to attend a couple of performances at places like the State Opera House and the Musikverein, some on the weekend and some during the week. Would it be appropriate to wear a blue blazer w/ tie and dark trousers, or would this be over- or under-dressed? I'm trying to pack light and so I'd rather not bring a suit unless I'd stick out without one.

 

[Concordia]

Vienna is kind of dressy but if you're not doing the button-down, repp tie, and loafer thing with the blazer you should be OK.

Even if you do go with the prep school look, there are always enough really poorly-dressed people around to take the heat off.

 

[Doremus J.]

Thanks. I was not going to go with a button-down or loafers (don't think I even own either); more like oxford shoes, forward point blue or white shirt, and a paisley tie or something along those lines.