Metropolitan Opera House Dress Code

[amirrorcrackd]

I came across a ticket to a performance at the Met on a Thursday evening, and being as though I've never been, I don't know what to wear. Unfortunately, I only own one suit (egads.), but I'm a student, and I'm in a field where i will never need to wear a suit, so I'm sort of already ahead of the game. Anyway, it's a navy suit with a subtle white windowpane. Will this be appropriate? Do I wear a tie, or is a suit w/ shirt and no tie acceptable. I realize that in the days past going to the opera was the time when everyone dressed up, but unfortunately, I know that people have changed quite a bit, and I wouldn't be surprised if some jerks showed up in shorts or jeans. So, I'm just trying to guage whether my one suit is acceptable.

Thanks,

Dan

 

[Concordia]

You'll be fine.  There will be a small handful in black tie, but most will be in suits or blazers.  Black tie is really semi-required only for premieres and the season opener.

Monday night is also a bit dressier for some reason.  Anyway, with a Thursday ticket, you're off the hook. But wear the tie.

 

[imageWIS]

At least premiers at The Met are black tie, the Kravis center premiers consist of Hawaiian shirts (proceeds to cry at the lack of culture in SoFLA).

Last time I went to the met I wore a black suit 3-button SB (god, please not another 50 post thread.) with ticket pocket, paired with a white SB lapelled vest, a white RLPL white shark fin collar (keaton collar), with double cuff shirt, and a white silk tie with an angled waved pattern. All in all I have to say I looked rather dapper. It was not a premier however.

Jon.

 

[amirrorcrackd]

At least premiers at The Met are black tie, the Kravis center premiers consist of Hawaiian shirts (proceeds to cry at the lack of culture in SoFLA).

Last time I went to the met I wore a black suit 3-button SB (god, please not another 50 post thread.) with ticket pocket, paired with a white SB lapelled vest, a white RLPL white shark fin collar (keaton collar), with double cuff shirt, and a white silk tie with an angled waved pattern. All in all I have to say I looked rather dapper. It was not a premier however.  

Jon.

I lived in Boca for a stretch. I feel for you.

Dan

 

[STYLESTUDENT]

Last time I went to the met I wore a black suit 3-button SB (god, please not another 50 post thread.)

Jon, you were lucky that the ushers had not read Manton's posts or you would have missed the performance.

I go to the Met 2-3 a year with my dad (he black tie (overdressed), me underdressed in a navy blazer (won't wear a suit if I'm traveling). Be there again in 3 weeks. Agree with Concordia that a dark suit (black shoes) will be best.

Don't be a minute late, or you'll be sitting outside. Enjoy the performance.

 

[Horace]

There was an article in today's Times concerning the dress code at the Met. It was fascinating. I think many of you would enjoy it. Arts section of the paper.

 

[imageWIS]

Quote:

(imageWIS @ Feb. 12 2005,23:27) At least premiers at The Met are black tie, the Kravis center premiers consist of Hawaiian shirts (proceeds to cry at the lack of culture in SoFLA). Last time I went to the met I wore a black suit 3-button SB (god, please not another 50 post thread.) with ticket pocket, paired with a white SB lapelled vest, a white RLPL white shark fin collar (keaton collar), with double cuff shirt, and a white silk tie with an angled waved pattern. All in all I have to say I looked rather dapper. It was not a premier however. Jon.
I lived in Boca for a stretch. I feel for you. Dan
You're in New York now? Lucky bastard... (writing this as jealousy overfills me...) Jon.

 

[imageWIS]

There was an article in today's Times concerning the dress code at the Met. It was fascinating. I think many of you would enjoy it. Arts section of the paper.

Is it online? Can't find it...

Jon.

 

[PHV]

Quote:

(amirrorcrackd @ Feb. 12 2005,23:30)

Originally Posted by imageWIS,Feb. 12 2005,23:27

At least premiers at The Met are black tie, the Kravis center premiers consist of Hawaiian shirts (proceeds to cry at the lack of culture in SoFLA). Last time I went to the met I wore a black suit 3-button SB (god, please not another 50 post thread.) with ticket pocket, paired with a white SB lapelled vest, a white RLPL white shark fin collar (keaton collar), with double cuff shirt, and a white silk tie with an angled waved pattern. All in all I have to say I looked rather dapper. It was not a premier however. Â Jon.
I lived in Boca for a stretch. Â I feel for you. Dan
You're in New York now? Lucky bastard... (writing this as jealousy overfills me...) Jon.
Is boca not exactly have the class to match the money? I know several classical artists live there because of the weather and lower taxes in Florida, and may consider it one day. Is that ill advised?

 

[amirrorcrackd]

Quote:

(imageWIS @ Feb. 13 2005,19:16)

Originally Posted by amirrorcrackd,Feb. 12 2005,23:30

Originally Posted by imageWIS,Feb. 12 2005,23:27

At least premiers at The Met are black tie, the Kravis center premiers consist of Hawaiian shirts (proceeds to cry at the lack of culture in SoFLA). Last time I went to the met I wore a black suit 3-button SB (god, please not another 50 post thread.) with ticket pocket, paired with a white SB lapelled vest, a white RLPL white shark fin collar (keaton collar), with double cuff shirt, and a white silk tie with an angled waved pattern. All in all I have to say I looked rather dapper. It was not a premier however. Â Jon.
I lived in Boca for a stretch. Â I feel for you. Dan
You're in New York now? Lucky bastard... (writing this as jealousy overfills me...) Jon.
Is boca not exactly have the class to match the money? I know several classical artists live there because of the weather and lower taxes in Florida, and may consider it one day. Is that ill advised?
I don't know, maybe it's not so bad to retire to, but when you're in high school, the place sure does suck. Jon, yeah, I'm in NY now, I was only in Boca for high school and left about 5 years ago. Dan

 

[YoungFogey]

You'll be fine.  There will be a small handful in black tie, but most will be in suits or blazers.  Black tie is really semi-required only for premieres and the season opener.

Monday night is also a bit dressier for some reason.  Anyway, with a Thursday ticket, you're off the hook.  But wear the tie.

Mondays are more formal because in the old days the various Society balls were on Monday nights. (Weekends were the preserve of the amateur leisure class.)

The dressiness of the Met depends to some degree on where one is sitting. Naturally, the more expensive the seat, the more formally the patrons dress. For an extreme example, jeans in the family circle is certainly possible, but I'd never imagine a t-shirt.

As someone who attends the Met several times a month, I think a blazer and tie in the orchestra should be fine. If you're in the parterre (the only seats more expensive), then wear a suit.

Black tie is required nowhere except the Opera Club, which has its own set of boxes in the dress circle at stage left. (White tie is preferred on Mondays.)

 

[arenn1]

It's not about the dress code for patrons, but this article talks about the dress code for performers, as well as many orchestral traditions. http://www.nytimes.com/2005....ted=all Registration required.

 

[imageWIS]

It's not about the dress code for patrons, but this article talks about the dress code for performers, as well as many orchestral traditions. http://www.nytimes.com/2005....ted=all Registration required.

Thanks. Jon.

 

[imageWIS]

Quote:

(Concordia @ Feb. 12 2005,19:43) You'll be fine. There will be a small handful in black tie, but most will be in suits or blazers. Black tie is really semi-required only for premieres and the season opener. Monday night is also a bit dressier for some reason. Anyway, with a Thursday ticket, you're off the hook. But wear the tie.
Mondays are more formal because in the old days the various Society balls were on Monday nights. (Weekends were the preserve of the amateur leisure class.) The dressiness of the Met depends to some degree on where one is sitting. Naturally, the more expensive the seat, the more formally the patrons dress. For an extreme example, jeans in the family circle is certainly possible, but I'd never imagine a t-shirt. As someone who attends the Met several times a month, I think a blazer and tie in the orchestra should be fine. If you're in the parterre (the only seats more expensive), then wear a suit. Black tie is required nowhere except the Opera Club, which has its own set of boxes in the dress circle at stage left. (White tie is preferred on Mondays.)
I learned something new, interesting. Thanks. Jon.

 

[Kai]

I'm a regular at the Colorado Opera. Our tickets are usually to opening night. I always wear black tie.

Last Saturday, we saw Handel's Julius Ceasar. (wonderful performance.)

As to how other folks were dressed: Perhaps a little over 1/4 of the men were in black tie. probably 1/2 were in conservative suits, and the other 1/4 ranged from polo shirts to sport coats.

Some interesting clothes I noticed:

A guy in a shawl collared tuxedo made from glossy satin, with the shawl collar made from black mink fur. This was not a look I found particularly attractive or classy.

A guy in a black tuxedo, with a very fancy silver bolo tie, and a jet black cowboy hat with sterling hatband, and very very shiny black crocodile cowboy boots. This was not a look that I would emulate, but it looked very good on the guy wearing it. My wife and I both thought it was quite handsome.

A guy in a tuxedo with an absolutely beautiful silk vest with gold brocade, which went very nicely with some gold studs and a white linen pocket square with fine gold edged trim. He looked very well put-together. Probably the best looking ensemble I saw all evening.