Dressing For The Opera

'Sophisticated glamour' is a term that perhaps best describes dressing for the opera in contemporary times, but that shouldn't come at the cost of comfort, because nobody wants to be sat for hours wishing away the time until the next interval! So perhaps give the body-con dresses a swerve and opt for a floatier style that you can perch comfortably in! The Royal Opera House bar is typically where the evening begins and ends, which is a wonderful spot to see and be seen. Bold patterned dresses such as our Lulu style in crepe de chine are perfect for the opera, creating a statuesque shape and catching the eye with their bold patterns and feathered sleeves. For a really classic minimalist silhouette, our Marie dress is perfect, being in essence a structured cocktail dress with a squared-off neck and elegant capped shoulders.

The coat is where one can let the reins loose somewhat, offering the opportunity to make a statement on arrival and at the bar. Once again, we would recommend opting for a long-line silhouette to create a tall and feminine figure to stand out from the crowd. Our silk velvet Whitehall coats do exactly that thanks to some vibrant colours and stunning embroidery details rising from the scalloped hem. The Long Swing coat in velvet provides a more conservative but no less attractive option, but to really make a statement, you'll want to go with the floral fancies that are our Carnaby and Duster coats this season, all of which are brimming with floral motifs.

For Gents at the Opera

Gentleman attendees have typically always worn formalwear until the late 20th century when opera outfits began to more closely mirror the fashions of the day. Prior to that, tailcoats and black tie were the norm. The Royal Opera House's 'dress code' is very inclusive - their only demands are that you come fully clothed and wear shoes! Still, if you have been recently, you'll know that opera goers love to get dressed up and black tie is still very much the preferred option. Of course, black tie is quite a broad dress code these days, ranging from the classic black or midnight tuxedo to the velvet jacket. One can even lose the bow tie for a more casual look, albeit still extremely elegant. A corduroy suit is a great alternative, and can be paired with a bow tie to elevate it into the realm of formal eveningwear. 

If you want to go 'full opera', we would suggest wearing our new Tommy tuxedo which features a very contemporary wide-leg dress trouser and a single-breasted notch lapel dinner jacket with silk grosgrain lapels. Pair this with our frill shirt, party bow tie and velvet slippers - pull out all the stops!