A celebrity in evening wear appears at a gala.
Traditionally, opening night at the ballet or the opera required dressed-up formal attire. Women would have a chance to shine in beautiful long dresses and fine jewelry. While society today has a less formal look than half a century ago, a dressy look is still expected, but not required, for opening night galas, fund-raising events and other special social occasions. Only invitations to galas and other special occasions specifying black tie or cocktail attire require adherence to the appropriate dress code.
Instructions
1. Wear clothes appropriate to the event you are attending. If you are going to the ballet or the opera, for example, opening nights traditionally require formal attire, especially if attending a gala reception afterward. That's not to say that some folks won't show up in jeans, but the tradition is for women to wear a long formal dress or cocktail dress. It is a rare chance to dress up for one night in an age where casual dress is the norm. Today's generation of theatergoers likes to dress up but in interesting ways. Jeans with jeweled applications, vests and jackets with decorations often appear at theater events.
2. Select a dress that is flattering to your body line, emphasizes all your good points and hides the ones you don't like so much. The classic streamlined dress with straight lines and no waist cinch is always appropriate, but don't forget to look at some unusual styles, like the decorated corset with no straps, which might be in this season. If it looks good on you and you feel good in it, then you'll probably wear it over several seasons and get full value for your money. Individuality in outfit choices is more important and accepted today than the old required furs, hat and gloves of the past. People like to look at unusual, interesting outfits, especially if you wear them well.
3. Choose shoes that flatter your feet and legs, particularly if you are wearing a shorter dress. Elegant black pumps are always in style but look at silver or gold stilettos or check out some unusual attention-getting styles. Depending on the shoe style you select, you can also wear ankle bracelets or even add slide-on pins to your pumps. Classy flat pumps, ballerina style, are just as nice, too. Add a little glitz and you are ready to go.
4. Use a necklace with a long drop or pendant if you have a low neckline. If your neckline is higher, consider a choker that does not overwhelm the neckline or make it look busy. Matching bracelets and rings always add to the total picture of elegance for an evening out at the theater. For some theatergoers, the Goth effect is fun, with interesting styles that are unusual and attention-provoking.
5. Wear earrings that are a statement all their own. If your dress has a high neckline, for example, think about wearing a set of dangle earrings with a matching brooch on the dress. Wear your hair back or up to give you a sleek and elegant look, and you are ready to head for the theater. If you like the more modern casual style, wear large earrings that complement the shape of your head and neck. Wear your hair down, but behind the ears so the earrings show. It's all about dressing to have fun at the theater.
Tags: ballet opera, earrings that, formal attire, opening night, other special, some unusual, Wear your
