Elevate Your Evening: 15 Fancy Looks for an Enchanting Opera Experience
The opera can be a great excuse to wear some of the more fancy clothes you have stashed away in your closet. The word opera brings to mind images of elegant gowns, elbow-length gloves, and galas. However, unlike, there is no strict dress code. In most cases, you will want to opt for formal or semi-formal attire and leave your denim at home. Cocktail dresses and midi skirts instantly elevate your look. If you want more coverage, however, a pantsuit, embellished jumpsuit, or a pantsuit with a lace overlay will work.
You can elevate any outfit by choosing luxe fabrics, such as silk or satin, structured necklines and modest skirt lengths, like midi- and tea-length.
We’ve put together a list of elegant outfits that you can use as inspiration for a stylish look.
A Black Slip Dress + Faux Fur Coat
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Taylor Swift loves a good black evening dress. We think this outfit is ideal for a night at the opera. A simple black dress instantly adds elegance to your look, especially when worn with a faux fur jacket. Accessorize with slingback heels and a statement bag to elevate a monochrome ensemble.
A Sequin Skirt
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A sequin skirt with a vibrant color will give you a glamorous look. Orange is a bold color, but you can dress it up or wear it down depending on what you need. For an evening event, wear your sequins skirt with an ankle-strap heel and a matching top. A matinee requires a more casual top such as a white shirt with a button-down collar and flats.
Bow Details
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Wearing a bow in your hair or on your dress is a great way to add whimsy and fun to your outfit. We love the idea of a tea-length dress with a large front bow detail. You can choose a dress that has a subtle bow detail, such as a dress embroidered with bows, or one that features a small waistline. Pair your dress with a tennis necklace and pointed-toed heels.
A Red Cocktail Dress
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We’ll be eager to replicate anything we see on the Barbie Red Carpet. The red cocktail dress America Ferrera donned in London was both sophisticated and bold. This dress is a great choice for an evening at the opera because of its midi-length and long sleeves. Add red pumps to your dress and chunky earrings that match.
An Embellished Jumpsuit
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Favor a more neutral color palette? A black jumpsuit with wide legs is always a good choice. The addition of sequin embellishments to the jumpsuit will add flair on a night out, but they are not too extravagant. Consider wearing a blazer over a sleeveless or short-sleeved design to stay warm in the theater.
A Pleated Dress
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A pleated maxidress is a great option for those looking for an easy, last-minute outfit. It’s not only easy to put on, but it also looks great in neon purple. Accessorize with embellished heels and chandelier earrings to add some sparkle.
Classic Pansuit + Bold Heels
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If a pantsuit is more your style, then you should consider wearing it. Choose a wide-leg pant and a double-breasted jacket for a timeless suit with a dramatic flair. Style the look with mixed metal jewelry and blue pumps to add some color.
Velvet Dress
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Attending an Opera in Winter? Consider a velvet midi dress in jewel tones like purple. The texture of the fabric keeps you warm while giving your outfit a luxurious look. Pair your dress with an embroidered white coat and bow-adorned peep-toe heels. Take inspiration from SJP’s bold evening look.
A Full Skirt + Sheer Gloves
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Combine a full-skirted white dress with sheer gloves to evoke the glamour of Old Hollywood. Gloves are an accessory that we don’t see much anymore, but we think opera is a great time to wear them. You can choose from a long-sleeved black blouse with kitten heels, or a matching white halter top and pumps.
A Leather Dress
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If you prefer leather to satin, an edgy style is appropriate at the opera. For a sophisticated and ultra-cool outfit, consider a leather dress that has a corset or midi-length bodice. Style your dress with a matching leather jacket and black studded heels to take it a step further. If you want to add a splash of color, consider wearing pumps in deep burgundy and emerald.
A Statement Coat
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This bold pink outfit is a perfect example of how accessories can make an outfit. Consider styling a statement pink coat (which can be either a trench coat or a glamorous faux fur coat) with pink tights and pink pumps. This is a simple way to create a stylish, yet fresh look with a monochrome ensemble.
Satin Dress
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A satin dress can be worn for many occasions after the opera, whether you are a regular operagoer or not. The one-shoulder style in vibrant purple adds a playful touch to the classic look. It pairs well with accessories such as chainmail bags and wrap heels.
Metallic Dress
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Choose a metallic dress to simplify the styling process. The right amount of gold shine is perfect for an evening at the opera. It looks even more elegant paired with a long maxi dress. This look will be elevated with gold accessories such as ankle-strap shoes and drop earrings.
High Neck Dress
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What could be more sophisticated than a black dress featuring a high neckline? This dress is perfect for an opera or other formal event. It looks great with an asymmetrical hem and gold accents to give it a playful spin on a classic style. Style the dress with matching earrings and gold ankle strap heels for a cohesive appearance.
Wrap Dress
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Do you have a lot of wrap dresses? Bring out your most elegant wrap dress for a simple and chic opera look. Wrap dresses in bold pink will give your outfit a more interesting look. Accessorize your outfit with embellished shoulder bags and platform heels if it still feels too casual to wear for a night out.
