Okay, so I’ve always wanted to go to the ballet, like always. It just seemed so fancy and elegant. But then I actually got tickets, and I was like, “Wait, what do I even wear to something like this?!” I totally freaked out for a bit.
First, I googled it. I typed in “what to wear to the ballet” and got a bunch of articles. Some were helpful, some were super confusing, talking about “dress codes” and stuff. I just wanted some real-life examples, you know?
My Mini-Panic and Research Phase
- Stage 1: The Google Deep Dive. I read a bunch of blog posts and articles. Most of them said “smart casual” or “cocktail attire.” Okay, that’s a start, I guess.
- Stage 2: The Closet Raid. I ripped through my closet. I tried on like, ten different outfits. A little black dress? Too formal? Maybe? Jeans and a nice top? Too casual? Ugh!
- Stage 3: Asking My Friends. I texted a few of my friends who I thought might have been to the ballet before. One said she wore a nice dress, another said she wore dress pants and a pretty blouse. Okay, getting somewhere…
The Outfit Decision Process
I remembered i have lots of pretty dress, and i was wondering am i gonna wear it or not. I was so confused on that time, so i decide to make some option for my outfit.
After staring at my closet for what felt like forever, I narrowed it down to two options:
- Option 1: A flowy, midi-length skirt (it’s kind of a dark blue color) with a cream-colored, silky top. I figured this was dressy enough without being over-the-top.
- Option 2: A simple, but elegant, jumpsuit. It’s black, and it has wide legs, so it almost looks like a dress.
Then think about the shoes, I decided to wear low heels. I didn’t want to be stumbling around in stilettos. A small, clutch-style purse for my phone, tickets, and lipstick. And that’s it! I finally felt like I had a plan.
The Final Result
I ended up going with Option 1: the skirt and top combo. The jumpsuit felt a little too formal for the particular ballet I was going to (it was a matinee, not an evening performance).
I felt comfortable and confident, which is the most important thing! And I got a few compliments on my outfit, so I guess I did okay! I think the biggest thing I learned is that you don’t have to wear a ballgown to the ballet. Just wear something that makes you feel good and that’s appropriate for the occasion. Something you’d wear to a nice dinner is probably a good guideline. Don’t overthink it!
