Seattle Opera Dilemma: What to Wear?

Opera Attire: McCaw Hall, Seattle

Attire choices can be a difficult road to maneuver. Take a left and you’re lost. This is especially true when attending what used to be considered a formal event not so long ago. Today, here in the U.S. anyway, we tend to be...well, less formal. Of course, there are exceptions such as NY City.

And that brings us to another crossroads. When making attire choices for any type of event, we must consider location along with the time of day and type of event. What is considered formal in my neck of the woods, Davis, CA, is not even close to San Francisco formal. Davis is a University town. Very casual. San Francisco is much more formal. Still, compare that to NYC where opera or theater attendees would dress more formally.

Consider all the variables and then cross your fingers. Even the savviest among us might miss a beat until we become regulars at the particular venue.

Dear Polite One,

I haven't a clue what to wear to an evening performance of an opera at McCaw Hall in Seattle. This is supposed to be a formal event. It is also supposed to be rather chilly. Should I wear a wrap as well inside the Hall?

Dressing Formally In Casual Seattle

Dear Dressing Formally In Casual Seattle,

Since this is a formal evening performance, a long dress with embellishments would be appropriate in many areas. However, since this is Seattle, the little black dress or its equivalent would probably be the most formal attire seen. Attire choices are all over the map these days. And, for less formal areas like Seattle – and even Davis – formal can mean nice slacks and a button-down shirt to men. A wrap may be nice, but not necessary.

Sincerely,

The Polite One

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