Got Etiquette Advice?

Dear Polite One, I will attend a winter 2 pm performance by the Minnesota Opera. It will be freezing, so I'll want to wear something warm .  What can I wear? Opera Dilemma Dear Opera Dilemma, Usually, an afternoon opera is less formal than an evening performance. Plus, most opera houses are encouraging people to dress as they wish.  So, dress warmly and comfortably.  Sincerely, The Polite One More From The Polite One Attire for NY Met Opera La Traviata? New York City Ballet Nutcracker Attire? What is the Etiquette for A Ballet Production in the Sydney Opera House? Attire?

  Dear Polite One, I have come across a difficult situation regarding my attire at an upcoming event and was hoping you could assist me in this matter. I have been invited to attend a production of the Swan Lake Ballet at the Sydney Opera House held in the evening. My escort is a distinguished nobleman from a European country. He also happens to be my godfather. This will be the first time that I have met him, and I am quite clueless as to how to proceed. From what I gather from talking to him on the phone and from my mother, he is certainly not of the snobbish upper-crust and is quite down to earth. I am in my mid-twenties and a university student as well. I would also appreciate any tips you could give me about etiquette for the ballet. Thank you in advance regarding your advice. Have a great week! Sincerely, Clueless from Down Under Dear Clueless from Down Under, Usually, a young lady's appropriate attire for an evening ballet event is a smart casual d...

Dear Polite One, As a young man , how should I dress for an evening performance of The Nutcracker in New York City Ballet.   Sincerely, From Dallas with no Tux Dear From Dallas With No Tux , New York is fashion conscious, so even casual wear may be high quality.  If this is opening night or a fundraiser, you could wear a tux.  Unfortunately, many won't though. On date nights, Friday or Saturday, a dark suit (cocktail attire) could work well. However, even though this is New York, many people dress as they wish.  Most often, their attire reflects where they have just been, work or play, their seat choices, or their affluence.  Most likely, a suit would be a good choice and the most formal for this production.    Sincerely, The Polite One More by The Polite One Attire for NY Met Opera La Traviata? Proper Formal Attire: Benefits, Ballet, and Glove Etiquette Attire Choices: Tenue de Soirée and '70s Theme Party

  Dear Polite One , In February, my husband and I are attending La Traviata at the Met in NY. We don't know how to dress for an afternoon performance. Doesn’t Want to Stand Out Dear Doesn’t Want to Stand Out, Dressy casual attire should be perfect: high-quality attire worn to the nicest restaurant.  My suggestion is a nice pantsuit or separates in quality fabrics like wool and cashmere for you, and slacks and a sports jacket for your husband. New York is known for being trendy, so pay special attention to your outer clothing as well.   Sincerely, The Polite One More by The Polite One Proper Formal Attire: Benefits, Ballet, and Glove Etiquette Attire Choices: Tenue de Soirée and '70s Theme Party What to Wear for Three Distinctly Different Weddings?

Confusion surrounds choosing attire for formal events, especially those that can be or should be grand.   I receive countless questions concerning attire every year.   Here are a few of my most favorites.   You’ll notice, a few are a number of years old.   Nevertheless, the advice is still the same.   Bolshoi Ballet Attire Advice This wonderful young woman had asked for the proper attire for Bolshoi Ballet.  I had thought it would be a bit more formal.   Thankfully she has shared her experience with us. Visitor's Experience at the Ballet “I thought I would let you know the dress code at the Bolshoi Ballet, which was absolutely fantastic. Most of the men wore suits—not dinner jackets—and most the ladies wore smart casual dress.  I saw about four women wearing cocktail/evening dresses, others wore trousers and nice tops or even jeans!!! We had a great time; it is a shame that people don't seem to want to dress up for these occasion...