When life gets you down, go for a Broadway show.
After all, who doesn’t want a world where everyone bursts into song & dance?
It’s PHENOMENAL.
Representing the highest caliber and highest level of commercial performance in the world, you should always dress classy and put-together for the Broadway show even if there’s no official dress code anymore.
Plus, dressing up for the music just makes things more exciting and fun isn’t it?
That said, I’ve gathered 29 outfit ideas on what to wear to the Broadway show with dos and don’ts.
Actually, if you are going to an orchestra concert or ballet show, these tips can work too!
From casual denim look to whimsy vintage attire, you’re bound to feel fabulous.
Enjoy!
1. WEAR JEANS FOR THE MATINEE BROADWAY SHOW
Alright, let’s start with something basic first.
Speaking of the matinee show that is held in the daytime, you can expect the crowds will be slightly different from the night one with more kids and families.
The vibes are more relaxing and casual.
You can certainly dress in staple jeans. But here’s the tricky part: How to look elegant in them?
First thing first, no ripped and distressed jeans that can appear too laid-back.
Second, pay attention to the color. I’d say the darker the blue, the better for a sophisticated denim look.
So save your light-wash mom jeans for the other days.
If you insist on wearing the light blue jeans, at least go for the feminine flared legs jeans that look sophisticated and elegant.
Other than the dark hues, I personally will always go for white, beige, and cream jeans.
These hues can instantly dress you up with a dash of elegance.
2. STAY SIMPLE YET CLASSY FOR THE DAYTIME BROADWAY SHOW
If wearing jeans for daytime Broadway is too chill for you, spice up your look with a midi skirt that can never go wrong.
When it comes to my favorite, teaming a chiffon blouse with a flowy pleated midi skirt is always darling.
If you want to look extra poised, always add to a belt to sculpt your silhouette and get experimental with all kinds of patterned tights.
Trust me, people can tell this girl has given thought to her look!
It’s all in detail.
Real-life Broadway look:
To spice up the look, a simple yet elegant hair up-do works wonders.
3. When in doubt, shirt dress
Another perfect choice – an elegant shirt dress for the Broadway show.
If you want to dress it up, style it with an elegant belt and silk scarf just steal the show.
Or else, team a nice blouse with a midi skirt is equally flattering!
4. WHAT TO WEAR TO AN EVENING BROADWAY SHOW
Get excited ladies as it’s time to dust out your cocktail dresses!
An evening Broadway show is definitely the moment for your dress to SHINE so please bring your A-game.
But still, you want to look decent, dressy but definitely not overly sexy. Keeping the length of the dress midi or slightly above the knee is always ideal.
A backless midi dress with a sleek low bun and embellished clutch purse?
This look is such a dream.
If you are feeling dramatic today, don’t hesitate to put on the faux fur scarf as a statement piece and feel like a diva the whole night!
Real-life Broadway looks:
Have a girl’s night with your besties? Glam the look up ladies!
Need I say more? Definitely one of the best looks for Moulin Rouge!
5. LOOK DRESSED UP BUT NOT OVER THE TOP
The midi dress is definitely not the only choice for attending the evening Broadway show.
If you want to add an extra touch of attitude, let’s not forget jumpsuits and pantsuits work wonders as well.
Featuring the high waist one-piece design, this is truly flattering.
As a petite girl, I always feel like I’m 5 inches taller with a flared jumpsuit and chunky high heels underneath.
Some girls may wonder:
What about the floor-length gown? Is that okay to wear for the show? I’d give it a pass as that’s just too over the top.
Plus, let’s not forget you have to stand for quite some time for the tickets and probably have to climb up the stairs.
Well, tripping over your dress is definitely not a good look.
Whether you are looking for vintage style or a regular look, I’m you will find some nice pieces on ModCloth.
A reminder, their dresses sold out quickly.
6. ADD A POP OF FUN WITH VINTAGE OUTFIT
If you’re more on vintage style than the normal dressy looks, lean into it.
To make your Broadway a special one, it’s time to whip out your ribbon shirt, bright yellow tea dress, and polka dots cardigan.
For a tasteful look, teaming a French beret with a classic houndstooth shirt and forest green midi dress just look one-of-a-kind.
Together with bold red Mary Jane shoes, this outfit is a head-turner.
Real-life Broadway look:
Time to dig out your costume and retro-dress people!
7. WHAT TO WEAR TO FALL OFF-BROADWAY SHOW
What to wear to fall off-Broadway show? I’d say poncho.
It’s such a versatile and flattering piece, especially for the fall time.
You can team a batwing fringed poncho with posh white jeans and a snake print clutch as a gorgeous look.
Or else, you can layer it with a cute little black dress underneath. Easy and cute!
Real-life Broadway outfits:
For the guys, the suit can never go wrong!
8. WHAT TO WEAR TO BROADWAY SHOW IN WINTER
For the wintertime, focus on your outerwear as that will be your statement piece but not the dress underneath.
Instead of wearing the puffer jacket that downgrades your style, let’s go for a classy look with a structured coat.
Whether that’s a leopard cape coat or a sleek white cashmere coat, this just screams “I’ve got a style and I KNOW it.”
Real-life Broadway outfits:
When the days are chilly out, a statement faux fur coat like this will make you feel the absolute BEST.
9. DRESS UP AS YOUR FAVOURITE CHARACTER
Of course, you can always dress up as your favorite Broadway character!
I mean, isn’t this the best way to anticipate the show?
Go search Broadway-inspired Costumes and you’ll find a ton of ideas!
For me, I guess I will start with the iconic blue sailor dress that embodies Bonnie from Anything Goes!
I hope people do recognize that!
Real-life Broadway look:
Want to look like you’ve given a thought to the look? Pick a stylish color and go velvet!
( ´ ▽ ` )ﾉ MY APRIL PICKS !! ʕ•̬͡•ʔ
(Continue scrolling for the article!)
10. ALWAYS DRESS COMFY YET RESPECTFUL
When it comes to Broadway attire for ladies, dressing thoughtfully is really the key here.
I know it’s a no-brainer, but allow me to remind you again:
- NO dramatically big hat that will possibly block the view of the audience behind you
- NO tight bodycon dress that you have to suck your belly for the entire 2.5 hours
- No mini dress – Regardless of the hues and designs, they belong to the clubbing nights
- Bring a scarf or poncho with you even in SUMMER – The theatre is air-conditioned all year round and it’s chilly
This is so random… BUT
hey ladies, why not quickly do an affirmation and feel instantly better?
This new year, I’m trying not only to share fashion tips but come up with ways to instill body positivity in all women who are reading my articles – aka YOU!
Instead of just reading it, say it loud or murmur the quotes (if you are in public) to maximize the effect.
Ready? Here we go.
I love my body. She is my forever home and sanctuary.
Sassy isn’t a shape, it’s an attitude.
Work out because I love my body – not because I hate it.
I can love myself and change my body at the same time. No guilt about that.
It is completely normal to have tummy rolls. I come to realize that social media isn’t showing the reality… at all.
My happiest moments in life had nothing to do with the way my body looked.
I don’t have to be pretty like her, I can be pretty like …ME.
I AM perfect imperfection.
What are your thoughts on that? I hope that makes you feel better (as you deserved).
Please help me pass the body positivity message in your community. #womenhelpwomen
Alright, now keep on reading!
11. COMFORTABLE YET AESTHETIC FOOTWEAR
The last tip, you guessed it, is comfortable shoes.
While it’s so tempting to match your cocktail dress with stiletto heels, let’s not do that for the extra risk of tripping over.
Instead, go for the high-block heels that are equally flattering.
Some girls may think flats are not okay to wear to Broadway shows as it’s too casual. Well, not necessarily!
You can always choose the one with a fine texture like satin and with crystal embellishment to boost the aesthetic.
For the standing-room-only Broadway, these darlings are your lifesaver.
By the way, I’ve finally started my Instagram this year! If you want to follow more styling tips and feminine fashion ideas, follow my ig down below! 💖💖💖 See you there pretty!
FINAL THOUGHTS:
There you go, ladies! The 29 outfit ideas on what to wear to the Broadway show all year round.
Hope you get inspired and please comment down below which look you will try!
Let’s have a quick recap first:
- Wear jeans for the matinee Broadway show
- Stay simple yet classy for the daytime Broadway show
- What to wear to an evening Broadway show
- Look dress yo but not over the top
- Add a pop of fun with a vintage outfit
- What to wear to fall off-broadway show
- What to Wear to Broadway Show in Winter
- Dress up as your favorite character
- Always dress comfy yet respectful
- Comfortable yet aesthetic footwear
By the way, if you are interested in a classy style for attending the show, I’m sure you’ll find the below reads useful! See you there gorgeous!
Love love love this read! Really helpful with the outerwear and footwear tips