How to Dress for a Broadway Show

Co-authored by LaTricia Brown

Last Updated: January 28, 2022 References

When you go to a Broadway show, you’re going to see people in a vast array of outfits, from jeans and T-shirt combos to cocktail dresses and full-on suits. But, no matter what you wear, you’ll get in to see your show as long as you have a valid ticket. That being said, the general standard is business casual, and seeing a show can be a really fun time to dress up! Whether you want to look über stylish and sophisticated or are more concerned with comfort, we have some great outfit ideas to inspire you.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Business Casual Outfits

1
Wear black slacks, a nice blouse, and flats for a simple ensemble. This is an excellent option if you’ll be walking around all day or if you’re coming straight from work. As far as the pants go, you can choose from skinny pants to wide-legged ones; even leggings are okay as long as they’re in good shape and something you’d be comfortable wearing to the office.^{[1]
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- As an example, a pair of black skinny pants paired with nude flats and a red ruffled blouse is a fun look. You’ll be comfy but definitely won’t feel underdressed.
- Add a nice blazer to your outfit if you want to dress up even more.
2
Keep things simple yet stylish with trousers and a nice shirt. This is a great option if you want to dress up but don’t want to look stuffy. Tapered trousers and a flowing blouse would look lovely, or dress pants and a button-up shirt would be perfectly fine to wear to a Broadway show.^{[2]
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- A good rule of thumb is to ask yourself if you’d wear your outfit to a meeting at the office. While you can certainly dress down, this is a great guide to follow if you want to look a little dressier.
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3
Pair a skirt with a nice top for a cute yet appropriate look. A perfect example of this type of business-casual outfit is a pencil skirt with a tucked-in white blouse. Feel free to get creative with mixing and matching patterns and fabrics if you want to look a little artsier. Make sure to bring along a coat or sweater in case it gets chilly in the theater, and consider wearing comfy (yet cute) shoes if you’ll be walking around a lot.^{[3]
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- Mix and match patterns by wearing something like a black and white striped top and a leopard-print skirt.
- Keep things classy with a long floral skirt and a tucked-in blouse.
- Wear a pleated skirt with a button-up blouse for a chic put-together look.
- For a business-casual vibe, avoid wearing anything shorter than knee-length.
4
Create a classic look with khaki pants and a polo. This is perfectly acceptable for Broadway, and you’ll feel comfortable throughout the entire show. To make sure your outfit errs on the side of casual-but-not-too-casual, check that your shirt and pants fit well and are stain and wrinkle-free.^{[4]
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- Finish this outfit with a pair of oxfords, loafers, brogues, or nice sneakers.
- As an example, khaki pants with a green polo and brown sneakers would look attractive.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Dressy Options

1
Plan on dressing up if you’re going to a show on opening night. A standard Broadway expectation is that you look fancier on opening night since it’s such a big event for the actors and everyone putting on the show! If your tickets are for a first showing, put a little extra thought and planning into your outfit so you show the right level of respect for everyone at the theater.^{[5]
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- While you’ll most often see people in an array of business-casual outfits, on opening night, it’s much more common to see tuxedos, suits, and fancier dresses.
- You can also absolutely dress up for a Broadway show even if it isn’t opening night! It’s just an expected tradition for those going to the first viewing of a production.
2
Put your best foot forward by dressing in a suit or tuxedo.^{[6]
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Expert Source

LaTricia Brown
Master Tailor & Creative Director
Expert Interview. 24 January 2022.} For opening night, opt for darker colors. If you’re going to a matinee, a lighter gray and brown would work, too. For shoes, wear black wingtips or Oxfords, and double-check that they’re scuff free before you head out the door.^{[7]
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- If you’re going to the show with someone else, coordinate with them. If they’re wearing a tuxedo or a gown, you should wear a tuxedo. Or if they’re wearing a cocktail dress, a suit would be a fitting match.
3
Create a feminine vibe with a dress and heels. A floral dress is romantic, while a cocktail dress tends to the fancier side. Bodycon dresses are fitted, while a maxi dress gives you more room to move. While there are lots of options to choose from, all of them are appropriate to wear to a Broadway show. Wear a pair of pumps and a nice pair of earrings or a few jangly bracelets to complete your outfit.^{[8]
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- In the winter, add a long coat, a shawl, wear a pair of pantyhose or leggings, and swap the pumps for stylish ankle boots to stay warm.^{[9]
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  LaTricia Brown
  Master Tailor & Creative Director
  Expert Interview. 24 January 2022.}
- Keep in mind that you will be sitting for a few hours. Depending on how you get to the theater, you might be walking a lot, too. While you want to look good, you also don’t want to be uncomfortable for the entire show.
- If you’re taking the subway or walking to the show, consider wearing flats and bringing heels along in your bag. You can change once you get to the theater.
4
Look sublime in a tailored pants suit. This is a simple yet very dashing outfit. Black is classic, but don’t be afraid to wear a more colorful suit if you want to stand out. Add classic pumps or Oxfords to complete your outfit.^{[10]
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- You can show off your style with fun accessories, like big statement earrings, a colorful handbag, or a unique watch.
- Create a sophisticated and elegant look by wearing a black blouse or button-up underneath an all-black pants suit.
- This ensemble is essentially the pants-equivalent of the little black dress.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Casual Ensembles

1
Opt for a lightweight jumpsuit or romper during the warmer months. If you’re worried about getting too hot, a light, flowy outfit is the answer! This look pairs great with sandals or flats. Finish things off with some dangly bracelets, a nice watch, or a pair of statement earrings.^{[11]
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- If you want to transition this look to the cooler months, add a long, heavyweight cardigan and ankle boots.
2
Wear leggings and a nice top for a comfy-chic getup. Regarding the leggings, check that they’re made of a thicker material so they’re not see-through, especially if you wear a shorter top. A blouse, a tunic, or even a soft T-shirt under a cardigan would look nice for the top.^{[12]
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- To keep this outfit from getting too casual, skip the flip-flops or sandals and instead wear flats or a pair of fashion sneakers.
3
Keep things simple with a jeans and sneakers combo. There’s a catch here, though—those jeans and sneakers need to be clean, rip-free, and well-fitting. Dark denim tends to look a little nicer than faded denim, and fitted jeans are best if you go this route because they’ll keep you from looking overly casual. Also, choose a pair of more fashionable sneakers and leave your mud-stained ones at home.^{[13]
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- For example, light washed skinny jeans paired with a classic black T-shirt or sweater and gray fashion sneakers is a casual outfit that is still appropriate for the theater.
- For a slightly dressier option, wear a button-up top or add a nice jacket to your outfit.
- If you wear a button-up, add a bowtie for a little extra flair. It will instantly elevate your look while not taking away from your comfort.
4
Top a denim button-up with a sports jacket for a casual-cool outfit. You’ll look quite dapper and feel even better in this cute combo. Wear jeans, leggings, or black trousers. Finish off the outfit with a stylish pair of shoes.^{[14]
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- As one Broadway-goer puts it, if you want to dress casual, “think one step down from business casual” when you’re getting dressed.^{[15]
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

General Guidelines

1
Wear what you would wear to a nice dinner or brunch. This is pretty simple advice, but it can help you decide what to wear in a pinch! For an evening show, get a little more dressed up, like you would to go to a nice dinner. For a matinee, think about what you’d wear to a celebratory brunch.^{[16]
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- The great thing about hitting a Broadway show is that you’re likely to fit in. There are so many people with all different styles that unless you’re wearing pajamas to any performance or a full-length evening gown to a matinee, you’ll be just fine.
2
Steer clear of overly-casual pieces, like shorts and flip-flops. Like we said earlier, there aren’t specific rules for what you can or can’t wear to a Broadway show, but there are some things that might make you feel a little out of place. In addition to the shorts and flip-flops, avoid wearing things like gym clothes, jogging pants, crop tops, fraying pants, and clothes with holes in them (even if they’re meant to look that way).^{[17]
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- Sometimes things happen that are out of your control, like getting locked out of your hotel room or losing your luggage, and you might have limited options. If that’s the case, always use your tickets and go to the show, even if you’re not able to dress up the way you’d hoped.
3
Bring along a sweater or coat in case the theater is chilly.^{[18]
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Expert Source

LaTricia Brown
Master Tailor & Creative Director
Expert Interview. 24 January 2022.} Especially in warmer months, the air conditioning might be running at full blast. Plan ahead so you can be comfortable for the entire show by bringing a second (or third) layer with you.^{[19]
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- A heavier scarf works as a fashion accessory, and you can put it down around your shoulders or over your legs if you get cold during the show.
4
Wear sensible shoes if you’re attending a “standing room only” show. Your dress might look fantastic with that pair of high heels, but your feet are going to hate you after 3 or more hours of standing. Flat shoes, fashionable athletic sneakers, or something similar will save your feet.^{[20]
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- The same thing goes if you’re going to be walking a lot to get to the theater. No one is going to judge you for picking sensible shoes!
- Regarding shoes, check that they’re stain, scuff, and rip free before heading out the door. Worn-out shoes will instantly make your outfit look a little less dapper or fashionable.
5
Freshen up before heading to the theater. Depending on your personal style, you may want to take a shower, do your hair, or put on some makeup before heading out the door. Keep in mind that you’re going to be close to other patrons, so it’s a nice courtesy to make sure you and your clothes are smelling their best.^{[21]
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- While you want to smell good, resist the temptation to add a few extra spritzes of perfume or cologne. Too much of a good thing can still be, well, too much.
- If you’re dressing up for a show, it’s a great time to do something special with your hair. Consider a fancy up-do if you’re wearing a dress or a sleek side ponytail for a more casual look.

Expert Q&A

Question

Do you need to dress up for Broadway shows?

LaTricia Brown
Master Tailor & Creative Director
LaTricia Brown is a Master Tailor and Designer and the Owner of Trish B. Stylin' based in the Savannah, Georgia metro area. LaTricia has over a decade of experience including bridal design, men's and women's clothing design, and fashion show directing. She has a BFA in Fashion with a minor in Accessory Design from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). LaTricia has worked with W Magazine in New York City and has assisted with the personal styling of P. Diddy. She has also assisted the development of Sean John's 10-Year Anniversary Collection and appeared in the filming of Diddy's "If I Were King" Documentary.

LaTricia Brown

Master Tailor & Creative Director

Expert Answer

Well, you can if you want. I recommend a formal dress but not a ball gown that will be too bulky or uncomfortable to maneuver in.