Broadway Dress Code: What to Wear to a Broadway Show

by sandhya garg

Broadway Dress Code: What to Wear to a Broadway Show

I could simply tell you that a perfect outfit for a “Broadway Show” and Off Broadway is anything from smart casual to dressy casual. However, even smart or dressy casual could mean many different things.

I have seen several shows and I have always felt the need to be dressed up for the occasion. Usually a broadway show is preceded by a nice dinner or lunch and maybe followed by a fun dessert. Like me if you like dressing up and making a special evening out of a Broadway night then keep reading…

Nowadays going to a broadway show may also include Off broadway Let choosing a show to see, and getting your Broadway tickets be the hardest part of enjoying the whole experience. Don’t let dressing up for the show be a tricky decision. You want to make a good impression in front of friends and family and maybe the crowd, but what's the perfect outfit for a Broadway show?

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I think a lot of you have probably noticed by now that I have massive love for all things creative especially theater. I have seen everything from a stunning live performance at Shakespeares Globe by banks of river Thames in London to Hamilton in Los Angeles to Cirque du soleil in Vegas and many more.

I’ve easily seen many Broadway shows in the US, London and India.

So you can probably imagine how many audience members’ “Broadway outfits” I’ve seen over the years.

Are There Dress Codes for Broadway Shows?

Yes and No, Deciding what to wear to the theatre can seem daunting — you want to strike a balance between sophisticated and practical. If you're struggling to pick out your upcoming theatre outfit from your wardrobe, we've got great advice on what (and what not) to wear to a show. Luckily, nowadays people wear all types of clothing to the theatre, so the cardinal rule is: If you feel great in whatever you're wearing, it's probably a perfect fit.

I love checking out the audience’s fashion and outfit choices. People watching always makes for great fun before the show and at intermission. Considering theater-going used to be a formal affair, some of the outfits people think are appropriate are shocking.

Here’s my advice on how to dress appropriately for a night at the theater.

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What is the Broadway Dress Code?

Broadway dress code or outfits can range anywhere from smart casual to dressy semi formals. Broadway shows don’t have a specific dress code nowadays. Some people go in jeans and others make a special night of it and dress up.

As long as you’ve got a ticket they’ll let you in the door. But that doesn’t mean you should show up looking like you’ve just rolled out of bed.

Below are some things to consider when planning your outfit.

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What can I wear to a Broadway show?

The simple answer is anything. Most theaters no longer have dress codes, so it doesn't matter what you wear. As long as you have a ticket for your performance, you'll be allowed into the venue. Both formal and informal clothing is accepted.

From casual t-shirts, jeans and flip-flops to a cocktail dress or tuxedo, the spectrum of audience style is so broad that there is no specific dress code. However, for special performances, including first previews, opening nights and gala nights, it may be worth polishing your dress shoes and ironing a shirt for an effortless "smart-casual" outfit.

If going to the theatre is a special occasion rather than a regular occurrence, you may want to dress up in a formal outfit and shoes. Overall, it’s best to be in an outfit you feel comfortable in, though — you don’t want to spend a few hours sitting down with blistered feet.

Attending a Broadway musical in New York City during the summer

Attending a Broadway musical in New York City during the summer is an exciting experience. You want to look your best and stay comfortable while enjoying the show. Here's a high-quality outfit suggestion that will keep you cool and stylish:

Dress: A sundress is perfect for a Broadway show in the summer. Choose a dress that is light and airy, with a fun print or bright color to add some personality to your outfit. Make sure the length is appropriate for the occasion.
Shoes: Comfortable shoes are a must when attending a Broadway show. Opt for a pair of sandals with a low heel or flats that are easy to walk in. Avoid wearing high heels or uncomfortable shoes that will make it difficult to enjoy the show.
Jacket: Although it's summer, it can get chilly in the theater, so bring a lightweight jacket or cardigan to keep you warm. Choose a jacket that complements your dress and adds a touch of elegance to your outfit.
Accessories: Keep it simple with accessories. A statement necklace or earrings can add some sparkle to your outfit, but don't overdo it. A small clutch or crossbody bag is perfect for carrying your essentials.
Hair and makeup: Keep your hair and makeup simple and natural. Opt for a low-maintenance hairstyle like a messy bun or loose waves. Keep your makeup minimal and fresh, with a touch of mascara and lip gloss.

Overall, the key to a high-quality outfit for a Broadway show in the summer is to keep it simple, comfortable, and elegant. You want to look your best without sacrificing comfort or practicality. With this outfit suggestion, you can enjoy the show in style and stay cool and comfortable.

Are You Seeing a Matinee or Evening Show?

Half the fun of going to a Broadway show is picking out the perfect outfit. Depending on what time of day you’re attending, the dress code shifts a bit.

If you’re catching a matinee (afternoon) performance, the audience is more casual. People still dress nicely for matinees, but it’s mostly families and people visiting the city on day trips.

Evening performances attract a more upscale audience. Most people will either have dinner plans before or after the show, so they are more put together compared to the matinee crowd.

Do certain shows require certain outfits?

Again, you can wear anything you want to a show. There are some productions in which you may want to consider if your outfit could impede on the full experience. For example, if you're seeing an immersive show in New York, you may want to wear clothes that you can move in. Some immersive shows even encourage you to dress for a certain theme or time period to feel fully part of the atmosphere. That said, it can even be fun to wear a show-inspired outfit to a non-immersive show; for example, wearing a white or black dress when seeing Van Gogh.

What Time of Year Are You Attending the Show?

Always dress for the weather. It’s great to be fashionable, but your outfit also needs to be functional.

I’ve made this mistake too many times and ended up watching shows with soaking wet shoes, or even freezing because I forgot that Broadway theaters are arctic cold even during the summer when the city is sweltering everywhere else.

If the weather is terrible, it’s okay to dress down a bit in favor of being prepared for the weather.

How Dressed Up Should You Get?

Use your judgment based on the performance time that you’ve selected.

I think a safe general way of looking at a theater dress code is to dress business casual when in doubt. The last thing you want to do is look underdressed.

Ladies’ Dress Code

I love dressing up no matter if I am watching a show at night or in the daytime. I treat going to the theater like a date night. The aim is to feel good about my outfit.

I love to wear a dress to the theater and depending on what you are comfortable with anything from a mini to midi a to maxi dress will work.

A good piece of advice is always have a shawl, warm scarf or a jacket with you, even some summer nights can get chilly. Air conditioned theaters can be cold especially at night.

Anything that makes noise or flashes light (Phone, smart watches, iPad) is distracting at the theatre, avoid them.

Broadway Dress Code: What to Wear to a Broadway Show

Gentleman’s Dress Code

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not a men’s fashion expert. Over the years, I’ve seen men wearing different levels of outfits at the theater.

Please either leave the baseball cap at home or take it off once you’re inside the theater.

If it’s summer, please don’t wear shorts and sandals to the theater—even if it’s 100 degrees out. It annoys me to no end seeing sloppy dressers at the theater, and a lot of the culprits are men.

Also, wear nice pants and a button-up shirt or chic sweater. Or if you want to be a bit more casual, wear a T-shirt and put a jacket over it for an upscale vibe.

Instead of sandals, opt for a pair of classy and clean sneakers or loafers during the summer and a pair of nice boots during the colder months. I’ve even linked a few of my boyfriend’s favorites below to help you visualize what’s appropriate for the theater.

Also, if you’re going to be checking the time during the show, please just wear a watch.

Nobody likes being distracted from the show when their neighbor is checking the time or text messages on their phones.

Broadway Dress Code: What to Wear to a Broadway Show

When in Doubt, Follow These Outfit Rules

Dress respectfully
Dress comfortably
If you wear jeans, make sure they’re a dark wash with no holes
Don’t wear any hats or hairstyles that may ruin the view of the person behind you
Avoid wearing too much perfume (some people are allergic)
Bring an extra layer to combat the aggressive air conditioning

Broadway Dress Code: What to Wear to a Broadway Show

Broadway Dress Code Exceptions

If an event specifies a dress code that calls for black tie or a very formal dresscode then avoid all my above suggestions.

1 comment

Elina Brooks May 09, 2023

I appreciate your suggestion when you told us to wear a sundress when watching a Broadway show in summer and pair it with comfortable shoes like low-heels or flats to ensure that they are easy to walk in. My friend and I are planning to watch a Cold Blooded play in Manhattan this summer, so I wanted to know the appropriate attire for Broadway shows since it’s my first time. I’ll keep this in mind while I look for where we can get tickets for the show soon. https://coldbloodedshow.com/

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About the

author

Sandhya Garg is a Project Runway fashion designer. She studied and specialized in women's fashion at London College of Fashion, UK and has worked at Alexander McQueen, Gucci, Liberty London, Alice Temperley to name a few.

She has her own successful resort wear, vacation dresses, special occasion dresses, wedding guest looks, swim coverups label. While on Project Runway Season 13, she won 2 challenges and was fortunate to show her collection at Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week. The brand has been featured in Marie Claire US,Workshop at Macy's, Ftv.com, Elle Magazine, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Vogue online to name a few.

She designs limited edition high end printed spring dresses, casual resort attire and swim coverups. Beautiful prints are inspired from around the world to be worn during travel, resort stay or cruise holidays.

See Sandhya's work

Broadway Dress Code: What to Wear to a Broadway Show

Broadway Dress Code: What to Wear to a Broadway Show

Are There Dress Codes for Broadway Shows?

What is the Broadway Dress Code?

What can I wear to a Broadway show?

Attending a Broadway musical in New York City during the summer

Are You Seeing a Matinee or Evening Show?

Do certain shows require certain outfits?

What Time of Year Are You Attending the Show?