What to Wear to the Ballet, According to a Fashion Editor

If you want to make your festive period feel infinitely more special, I wholly recommend a trip to the ballet. There’s nothing more magical than an evening spent immersed in ethereal drama, surrounded by history and immersed in a crowd of equally engaged—and elegantly dressed—spectators. An inherently fancy occasion, if you’ve been waiting for an excuse to dress up, this is it. Whilst few theatres still insist upin dress codes these days, many attendees still choose to dress up, favouring refined looks featuring dresses, trousers and skirts.

Whether you’re preparing for your yearly trip to see The Nutcracker, or are attending your very first ballet this winter, read on to discover the six stylish outfits I’d recommend wearing.

WHAT TO WEAR TO THE BALLET: AN EDITOR’S PICKS

1. BLACK COAT + CROPPED TROUSERS + MARY JANES

Style Notes: I wouldn’t normally shy away from colour, but during winter, I tend to naturally gravitate towards wearing black. For a chic evening occasion such as a trip to the ballet, I think a black base is the perfect place to start. To add dimension to your outfit, choose cropped tailored trousers instead of full length, and pair them with burgundy Mary Janes to inject a low-key wash of colour without overwhelming your look.

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2. FAUX-FUR JACKET + MAXI SKIRT

Style Notes: The faux-fur coat trend is taking off this winter, and I think it’s one of the chicest around. To give the trending coat a grown-up feel, style it with a tailored maxi skirt and heeled boots.

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3. ROOMY JUMPER + SEQUIN SKIRT + LOW HEELS

Style Notes: For an effortless but incredibly chic take on festive style, reach for a slightly slouchy knit and pair it with a shimmering skirt and some cosy tights. Dress things up with a kitten heel.

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4. SLIP DRESS + BLAZER + CLUTCH

Style Notes: Slip dresses are one of the few items in my wardrobe I come back to across the seasons. I wear them with sandals or flats in the summer, but come winter, I style them under boxy blazers or with roomy knits. For an elegant occasion, I’d go for a chic layer and complete the look with a pointed-toe heel or boot.

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5. BOUCLE JACKET + SLIM-FIT TROUSERS

Style Notes: Boucle is one of those fabrics that will instantly elevate a look. Classic and polished, its textured surface comes to life in a chic setting. For a comfortable outfit that you’ll feel good in all night, choose an elegant jacket with slim-fit trousers and pointed-toe slingbacks or flats.