I'm a Theater Enthusiast—Here Are 15 Outfits I'd Wear to a Broadway Show

A collage of a woman wearing a black tweed jacket and matching skirt and another woman wearing a black strapless minidress.
(Image credit: @lefevrediary; @anna__laplaca)

What would be your activity of choice if shopping was no longer a favored pastime? Would you spend all your time in art galleries? Maybe you'd secure tickets to a concert. Personally, I'd pick going to the theater. Sure, securing a designer bag is thrilling, but there's something equally riveting about when a spotlight hits the stage. As someone who's seen her fair share of productions over the years, I can safely say that it's an activity that's worth doing at least once in your lifetime. I'll be the first to admit that there are aspects of the experience that can be, well, overwhelming. Trying to weave through the crowds in Times Square is already quite stressful, but it's nothing compared to figuring out what to wear to a Broadway show.

Whether you're a seasoned New Yorker or simply visiting the Big Apple for the first time, trying to decode the dress code for the theater can feel nearly impossible—until now. To make your experience more enjoyable, I've decided to use the knowledge I've gained from attending best-selling musicals, plays, operas, and even some ballet shows to create a guidebook on how to dress for the theater. Ahead, I've rounded up 15 outfit ideas, styling tips, and shopping suggestions that will help you decide what to wear to a Broadway show. Whether you're front and center, have balcony seats, or were the lucky one to win the ticket lottery, being inside a theater is a magical experience, and these outfits will surely fit the (play)bill perfectly. Without further ado, cue the spotlight…

A woman outside wearing a white strapless gown with gold earrings and pointed black ballet flats.

(Image credit: @sobalera)

WEAR: Gold Earrings + Strapless Gown + Clutch Bag + Pointed Flats

Styling Notes: When in doubt, keep it simple. Let your strapless dress be the real showstopper by styling it with a sleek clutch bag, gold earrings, and pointed ballet flats.

A woman standing in an opera hall wearing a black strapless balloon minidress with black tights and black ankle-strap pumps.

(Image credit: @anna__laplaca)

WEAR: Formal Minidress + Black Tights + Pumps + Clutch Bag

Styling Notes: When you can't be bothered to put on a full-length strapless gown, try turning to a minidress instead. The key to making a shorter hemline work for a formal theater setting is opting for a dress style with fancier details and styling it more modestly—e.g., pairing it with tights, a light coat, and pumps.

A woman in a hotel room wearing a black lace sheer gown with black pointed pumps

(Image credit: @dananozime)

WEAR: Sheer Black Gown + Black Pumps + Black Clutch Bag

Styling Notes: If you can't imagine wearing a minidress but still want your Broadway outfit to be a mixture of classy and risqué, try re-creating the outfit above. You can put yourself center stage by donning a semi-sheer black gown styled with minimal accessories.

A woman standing outside wearing a black off-shoulder gown with gold jewelry, a black clutch bag, and black pointed pumps.

(Image credit: @sasha.mei)

WEAR: Collar Necklace + Black Gown+ Bangles + Clutch Bag + Kitten Heels

Styling Notes: Wearing a sheer dress isn't for everyone, but if you're still looking for a way to make your black dress stand out, don't be afraid to accessorize. Whether for the matinée or evening show, adding statement jewelry and a unique clutch bag will ensure your look still shines.

A woman standing against a wall wearing a gray sweater with a gray sequin skirt and black pointed pumps.

(Image credit: @abimarvel)

WEAR: Sweater + Sequin Skirt + Slingbacks

Styling Notes: Jewelry isn't the only way you can make your outfit for a Broadway show shine. With a sequin skirt, there's no way you'll get lost in the Times Square shuffle, as the style will ensure you stand out from the crowd.

A woman standing against a wood wall wearing a white button-down shirt tucked into a white slip skirt with a white mini bag.

(Image credit: @iziangus )

WEAR: White Button-Down Shirt + Maxi Slip Skirt + Kitten Heels + Mini Bag

Styling Notes: If you're attending a show during the day, wearing an eveningwear look with sequins won't necessarily work. You can still dress up by styling your everyday staples in a sophisticated way. A white button-down shirt can be matinée ready when worn with a white satin maxi skirt, kitten heels, and a mini bag.

A woman walking at night wearing a black tweed jacket with a matching miniskirt, black heels, and a black shoulder bag.

(Image credit: @lefevrediary)

WEAR: Tweed Jacket + Tweed Skirt + Kitten Heels + Shoulder Bag

Styling Notes: Wearing a tweed set is always elegant, no matter the occasion. The look is especially fitting for an early-evening show during the workweek.

A woman standing in a doorway wearing a navy blue blazer with a matching skirt, white pumps, and a shoulder bag.

(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

WEAR: Tailored Blazer + Full Skirt + Shoulder Bag + Pointed Pumps

Styling Notes: Devising an outfit idea for a daytime production can be tricky. Enter the ensemble above as the solution. A tailored blazer with a matching full skirt channels the elegant ensembles women wore to the theater throughout the '60s without feeling too over-the-top.

A woman sitting at a dining table wearing a black blazer over a white strapless top with black pants and green satin heels.

(Image credit: @lucywilliams02)

WEAR: Earrings + Blazer + Strapless Top + Trousers + Satin Heels

Styling Notes: When you secure a ticket to the hottest show in town at the last minute, you can't waste time trying to figure out what to wear! Instead of trying to buy a new outfit, dress up your everyday blazer and trousers for the evening by pairing them with a strapless top and satin heels.

A woman wearing a black blazer with black capri pants, black pointed mules, and a black clutch.

(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

WEAR: Blazer + Capri Pants + Heeled Mules + Clutch Bag

Styling Notes: What's another fail-proof outfit idea for a Broadway show? An all-black ensemble, of course! Styling your favorite black blazer with capri pants or cigarette trousers, heeled mules, and a black clutch bag always looks elegant, even if it was put together at the last minute.

A woman standing outside wearing gold earrings, a silver jacket, black jeans, silver pumps, and a black handbag.

(Image credit: @dinahansen)

WEAR: Silver Jacket + Dark-Wash Wide-Leg Jeans + Silver Slingbacks + Black Handbag

Styling Notes: Tailored trousers, satin skirts, and dresses are safe bets for dressing for a Broadway show, but sometimes, you can't be bothered to wear anything uncomfortable. Luckily, you can get away with wearing jeans to a more informal show. The secret to pulling this off is to style a pair of dark-wash jeans with more elevated pieces—e.g., a metallic jacket, a polished handbag, and silver slingbacks.

A woman standing outside wearing a gray knitted cape over a gray knit with gray knitted pants, black ballet flats, and a black clutch.

(Image credit: @dawn.tan)

WEAR: Cape + Sweater + Knit Pants + Ballet Flats + Clutch Bag + Silver Jewelry

Styling Notes: Another way to be cozy at your upcoming show is to opt for a cape moment. Swaddling yourself in a long gray scarf, shawl, or cape styled with a matching knit top and pants will ensure you look sophisticated while staying snuggly throughout the show.

A woman walking up steps wearing a white fur with a black dress, black tights, black pumps, and a black clutch bag.

(Image credit: @dananozime)

WEAR: Faux-Fur Coat + Black Minidress + Tights + Pumps + Clutch Bag

Styling Notes: You can count on the theater being warm during the winter, but once the curtains drop and you have to go back outside, that's another story. Opting for a faux-fur coat layered over a black dress is the perfect outfit for a Broadway show during the year's colder months.

A woman standing on steps wearing a white satin coat over a black tank top with a white satin skirt and black heeled mules.

(Image credit: @deborabrosa)

WEAR: Satin Coat + Tank Top + Satin Skirt + Heeled Mules

Styling Notes: When you don't want to wear a faux-fur coat but still want some outerwear for the evening, consider opting for a satin, velvet, or wool option. It's the perfect way to play into the formality of the evening without wearing a coat that will make you overheat.

A woman standing in a doorway wearing a black coat over a red minidress and black heels.

(Image credit: @rabia.cissokho)

WEAR: Black Coat + Gold Earrings + Red Cocktail Dress + Black Kitten Heels

Styling Notes: By now, you may be wondering if there's an unspoken rule about wearing neutral colors to a Broadway show—there's not. If you want to make your show even more memorable, consider showing up in a colorful cocktail dress instead of a little black dress. Should you take the risk, you'll be a showstopper for sure.

Jasmine Fox-Suliaman
Editor

Jasmine Fox-Suliaman is a fashion editor living in New York City. What began as a hobby (blogging on Tumblr) transformed into a career dedicated to storytelling through various forms of digital media. She started her career at the print publication 303 Magazine, where she wrote stories, helped produce photo shoots, and planned Denver Fashion Week. After moving to Los Angeles, she worked as MyDomaine's social media editor until she was promoted to work across all of Clique's publications (MyDomaine, Byrdie, andBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing ) as the community manager. Over the past few years, Jasmine has worked onBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing 's editorial team, using her extensive background to champion rising BIPOC designers, weigh in on viral trends, and profile stars such as Janet Mock and Victoria Monét. She is especially interested in exploring how art, fashion, and pop culture intersect online and IRL.