What to Wear to the Opera in Venice
Dec 20th, 2006, 03:25 PM
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What to Wear to the Opera in Venice
We are traveling to Italy at the end of December. We will be attending a performance at the Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista on New Years Eve. I am a bit worried about what to wear. It will undoubtedly be cold and possibly drizzly that night and I'm wondering if I can wear some very dressy black velvet pants with a spectacular red sparkly wrap? My husband is saying that a skirt is a must. Can anyone offer any help with this dilemma?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Dec 20th, 2006, 03:51 PM
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Your husband may have better local information than me, but I've never been to a concert in Europe where smart trousers would have been inappropriate as part of a formal evening outfit. This includes the Das Rheingold premiere at the Royal Opera House last year and various operas at Glyndebourne and the Salzburg Festival, which are the dressiest operas I've been to. At La Fenice for regular performances the dress seems to be smart but not necessarily black tie, so smart trousers would be fine.
If this concert is a significant highlight of the Venetian social calendar I could be wrong - and I'm sure someone will correct me!
If this concert is a significant highlight of the Venetian social calendar I could be wrong - and I'm sure someone will correct me!
Dec 20th, 2006, 05:07 PM
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You are right to guess that the inerior of the Scuola Grande di San Giovanni Evangelista is likely to be quite chilly on New Year's Eve, let alone getting to and from the scuola. Were it me, I'd be wearing silk long johns under those trousers and wrap.
The Scuola Grande is not an opera house. Many people will be wearing ordinary tourist uniforms (parkas, knit pants, sweaters, hiking boots, etc). A Venetian woman would wear her fur coat -- but Venetian woman wear fur coats to step out to buy toilet paper.
Have fun dressing up if you like but do dress warmly. Likewise your husband.
The Scuola Grande is not an opera house. Many people will be wearing ordinary tourist uniforms (parkas, knit pants, sweaters, hiking boots, etc). A Venetian woman would wear her fur coat -- but Venetian woman wear fur coats to step out to buy toilet paper.
Have fun dressing up if you like but do dress warmly. Likewise your husband.
Dec 20th, 2006, 06:35 PM
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Thanks to all of you for your input and your humor -- I got more than a few chuckles reading your responses, thanks. If anyone has actually been to a musical or operatic event at the Scuola I'd love to hear more details of what it is like. Is it strictly a touristy thing?
Dec 21st, 2006, 07:40 AM
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OK... let's be serious... I was in Venice at Christmas a few years ago. And while it was a "warm and sunny" Christmas... I was very cold in the churches and public buildings. I would wear the black velvet trousers with silk long johns beneath. Your husband can wear a skirt if its that important to him.
I found most things to be a mix of tourist and local.
I found most things to be a mix of tourist and local.
Dec 22nd, 2006, 03:16 PM
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Yes, I would also tell your husband to wear the skirt, if he likes it that much. If it's cold, you could actually wear your pants under the skirt, and that way you'll both be happy;-)
Anyway, pants are fine for dressy occasions, especially with the sparkly top. Enjoy!
Anyway, pants are fine for dressy occasions, especially with the sparkly top. Enjoy!
Dec 22nd, 2006, 03:21 PM
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I have seen all sorts of dress in Europe even in "posh" places. Everyone knows tourists do not bring their entire wardrobes on a European holiday.
The long and the short of it is that those attending the opera should be much more interested in the performance than they are in tourists' garments. Just wear whatever you want to enjoy yourself and be comfortable.
So long as you do not talk during the singing, you will be OK.
The long and the short of it is that those attending the opera should be much more interested in the performance than they are in tourists' garments. Just wear whatever you want to enjoy yourself and be comfortable.
So long as you do not talk during the singing, you will be OK.
Jan 3rd, 2007, 11:42 AM
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Just a quick note to say that we all enjoyed our New Year's Opera performance at la scuola! We did indeed see audience members dressed in everything from the most fashionable evening attire and furs to everyday street-wear. It was an extremely enjoyable evening with the most wonderful singing we've seen in a very very long time! The setting was very intimate and I recommend it in the highest.
