The La Scala web site says that coat and tie are required for performances, but I'm wondering if anyone knows if they are at all flexible about that. In the interest of packing light, I don't want my husband to have to pack a suit and dress shoes that he'll only wear for a few hours.

They are quite strict - and your husband would feel out of place if underdressed. Men in Milan dress very well - particualrly at the opera.

Do enjoy it. What are you seeing?

I agree with londoman..In Italy people that attends operas Dress very well.I was shocked the first time that I went to a theater here in the US..Some of the people dressed very well for that special evening, but the majorities wore casual attires..Could not believe it..

He would look seriously out of place in casual American clothes. I write this out of sheer respect for a mecca of Italian and world opera..

You're in a great place to buy some nice stuff -- then ship it home ....

When in Rome (or in this case Milan) do as the native do and dress up for La Scala, for heaven sake its the most famous opera house in the world, you don't want to look like hillbillies. I agree with previous poster if you are travelling light pick up some new cool Italian threads and ship them back. Besides weather is getting cooler now you'll be gald to have a jacket.

repete-

you are a man/woman after my own heart

My parents and I went to the ballet on New Year's Eve, 2005. We had cheap seats in the balcony (separate entrance), and people dress much more casual sitting up there.

The seats are also so tight up there that you have to take your jacket off and coat-check them anyways (free).

So, if you want to go to an opera there, and doesn't want to pack a suit and dress shoes <b>and</b> don't want to look out of place, buy a seat in the balconies.