Will be attending a ballet at La Scala-Milano 6pm, Dec 31, 2003. Does anyone know the mode of attire at these functions. I think it used to be formal--nowadays, I don,t know. Its early evening, New Years Eve--think a nice suit will do?? And for ladies, a nice dress instead of a gown?? Don't know what to pack!! LaScala has no contact e-mail address.

Grateful for any help,
msbourg

While I haven't been to La Scala (unfortunately it was closed when we were there), I have been to operas and ballets in Paris, Geneva, Moscow, and London, so my tips are more general.

The dress tends to be less formal than I'd expected. The general trend seems to be that people really dress up on opening nights and other special occasions (which I'd guess would include New Year's Eve), but for other nights, a dark suit for a man and black dress for a woman would be fine (other choices would be fine for a woman, too, but it's hard to go wrong with the "little black dress&quot.

In the dozens of performances I've attended, I've yet to see a woman in a sequined, very formal gown, and there tend to be many more suits than tuxedos for men. My experience is that you two won't feel out of place in a dark suit and nice dress/outfit.

FYI, La Scala will still be closed in December. Performances are at Teatro degli Arcimboldi. I don't know whether or how that should affect the dress code, though. As I recall, La Scala has e-mail addresses on their website (Google "Teatro alla Scala" and it should come up), but I'm not sure they'd give you advice on how to dress!

msbourg, please let us know what you find out. We'd like to go to the Opera there in May and have no clue what to wear.

Have been to La Scala to see Placido Domingo in "Parcefal". Dress was not overly formal, yet understatedly elegant. Cocktail black dress, heels and a shawl would be perfect.