Dress for Broadway in NYC
 

My husband and I will be going to see the Lion King in NYC in October at a 8:00 performance. What is the proper dress?

Honestly, anything goes. Some people get dressed up, and some go in jeans. Neither really sticks out like a sore thumb. Personally I dress as if I'm going to a nice restaurant. Hope that helps!

Lately, and especially at something like The Lion King, anything goes. Avoid shorts and sleeveless shirts and you should be more than ok.

Layer .. Make sure that you have a sweater that you can put on over your top. We've been in some Broadway theaters that were absolutely freezing. The worst ones were in January of last year. In the summer, sometimes the air conditioning is also very cold.

Nina

Thanks!

Definitely bring a sweater or something. Some theaters are like freezers!

It would be nice if people did dress for a Broadway show, but as previous posters have stated anything goes. Dressing as though you were going to a nice restaurant is good advice.

We went to see Stomp & my wife had on a dress & I some khakis & a dress shirt & we were over-dressed. (Off-broadway though).

I've been to many shows in the summer, and shorts and flip flops are the norm. :)

Find people tend to be more dressed up during the week because many come directly from work.

The dress has become more and more casual these days, which I think is a shame.

I always feel like the way you're dressed will influence the experience- so if, for you, going to see a show is a big deal, dress like a special occasion. Not black tie, of course, but a little dressiness never hurt anyone :)

I think dressing like you're going to a nice restaurant is appropriate. I have never seen people in shorts and flip flops on Broadway. I definitely agree with Nina's advice to bring a jacket or sweater -- even if it's warm outside. Those theatres are FREEZING.

I haven't seen the flip-flops but have definitely seen (and worn) shorts to Broadway shows. I believe the AC is turned so high because the stage lights are unbearably hot to the actors so yes, definitely bring a sweater or a scarf 'just in case'. Once in a while you will find a theater where they do get the temperature balanced properly so you need to be able to stuff your wrap under your seat; since it will be summer you cannot count on an open check-room.

I've seen that people dress up a little more at serious plays as compared to musicals. People tend to be slightly older, too. Locals vs. tourists?

Who cares? As long as you're comfortable and don't stink, wear what you want. There's no dress code.

If you feel uncomfortable or peole look at you like a rube, that's your & their problem.

Maybe they put the AC so high to keep people from wearing shorts. Sneakers and flip flops? What exactly are people “saving” their shoes for?

It's a convenience if there isn't a dress code when travelling and sightseeing for obvious reasons. It is unclear in the posts; Is it the same for most restaurants? I'll be in NY (first trip since I was a young teen) mid-October so I plan to wear a wool navy pea jacket which has a nice look even if I'm not so dressed up.

I promise I am not making this up.
Once at a Broadway show, two guys came in and sat behind us. They were wearing tanktops, nylon running shorts, and athletic shoes without socks. They literally looked like they got lost while running the marathon.

What's proper or what is actually worn?

Torn jeans, flip flops, tummy-baring shirts, hip hugging skirts, no underwear - the new dress code for the theater.

How about fine-dining restaurants?