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lilacs Sep 5th, 2004 09:31 PM

Proper Broadway attire
 
I never know how to dress for these things. Is it appropriate for women to wear dress pants/nice tank tops and for men to wear button-down shirts/slacks? We're attending a weeknight showing of The Producers next week. We've watched other shows in L.A. and Vegas (we're from the LA area), and were either over or underdressed for these performances.

Shar Sep 5th, 2004 09:36 PM

We have seen various styles of dress for the theatre in NY. What you describe is very appropriate. Have a good time in the Big Apple.

TopMan Sep 6th, 2004 01:08 AM

Agree with Shar. But be aware that you'll see a VAST difference in attire in NYC theatres these days but, frankly, I cannot imagine you being "underdressed" in Vegas unless you showed up at some black tie affair in flip flops..and even then....

Have a great trip and enjoy the show.

LPOWMACBACK Sep 6th, 2004 03:40 AM

Wear what makes you comfortable... especially if you will be doing any walking (which we ALWAYS do while in the city). I think the only people that care about what others are wearing are insecure in what they themselves are wearing... and people that rarely go and want to "look" right... DON'T WORRY... Wear what you think looks nice and stay comfortable... you can't go wrong with that look!
Lisa

Lisa

mclaurie Sep 6th, 2004 04:52 AM

You might want a jacket over your tank top in case of strong a/c or a cool evening. You will probably see all kinds of "get ups." People often dress for the restaurant they choose (John's Pizzeria vs Le Bernardin :)

nytraveler Sep 6th, 2004 04:56 AM

Also, there is always the contingent that looks as if they just came from cleaning out the garage. Do not reco this look - but unfortunatly you will see a lot of people dressed this way.

Business cas or sophisticated cas (Fri/Sat night) is plenty.

djkbooks Sep 6th, 2004 07:07 AM

You see folks wearing anything and everything at Broadway shows.

Best bet is to dress for whatever you're doing before or after,

Theaters tend to be very cool in the summer and very warm in the winter.

sognatrice2 Sep 6th, 2004 07:35 AM

LOL, nytravelr, the only people who have garages here in NYC are either very very rich, or work in one! Garages here are only to park cars, and any effluvia has to go into a very high priced storage locker. "Cleaning out the garage" really isn't part of the common vernacular In Manhattan!!
lilacs, there really isn't a NY clothing code perse, and what you describe sounds just fine, bring a light sweater, shawl, or jacket in case the AC is too much.
Have fun, have fun, at the Producers!

madameX Sep 6th, 2004 08:02 AM

I agree with everyone who says that you will see the range of dress at plays in NYC, and that you might want to think about layers to adapt to airconditioning or central heating. Your outfit plans sound fine, and I never agree that "anything goes" unless you want to establish the lowest point in the range.

STRONGLY agree that you think about what you will do before/after the show, i.e. how dressy the restaurant or bar for drinks. While dress-up casual gets you in many places, not all. Further, you may want to celebrate your surroundings, e.g. I prefer to dress up more if I know we are doing even drinks at a high-end bar like the King Cole or at the Algonquin.

Yes, you should please yourself, but recognize that those in the hospitality business LOVE well-dressed (appropriately dressed) clientele. While you won't bump a solid reservation or a weekly regular, you might get the better table.

(To be honest, I know that standard dress in Las Vegas is often tank tops and flip-flops. WHY do this in the best party town going? I've had some great experiences there, walking around with some gold sequins on during the day... Why feel like you just finished changing the oil?)

nytraveler Sep 6th, 2004 09:35 AM

sognatirce2

Am well aware of the fact that there are few houses with garages in Manhattan (since I've lived here mya entire adult life).. I don;t recall suggesting that there were. Just that many people dressed as if they were - and presumably most of them do come from places where this is a frequent activity.

And sorry if my simile confused you - could not think of another that really captured the flavor of these folks.


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