What to Wear to a Broadway Show
To know me is to know how much I love a Broadway show! One of the best things about living in New York City is the access to amazing productions and award-winning performers. My love of the theater is what lead me to create the Curated by Carly A. Hill Broadway Guide which includes my favorite spots for pre and post show dining, drinks and quick bites along with my tips on finding the best Broadway tickets and what shows you should be seeing this season.
One question I get asked a lot is what to wear to a Broadway show. While there isn’t a specific Broadway dress code per se, deciding what to wear can certainly be a daunting task — especially if you’re visiting from out of town. These days, it seems like anything goes when it comes to what people wear to Broadway shows but for me personally, I find I often want to dress to impress but still be comfortable. Today I’m sharing a roundup of outfit ideas you can wear to Broadway shows in different seasons and across various dress codes so you can look and feel your best from opening nights to casual matinées with friends!
WHAT TO WEAR TO A BROADWAY SHOW
What To Wear To a Broadway Show in Winter
DRESS AND tall boots
A moody floral maxi dress (this one is also cute) is perfect for fall and winter, especially when paired with tall boots and a faux suede trench. Here I accessorized with my beloved Bottega Veneta clutch and gold earrings. The perfect outfit to wear to a Broadway show!
Maxi Skirt and Sweater
I wore a sequin maxi skirt to the New York City Ballet’s The Nutcracker and it was the perfect mix of festive, formal, and comfortable! Styling a maxi skirt with a sweater is a great way to stay warm in the freezing New York City winter, but still looks elegant and stylish.
For a similar look, this maxi slip skirt under $100 or this stunning silk maxi skirt would be perfect picks. I styled this outfit with my Sarah Flint Perfect Pumps which are the most comfortable heel for all the walking required!
Black Sequins and Leather Pants
This black monochromatic look look is perfect for a casual but still polished Broadway look. Pair a sequin jacket with faux leather pants for a sleek look.
Statement Coat
Let’s face it, braving a Broadway show in the winter (especially at night) requires warmth above all else. In my opinion, animal print is a neutral so I love the looks of this leopard print coat, as well as this option. If animal print isn’t your thing, this faux fur coat looks so chic. Regardless of the dress code, a fabulous coat is the perfect topper for any Broadway outfit!
LITTLE Black Dress
You simply can’t go wrong with a little black dress for a Broadway show in winter, plus I’m a sucker for anything with an open back! This black maxi dress, this chic silk mini dress and this black midi dress with feather details also caught my eye.
What To Wear To a Broadway Show in Spring
Statement Pants and Lady Jacket
Layers are the key for dressing during spring in New York! Some days there’s still a chill in the air but it might be boiling hot inside Broadway theaters. I love the versatility of pairing statement pants with a t-shirt and lady jacket layered on top. It looks so chic, plus you can pop the jacket off if you get hot during a show and want to feel comfortable. A little cream tweed jacket is great for layering in spring and fall, as is this braided trim jacket I recently picked up..
For t-shirts, I’m a big fan of this MOTHER cotton tee and this Sézane cotton tee. For pants, I love the look of these polka dot pants or these chartreuse drawstring pants. For something more simple I’m partial to the Reformation Mason trousers.
Mini Dress and Leather Jacket
Another look I come back to time and time again, is a mini dress paired with a leather jacket. Again, I love having layers for New York in the spring. This look feels polished enough to wear to a Broadway show but still has some NYC edge. I own something similar to $200 this leather jacket, and I also think the silhouette of this cropped version is fun!
What To Wear To a Broadway Show in Summer
Slip Dress
For a semi formal look, I’m obsessed with a classic slip dress . It’s so easy to throw on and go, and don’t forget to pack a contrasting sweater for some warmth in the air conditioned theater!
Colorful Dress and Block Heels
For Broadway shows in the summer, I love to make a statement in a vibrant dress! While the green dress above is old, this green dress and this orange dress caught my eye. My trusty Loeffler Randall Sandals are practically a year-round staple for me. They’re so comfortable, go with just about everything, and feel elevated (this is not the time for flip flops!)
What To Wear To a Broadway Show in Fall
Button-Down Shirt and Leather Pants
In the fall when temps start to drop again, I like pairing a button-down shirt with leather pants or wide leg trousers (I love the Mason Pants from Reformation.) Throw a blazer or mid-weight jacket on top for some extra warmth and you’re ready to hit the town! This is certainly a more casual option, but knowing what some audience members wear you’ll be far from the most underdressed person there!
This feather button-down and this embellished button-down are two really fun options.
Monochromatic Slip Skirt and Sweater
Anyone else obsessed with the look of a monochromatic look? You can do this with any color – for example pair this navy slip skirt with a navy cashmere crewneck or a navy cardigan. So chic for a night at the theater! I love that you can wear these pieces together for a monochromatic look but also with other things.
denim trousers
I think denim trousers make for a comfortable (but polished) Broadway outfit, especially in fall. I think denim is appropriate for a night at the theater when done correctly. Add a polished jacket and slingback heels to complete the look.
