What to Wear to the Opera in Vienna: the Plus Size Guide
Have tickets to tomorrow’s show and wondering what to wear to the opera in Vienna?
There are a ton of things to do in Vienna.
Explore the Imperial Schönbrunn Palace, head to the Vienna Zoo, or even check out Albertina Museum.
But perhaps the fanciest thing you can do while you’re there is check out the opera.
The Vienna Operahouse is a 1,709-seat theatre with first-class performances.
It’s one of the world’s leading opera houses, and probably one of the most glamorous places you’ll be.
So, it makes sense if you’re scrambling to figure out what to wear.
Attending the opera is a special occasion, and you’ll want to dress accordingly.
So, let’s go over what you want to consider.
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Does the opera have a dress code?
Yes, there is a dress code!
Formal attire tends to be status quo at the opera.
The opera has a long history of enforcing a strict, formal dress code.
Back in the day, tickets to the opera were a big status symbol.
It was often more about what you wore than the actual performance itself.
While it’s not quite the to-do as it used to be, you still want to make sure you dress well.
Men usually wear suits and tuxedos, and women in elegant wear.
Of course, that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to go with a ball gown.
But you do want something respectful and appropriate for the opera house.
Best outfits for the opera in Vienna
Heading to the opera is a fancy, formal occasion.
If you’ve got tickets but you’re simply not sure what to wear, I’ve got some ideas.
Here are my top picks for what to wear to the opera in Vienna:
Formal dress or gown
If you’re looking to have your Cinderella moment, a formal dress or gown is a perfect choice.
These outfits are elegant and stylish, they’ll make you look and feel like a real princess.
If you get yourself the right one, it’ll be comfortable enough to wear all night long.
The downside is that full-length elegant dresses for plus size ladies tend to be a little more expensive.
You can pick up inexpensive ones at Shein that I suspect will probably be single use.
But if you’re looking for something to keep around long-term, check out the sale rack at Eloquii.
David’s Bridal and 11 Honoré both have plenty of formal wear options, if you can afford the price tag.
If you’re looking for an outfit that makes you feel like a million bucks, this is the one.
Don’t forget to throw in a gorgeous pair of opera gloves and a nice pair of heels!
A glam jumpsuit
I am all about the jumpsuits.
I’ve never found that dresses look particularly good on me, but I can rock a single-piece suit like no other.
If I were headed to the Vienna opera, I might make a dress exception.
But more likely, I’d find myself something ultra glam like this sequined jumper by Baltic Born.
I’m sure there’s varied opinions on this, but jumpsuits offer the same kind of elegance as a dress.
The catch is, they’re pants (hell yeah!).
They’re ideal for those of us that don’t quite feel like a dress matches our personal style.
But we still want or need to look glamorous.
Honestly, I was in an awards show scene in a TV show where glam dresses were the costume — I scored a killer jumpsuit that had the same kind of elegance as a formal dress, and the costume department loved it!
Jumpsuits really are the perfect outfit!
And how fun is this tux-style one?
Pantsuit
Not a fan of full-on ball gowns? No problem!
It’s 2022, a flattering pantsuit is totally opera appropriate.
If you want something a little more comfortable, this is a great option.
A pantsuit also gives you the chance to show off your own style.
Rock an elegantly sequined blazer or go for a timeless look with a simple pair of black suit pants.
A pantsuit doesn’t necessarily have to mean traditional suiting either.
Something more flowing like this RM Richards two-piece is perfect.
No matter what you choose, you’ll look fabulous.
Skirt and blouse
Not everyone has the budget to buy themselves a brand new ball gown (you know, like me).
If that’s the case but you can swing a gorgeous skirt and a blouse, that can totally work!
You want to make sure that your skirt isn’t too short, this isn’t a club.
My recommendation would be to go with a below-the-knee tulle skirt in a dark color.
Pair it with a simple bodysuit and some heels, and you’re good to go!
Don’t forget some sparkly jewelry to pull the look together.
Cocktail dress
Every fashionista needs a cocktail dress in their wardrobe.
You might not have a full gown, but a cocktail dress will do.
You’ll probably want to still make sure that it’s below the knee.
Operas are still quite formal events.
And avoid anything with too many sequins or flowing beads — you don’t want to look like you’re going to a disco.
A nice, solid-colored dress will do the trick.
And if you don’t have one in your closet, now’s the perfect time to invest in one!
Image: Amazon
Picking the right outfit
When it comes to picking the right outfit to wear at the Vienna opera, it is important to remember a few key things:
- While you need to wear formal attire, make sure that you pick something that you feel comfortable and confident in it
- Don’t wear anything too flashy or attention-grabbing, you’re not headed to the nightclub
- Make sure that your clothing is appropriate for the weather — you don’t want to be too hot or too cold
- And finally, have fun with it!
No matter what you choose to wear to the opera in Vienna, you want to dress your best for this special occasion.
The opera is a magical experience, make sure you enjoy every minute of it!
