I recently attended a Metropolitan Opera performance while visiting New York and was quite disappointed upon arriving to discover how casually the average attendee was dressed.
I had eagerly anticipated the elegant attire that I believed I would witness, so I was very surprised at the amount of slacks and sweaters I saw.
Where were the lovely dresses and sharp suits that have always been a part of the opera allure?
A beautiful atmosphere
I myself chose to wear a lovely green and cream number by Karen Millen. I received quite a few compliments on the dress, which I found interesting.
People quite obviously recognize beautiful and lovely things. There was a lady dressed in a lovely gown and I saw quite a few people walk up to her and compliment her on the dress.
The opera house itself was also a beautiful building, inside and out. Stairs lined with red carpet, glittering chandeliers, flutes of champagne all lended itself to an atmosphere of elegance and grace.
Yet our culture decides to wear the same outfit they would wear to a meal out with friends.
Why is no one dressing up?
Many have heard the term “dress for the occasion” and I would argue that this is an idea that has been lost in our culture these days.
People are told to wear whatever they feel like wearing and that no one should judge them for it. People want to do what makes them feel good.
The rise of atheleisure means that the average person has adjusted to dressing casually and to wearing pajama-like clothing. People are not used to wearing proper outfits, and are less likely to want to dress up for occasions because nicer clothes may feel uncomfortable or awkward.
A greater reason is that appreciation for the arts has been lost, maybe due in part to the rise of “instant gratification.”
With platforms like TikTok and music like pop, the average person now expects to feel good almost as soon as they see or hear something. They don’t want to have to sit, think, and commit to something just to get something out of it.
Operas and symphonies require the observer to delve into the experience, to slow down and think about what is happening.
Additionally, if one is not used to such music, it is hard to appreciate and sit still for a long period of time.
If someone does not appreciate such things as art or opera, then it will be hard for then to commit to dressing accordingly for such events.
Why should one dress up?
The answer comes from what was discussed above: an appreciation for art.
Often operas and symphonies are held in concert halls that have been created exclusively for the performing arts. They typically are well-decorated, elegant, and overall beautiful places.
The atmosphere lends itself to the beauty of the art. The performers themselves dress according to the role they play.
It is good to dress up when attending any such performances because it shows an appreciation and understanding for the work of art taking place.
The performers have worked long and hard to create such works and the audience can show appreciation for their hard work by dressing appropriately for a grand experience.
By dressing up, you can show your appreciation and understanding for the incredible work taking place.
Maybe then, what we all must do, is awaken within ourselves a greater appreciation and awe for the arts, especially the performing arts.
If we truly love it, and are inspired by it, it will be much easier to dress up for performances.
Be an example to those around you. Help bring back the edifying glory and elegance that properly belongs to the opera, or any other performances. If we do not begin the change, no one will.
