What do I wear to the Opera or Ballet

I%26#39;m going to Paris for the first time in March with a friend. We are very interested in going to an opera or ballet. Would this be formal attire? I%26#39;m really not sure how I should dress. Any suggestion?

Thanks

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You are always safe in black! Some nice plack pants and top. Avoid jeans and track shoes for the evening shows unless going to the movies. You don%26#39;t need to go over the top or anything...it%26#39;s not the prom...but something elegant and chic.

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No jeans, no tennis shoes. Other than that, it doens%26#39;t have to be very formal. Just nice clothes : a dress, nice trousers and shirt for example

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If you were dressing for an evening ballet or opera performance at your local or regional performing arts center, how would you dress?? Then that%26#39;s how you should dress for a performance in Paris. Formal attire isn%26#39;t required---except perhaps for Gala Grand Opening Night---and these days, not even then....besides, it%26#39;s so dam difficult getting a tiara through airport security these days.

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But if you found yourself there with jeans and no time to change then don%26#39;t worry about being turned away or anything like that.

When I went there last (2 months ago) there were many people wearing jeans and a shirt though most men looked as though they had just come from work and were in suits.

People expect it to be really formal because it%26#39;s the impression of the opera they have and actually feel a little disappointed when they turn up to find people haven%26#39;t made the effort :)

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Thanks everyone for your replies. I%26#39;ll go with dress pants or a skirt.

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While were on this topic I want to go to the ballet and have checked the website and found what i want. Should I buy tickets in advance?

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Yes if it will give you piece of mind; No if you don%26#39;t care where you sit.

I got tickets to Cinderella at the Opera Garnier two days before the performance. Not the best seats in the world, but I could care less where I sat.

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I am going to the opera in mid-February, to see Don Giovanni. When we went to purchase tickets, we discovered that cultural events are very popular in Paris, and it was difficult to get tickets. If you encounter trouble, I suggest you try Divento at www.divento.com. They have an agency contract with the Opera Garnier and may be able to help.

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I am going to the opera in mid-February, to see Don Giovanni. When we went to purchase tickets, we discovered that cultural events are very popular in Paris, and it was difficult to get tickets. If you encounter trouble, I suggest you try Divento at www.divento.com. They have an agency contract with the Opera Garnier and may be able to help.