Stop dressing like crap! — Page 3

A hot humid day I can certainly see the logic of tee shirt and shorts, so I don't judge, but personally I cant do it. A polo shirt and khaki pants is casual and comfortable enough for me.

However the a***holes in the designer suits texting during the performance , just want to throw them out.

"Theatre is not a rich people thing to do anymore. Get over it."

And neither is dressing nicely.

I always wear pants, sometimes a pair of chinos and sometimes a pair of dark wash jeans, and a button down shirt when I go to the theatre. I personally dislike "dressing down" when I go, because I still like to feel like seeing shows is a special activity. Of course, though, I don't impose my personal preference on others or those who I go to shows with. Two of the three people who went with me last weekend wore shorts, but they all looked nice and were respectful during the show -- that's all that matters to me!

"... I wore shorts to a Broadway show this evening and I plan on wear shorts tomorrow night as well. I'd bet that 90% of the audience tonight was comprised of tourists in outfits that I'm sure would simply horrify Vincentelli. Yet, not a SINGLE cell phone went off the entire performance and I noticed the light from neither a texter nor tweeter. The behavior is what's important, not the clothing.
"

There is a large range of what people wear to Broadway shows.

I would be considered a tourist when I'm in New York for a show and I would never dream of wearing shorts to the theater, regardless of the weather. I usually go with business casual or a little nicer because for me going to the theater is a special occasion and I was raised to dress nicely for special occasions as a way to show respect for yourself, for the performers, and for the event. I still follow this lesson because it feels right. I would be embarrassed to show up at the theater in shorts and flip flops.

I also would never dream of wearing jeans or shorts or a t-shirt to church.

Yes, shorts and t-shirts are more comfortable. So would be pajamas. I make a choice to sacrifice a teeny bit of comfort in order to dress in a way that I think is more respectful. This is entirely my choice.

HOWEVER, I respect the right of those who choose to dress more casually and who choose to wear cargo shorts and a sloganed T-shirt to the theater. I think they look silly but it does not harm me and I will defend their right to choose that for themselves.

Updated On: 7/29/15 at 10:20 AM

I'm sure performers are more concerned with asses in seats rather than a person's attire. But there will be always be small minded people who will criticize your outfit no matter what you wear. I heard an older woman comment once on my sneakers in the theatre. Now if I was a bitch I would point out that a lot of sneakers cost more than her botched facelift. But I would never....

"I'm sure performers are more concerned with asses in seats rather than a person's attire."

hmm, I can't comment on how performers feel about attire, but I have a sneaky suspicion they prefer more respect for their art than they're getting, but anyway, I do think it's about how YOU feel about YOURSELF and the way you look.

I'll stick with Miss Patti Lupone's 5 Rules of theatre etiquette (none of which include clothing) instead of Ms. Vincentelli

Yes, there are a variety of pricepoints for a theatre ticket these days and it can be more accessible. But going to the theatre is still a luxury EXPERIENCE even if you got a cheap ticket. You don't need to be dresses to the 9's, but you should make an effort. A crisp pair of shorts (not cargo) and a polo or other mid-level shirt on a hot day can work. Or a sundress. I get the point about the heat, these clothes are still comfortable and appropriate.

And on cost - these items can be purchased at Forever 21 or Walmart and still look great. You don't need designer clothes to look polished.

When I was young and living in PA we were forced to dress up for the theatre on our class trips to NY, even if we had to wear that outfit all day or bring a nicer pair of shoes to change into. I'm sad to see these days gone.

I have the money to buy nice clothes. In fact, I already have a closet full of nice clothes for the blessedly rare occasions when I'm called upon to wear them for work or a special event like a wedding. But none of that changes the fact that I find collared shirts exceedingly uncomfortable and have a nearly pathological hatred of them - especially if there's any chance that I'll be breaking a sweat at any point during the day (which is almost inevitable when I'm traipsing around Manhattan.)

Yeah, I probably wouldn't have done very well in the 1950s. Fortunately (for a wide variety of reasons), it's not the 1950s anymore.

So yeah, I'll care for myself and my personal well-being by NOT wearing that stuff when I don't absolutely have to. Thanks.

"I'm sad to see those days gone."

And I thank God that they're over.

Look - I watch a lot of old movies. I sometimes feel a tinge of nostalgia for the days when seemingly everyone (who could afford to) dressed up for every occasion, even if it was going to the movies or for a plane trip. All those suits and dresses and HATS - I especially love hats - look awfully nice.

But here we are in the 21st century, and we can no longer safely judge someone because they venture out without their jacket or hat or because they're wearing - GASP! - cargo shorts. Yeah, we (perhaps) lose a little bit of ambience in our public and private places - but it turns out that that's really not much of a loss.

And, as others have mentioned, I've never noticed ANY correlation between dress and personal behavior. "Dressing up" doesn't actually indicate greater respect for oneself - or for those around you. The person two rows in front of me checking their phone every five minutes or talking loudly to their neighbor is just as likely to be a 60-year old in a tuxedo as a teenager wearing a t-shirt and shorts. And at events where practically everybody does still tend to get dressed up - like the opera - I still see just as much of that boorish behavior.

Updated On: 7/29/15 at 02:52 PM

I will reiterate, if I am spending 3 hours in a cramped seat I am NOT wearing a suit.

Quick question: why are shorts seen as unseemly and unsightly and sloppy and not presentable?

As they say, "In olden days a glimpse of stocking was looked on as something shocking but now God knows, anything goes!" And that was 1934 people.

It's classist in a sly sort of way because people equate having money with dressing nicely.

Oh, no, I agree with you.

There could be a whole separate thread on people who feel fine coming to the theatre with incredibly offensive BO. When you are going to be in close quarters with lots of people, please, please be conscious of how you smell.