Post # 1

Member
49 posts
Newbee
Hi there Bee’s! I need some fashion advice!
I’m going to a Saturday evening (8pm) show in early December to see Phantom of the Opera. It’s at a brand new performing arts center in Orlando, and while it’s not the opening night, it is the *last* night the show will be in town. I scored seats in the third row of the mezzanine level, which seem like they’ll be a great spot for viewing the stage and I am so flilppin’ excited.
This is also mine and the hub’s 10 year anniversary of being together so I imagine we’ll go out to dinner before and possibly grab cocktails afterward. Since it’s Central Florida, I am guessing the weather could be as low as 40 degrees or as high as 75.
So,… what should I wear?
Can I wear something floor length and formal…? Like… chiffon and flowy?
Should I go with an LBD? How about a cocktail dress?
Options below are all items I own.
- The first is a bridesmaid dress that I doubt I can wear but I’m desperate to find a way to make it useful because it feels so amazing and pretty when it’s on.
- The second is ModCloth’s Receiving Line Dress in Rosewater. I bought it on a whim and have absolutely zero use for it (so far).
- Third is another ModCloth purchase. The essential LBD, Sleek It Out. (Fits like a freakin’ GLOVE)
- And fourth is my rehearsal dinner dress, a Sue Wong that I adore (but have to have a completely flat and empty stomach to rock with confidence, and it’s gotten plenty of love/the hubs knows it well)

So… do I need to go shopping or will any of these work?
Post # 2

Hostess
12057 posts
Sugar Beekeeper
LuckiestGirlEvur: Honestly, I think you can wear whatever you want! I would personally pick the LBD but that’s always my go to ๐
Post # 3

Member
1326 posts
Bumble bee
- Wedding: February 2015 - Mount Hermon
LuckiestGirlEvur: The ModCloth LBD. Can’t go wrong there. You can’t eat in the other one! And I think the long ones are to formal.
Post # 4

Member
2299 posts
Buzzing bee
Def the LBD with some glam accessories and a sleek wrap! Save the long dresses for the actual Opera!
Post # 5

Member
49 posts
Newbee
Thanks for the speedy feedback, ladies!!! I was leaning toward the LBD but seriously feared it would be too sexy. I have some killer black suede Guess heels that turn it into the sexiest outfit I own, so I know the hubs will be pleased.
I’ll probably get some looks but I can totally own it. I just feared with it being the last showing at a brand new, expensive facility, most ladies will be in more formal-wear. (But it’s not like I’m down in the front row or a private box so maybe I’m over thinking this. ๐ )
Post # 6

Member
1150 posts
Bumble bee
LuckiestGirlEvur: Any of those options would be great for Phantom. My Fiance has gone many times and saw people dressed to the nines and people in jeans. I personally dress up to go to any play or musical. Plus its an anniversary so I’d go with the LBD.
Post # 7

Member
2028 posts
Buzzing bee
Audrey2_sings: Agreed, though I wish it weren’t so, because I wish more people dressed up for these things. I’m fortunate enough to attend multiple performances at a prominent opera company every year and the only night when most women are in long gowns is Opening Night.
However, LuckiestGirlEvur: I think something along the lines of the third dress would be wonderful. I hope that you and your husband have a wonderful time!
Post # 8

Member
46334 posts
Honey Beekeeper
LuckiestGirlEvur: You can wear any of them. There are always people in everything from jeans to formal gowns at the theater.
Post # 9

Member
49 posts
Newbee
MarriedToMyWork: Thank you! I know opening night is a big deal – wasn’t sure if the last/closing night were an equally big deal. This is the second time we’ve seen Phantom and the first time there were all types of dress and I seriously regretted not taking the opportunity to wear a long gown. That LBD will get all sorts of attention if I wear it, though. It’s a show stopper for sure!
Post # 10

Member
2299 posts
Buzzing bee
MarriedToMyWork: Me too! I go to the theater a lot (not the opera though), and I used to dress up way more than I do now. It was part of the experience. The more we go the more casual we’ve gotten, mostly because everyone else is so casual too. I do live in Seattle though, so perhaps that factors in too. ๐ I still try not to wear jeans.
Post # 11

Member
8487 posts
Bumble Beekeeper
I’d go with either of the short ones. And btw, I’m so jealous!
Post # 12

Member
49 posts
Newbee
Audrey2_sings: Seattle is still probably more fancy than Orlando. I love this place, but Florida is weird. I have no doubts that there would be jorts at the matinee. *shudders*
Post # 13

Member
49 posts
Newbee
allyfally: Aww thanks! I am pretty stoked that I got the hubs to go with me. I’m going camping with him next weekend tho so he kinda owed me. ๐
Post # 14

Member
2477 posts
Buzzing bee
- Wedding: May 2015 - St Peter's Church, East Maitland, and Bella Vista, Newcastle
Definitely the LBD – the long gowns are too formal. I work with Opera Australia (and so at the Sydney Opera House) and it’s really only huge opening nights or New Year’s Eve where anyone is wearing anything that formal. That black dress is killer though and I reckon it’s perfect for the occasion!