The beauty of moving to NYC is the endless number of activities to partake in, from picking up new hobbies to slowly becoming a connoisseur of the arts. I've aimed to become the latter over the past few years, constantly keeping up with new artists, gallery openings, and performance arts, particularly the New York City Ballet. As a Gen Zer, I utilize the $30 for 30 deal to enjoy the ballet on a budget, so if you're another young person interested in ballet or attending more shows, this is a perfect resource. Art should always be accessible.
Other than the beauty of watching dancers become a character or witnessing the emotions of contemporary choreography, my favorite part of attending the ballet is getting dressed for it. The high ceilings, red seats, and jewel-like lights of the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center, where the NYCB shows are held, can only be described as elegant. I always aim to dress just as elegant as the space I share with the dancers and other attendees. There is technically no official dress code for the ballet, but adhering to the dressy norms is highly advised. Think simple, youthful, and polished. If you're interested in attending the ballet for its summer programming, whether you're in NYC or another city, I compiled eight sophisticated outfits for you to re-create with ease. Keep scrolling to shop each look.
Pink Jeans
If you are going to wear jeans to the ballet, the pink-denim trend is the right route to follow. It's still comfortable without compromising style or the elegant essence you want to achieve. Style your pair with a black button-down to keep the pastel-pink pants as the focus of your look, and if you really want to add a pop, accessorize with a zebra-print clutch. This look leans a tad casual, but if you're aiming to look chic without trying too hard, then this is for you.
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Simple Black Dress
The most common piece I see worn at the ballet is, of course, a minimalist black dress. It's the easiest item to wear, especially if you don't want to overthink your outfit. The elegant one-and-done look only requires a few accessories—like a small drawstring clutch and a simple pendant necklace—to make your plain dress look more intentional. Slip on a pair of thong heeled sandals to complete your ballet-ready outfit.
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Leather Skirt
While a tank top sounds entirely counterintuitive for an elegant night at the ballet, a V-neck tank top is perfectly fitting for it. To make this casual piece look more purposeful, style it with a leather skirt. Bonus points for a croc-embossed one. Adding texture like that will elevate your look immensely. Just add a pair of strappy sandals and a leather handbag.
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Plunge-Neck Dress
Another dress style you could try if you're comfortable is a plunge-neck dress. It's an easy piece to slip on, but it has a sensual twist that is still appropriate for attending the ballet. To keep the look balanced, you could style your dress similarly to the look below with a pair of mesh flats and a red east-west bag for a pop of color. Or you could go all out and style it with a pair of heels depending on how you want to look.
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Burgundy Details
I'm not one for fashion rules, but matching your bag to your shoes, especially if they're burgundy, is always chic. If you're on the go or perhaps have work before a special night at the ballet, you can turn your office look into an appropriate outfit with this styling trick. Burgundy details, even in the summer, are so lovely. This outfit is one of the more versatile looks selected. It's fitting for the office, dinner, and, of course, the ballet.
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Matching Skirt Set
Another safe and easy route to take when you absolutely don't know what to wear is a matching skirt set. There's no overthinking—just a simple but intentional and polished outfit ready for you. Your set can have a subtle but fun print to it like this look from Ashley Williams, or it can be totally plain. It's totally up to you. Add some accessories, like a brown leather woven bag and a pair of baby-pink flats, for a complementary color story throughout your outfit.
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Flowy Top
If you want to look fancier without slipping into a dress, I'd highly recommend wearing a flowy sleeveless top with a pair of classic black pants. A graceful top holds just as much power as a dress does in regard to dressiness. I've never been the type to wear dresses, even to the ballet, so this type of outfit is always my go-to. Style your outfit with a black leather east-west bag and a pair of flats or heels to complete your look.
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Button-Down
In my book, a button-down will always be an elegant item to wear to whatever occasion. Try styling a fitted one with a white knee-length skirt and easy black leather sandals. It sounds like a laid-back outfit, but it's quite sleek. Just add a black leather clutch to your outfit to make it look even more intentional.
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