What to Wear to the Ballet, According to a New York City Ballet Principal Ballerina
"I like to give respect through a classy and put-together outfit."
Growing up with a former ballet dancer mom ensured I knew what plié, tendu, and arabesque meant by kindergarten. She also taught me proper ballet etiquette, whether I found myself by the barre or in the audience at The Nutcracker.
When you purchase a ticket to the ballet, it doesn't come with a dress code, but that's not to say there isn't an expectation. "I like to give respect through a classy and put-together outfit that, to me, is in keeping with this art form that I think so highly of," Tiler Peck, a principal ballerina at the New York City Ballet and author of XO Ballerina Big Sis, tells me over email.
On the off-chance Peck isn't performing center stage, she "dresses up" for her night at the ballet. (Her co-stars would do the same, should the roles be reversed.) Usually, Peck gravitates toward a midi dress with "movement," whether that be through pleats, ruffles, or patterns.
This holiday season, I followed Peck's lead with a polka-dot skirt at the Milwaukee Ballet's The Nutcracker. (I'm proud to say I've never, ever worn ripped jeans or sneakers to a performance.) The satin Abercrombie midi earned me plenty of compliments, especially alongside a matching cashmere cardigan set from Lily Pulitzer. The goal is to not distract the performers, so I steered clear of outfits in the neon or overly-printed range.
Did I pose with a nutcracker before the ballet? Of course I did.
That's not to say you can't wear any color to the ballet: Softer ballet-core pastels or rich jewel-tones will stand out just enough in the theatre. "Obviously, jewelry is an added bonus," Peck adds, encouraging guests not to hold back and embrace statement earrings or a pendant necklaces.
Peck's only no-nos? Athleisure, unless you're headed to a ballet class. If that's the case, "a leotard with tights, a wraparound skirt (length of your choice), ballet slippers, and leg warmers" will do the trick. Also, reserve your denim for more casual plans. Capezio slippers won't work in the audience, but their footwear sister, ballet flats, were practically made for a night at The Nutcracker.
Whether you're a ballet newbie or a dancer-turned-spectator, you''ll want to give the dancers respect without sacrificing your comfort or personal style. Ahead, shop our curated ballet outfit edit with pieces Peck would wear herself.
What to Wear to the Ballet at a Glance
- Best Dress to Wear to the Ballet: Dôen Savine Dress, $598
- Best Top to Wear to the Ballet: Intimissimi Boat Neck Modal Cashmere Ultralight Top, $65
- Best Skirt to Wear to the Ballet: Never Fully Dressed Monika Bow Maxi Skirt, $160
- Best Shoes to Wear to the Ballet: Repetto Camille Ballet Flats, $470
- Best Accessory to Wear to the Ballet: Berkeley Small Shoulder Bag, $148
Dresses to Wear to the Ballet
If you're a fan of celebrity method dressing, follow their lead with a swan dress at Swan Lake.
The lace along this Reformation mini makes a seemingly simple slip a little flirty.
It's like Dôen designed this long-sleeve mini just to be worn at the ballet.
I'd book another Nutcracker ticket just to wear this on-sale Gap dress.
I'll test this A.L.C. investment at the ballet, before re-wearing it at my pre-wedding party.
It may be called the Opera Gown, but it deserves the spotlight at the ballet.
I adore Mango's top and bottom options as much as the next fashion girl, but its dresses aren't to be ignored.
Any ballet company is buzzing with sweater dresses this time of year. (I counted over 50 at The Nutcracker.)
Keep a low yet classic profile at the ballet in a trusty little black dress.
Tops to Wear to the Ballet
I have it on good authority this Intimissimi best-seller is a ballerina staple.
A sweater and skirt is my failsafe formula at the ballet.
Wear this silky Reformation button-down to work, then the ballet.
Take it from me, a happy customer: This not-so-simple black top will serve your ballet wardrobe so well, pre- and post-performance.
Doesn't this A.L.C. top just scream off-duty ballerina?
This silk chiffon long-sleeve is the perfect way to elevate the sheer trend.
Skirts to Wear to the Ballet
This Sézane skirts is for wannabe French girls by day, ballerinas by night.
Trading black for brown leather adds a softer feel to the otherwise edgy textile.
Ever since Jennifer Lawrence and Zoë Kravitz approved the lace-trimmed skirt trend, I've been obsessed.
This Never Fully Dressed maxi is made for off-stage twirling.
Should an after-holiday ballets be on your calendar, pick up Old Navy's on-sale velvet skirt.
Sézane's under-$200 mini skirt is proof sequins can be subtle.
Shoes to Wear to the Ballet
Between the bow, double buckles, and creamy satin finish, these ballet flats look straight off a stage.
Add understated texture to your ballet look with pony-hair Mary Janes.
Now that Kaia Gerber gave Repetto ballet flats her stamp of approval, what are you waiting for? It's the time to secure your own pair, courtesy of the French footwear (and dancewear) brand.
You don't have to wear ballet flats at the ballet, but at least make sure your shoes have an itty-bitty bow.
Accessories to Wear to the Ballet
This Jennifer Behr bow was made to accessorize the sleekest of ballet buns.
Personally, I consider it a crime Blair Waldorf didn't wear a satin headband like this one at the ballet in Gossip Girl. I'll make up for it myself this spring.
I made the mistake of carrying my bottomless, everyday bag into The Nutcracker, but next time, I'll bring only the essentials in this Anthropologie find.
Bella Hadid styled this Coach Tabby bag in L.A. this month, but it would work at the ballet, too.
Don't let J.Crew's stellar sweater options distract you from its bags: The Berkeley has joined me at the ballet, the theatre, and even the grocery store.
If your outfit is texture-less, let Sézane's croc-embossed bucket bag add some interest.
Only on Etsy would I find a bag so perfect for the ballet, I purchased it within minutes. (Yes, those are Edgar Degas ballerinas embroidered onto the exterior.)
