What to Wear to a Broadway Show in NYC: Outfit Ideas & Dress Code

Last fall, we got tickets to see Aladdin on Broadway, and even though I spend my days surrounded by clothes, I somehow found myself scrambling at the last minute trying to figure out what to wear. How couldl this happen to ME?!?!

I wanted to look like I was going somewhere special, but not too dressed up. We were going into the city, walking to dinner, sitting through a show and probably doing plenty of walking in between with young children in tow. I wanted, no needed to be comfortable, but I also didn't want to look like I had just thrown something on.

Which made me realize: What do you actually wear to a Broadway show?

It's a question I hear from customers too, and the answer is actually pretty simple.

There really isn't a Broadway dress code. You'll see everything from jeans and sneakers to dresses and heels. My feeling is that you're going out in New York City, so why not have a little fun with it? 

You don't need to be fully dressed up, but you should feel a little more special than you did running errands that afternoon (sorry dry cleaners but it is true).

The sweet spot is comfortable, put together and just elevated enough.

Yes, You Can Wear Jeans to Broadway

Actually, I love jeans for Broadway!

But instead of your everyday jeans and T-shirt, use the denim as the starting point and make the rest of the outfit feel intentional.

Try a wide-leg jean with a fitted top and a great jacket. Add vintage earrings, layered necklaces or a statement ring. Velvet and/or a textured shimmer knit would be a great option here. Think brocade or jacquard, yum. 

And this is a perfect night for rhinestone or embellished denim. They're still jeans, so you're comfortable sitting through the show, but they give the outfit that little something extra. Bright Lights Big City here we come! 

Pair them with a simple black top and vintage jewelry and you're basically done, as you may know this is my everyday so maybe I add in a heel here. 

Going to a Matinee? Keep It Easy

If you're seeing an afternoon show, I wouldn't get overly dressed up.

Think about what you'd wear to a really good lunch in the city.

A maxi skirt paired with an easy understated blouse tied together with a great belt. A midi dress with a cardigan. Denim trousers with a fitted knit. Tie it together with a long vintage necklace.

And please wear shoes you can walk in, learn from my mistakes. 

You're probably going to be walking around before or after the show, grabbing lunch, shopping or heading somewhere for a drink. You don't want to spend the entire afternoon thinking about your feet. Kindof loving the return of the loafer and clogs. 

The goal is easy, polished and still very much you.

For an Evening Show, Turn It Up a Little

This is where I'd have more fun.

If you've been waiting for somewhere to wear the lace pants, this is somewhere to wear the lace pants.

Pair them with something really simple on top and let the pants be the moment.

Same thing with rhinestone jeans, a statement dress or a great vintage necklace. You don't need five interesting things happening at once.

Pick one.

That's usually what makes an outfit look cool instead of looking like you tried really hard to put together an "outfit."

And you're going to Broadway. A little drama is completely appropriate.

Dinner and a Show Is Really What You're Dressing For

This is the part people forget.

Most of the time you're not just walking into a theater and walking back out.

You're taking the PATH or train into the city. You're walking to dinner. You're sitting at a restaurant. You're walking to the theater. You're sitting through the show. Maybe you're going for drinks afterward.

So when I'm helping someone put together an outfit for Broadway, I'm really dressing them for the whole night.

That's why I love a great pant, interesting denim or an easy dress. You can dress any of them up with jewelry and a jacket without feeling ridiculously overdressed at dinner or uncomfortable three hours later.

This Is the Night to Wear the Fun Piece

You know that thing in your closet that you love but every time you put it on you think, Where am I actually going in this?

Broadway.

Wear it.

Lace pants. Rhinestone denim. The statement earrings. The vintage necklace. The dress that's a little more fabulous than what you'd normally wear to dinner.

Just don't wear them all together.

One unexpected piece with an otherwise easy outfit is one of my favorite ways to get dressed.

Bring a Layer

Even if it's warm outside, bring something.

New York theaters can get chilly, and nothing is worse than spending the second act wishing you'd brought a sweater.

A blazer, cropped jacket, cardigan or lightweight knit works. I like making the layer part of the outfit so you don't feel like you're carrying around some random sweater all night.

And if it's fall or winter in New York, a great jacket or coat can become part of the whole look.

What Shoes Should You Wear to Broadway?

This is where I'm practical.

Wear shoes you can actually walk in.

You don't need to wear sneakers, although a great fashion sneaker can absolutely work.

Try a ballet flat, loafer, boot, block heel or whatever you know you can comfortably walk several NYC blocks in.

If you're someone who can run around Manhattan in heels, go for it.

If you're not, Broadway night is not the night to suddenly become that person.

Add Vintage Jewelry

This is probably my favorite part.

I love contemporary clothing with vintage jewelry because it keeps an outfit from feeling too perfect.

A modern black top with a vintage pendant. Rhinestone jeans with vintage earrings. A simple dress with stacked rings you've collected over time.

Your jewelry doesn't all have to match either.

Gold with silver, vintage with modern, delicate with something chunky. I actually prefer when jewelry feels like it was collected rather than bought as a set.

And if your outfit already has a lot going on, do the opposite. One great pair of earrings or one vintage ring might be enough.

So, What Should You Wear to a Broadway Show?

Whatever you choose, I want it to feel like YOU. You remember the person that got this whole night going, dressed the whole family, brought snacks, and forgot something essential of yours.

Not you dressed like someone who "goes to the theater."

Wear the jeans. Yes the ones with rhinestones.

Wear the dress. The one that got pushed towards the back of the closet.

Definitely wear the lace pants. 

Add the vintage jewelry you've been saving. Its not going to wear itself. 

Bring a layer. Someone will be chilly.

Wear shoes you can walk in. You might be carrying a little family member.

And don't forget to enjoy the show! 

After my own last-minute scramble before Aladdin, I've learned my lesson. Plan about a week ahead. Next time we have Broadway tickets, I'm starting with the fun piece, adding comfortable shoes and a layer, and calling it a night.

You look good MAMA!

Shop Broadway Night Out Style

Shop women's clothing, statement denim, dresses, jewelry and vintage finds online at Nouveau & Vintage.

And if you're local, come see me at 301 Collective at 301 First Street in Jersey City before you head into Manhattan. We can put the whole look together in person, including the vintage jewelry and accessories that tend to be the pieces that make the outfit.