To dress up or should not

A question came up tonight never cross my mind before. My guest asked me if she should consider dressing up to go the opening night at the opera. “What do you suggest she asked”?

May be the definition of dressing is different between male and female, it never cross my mind not getting dress up for an evening at the opera or symphony, may not be black tie, we have not done that your years. Never the less, business attire is the least we should consider for such an evening.

We Americans place too much emphasis on comfort, and too often forgot about romantic. Remember you prom night, if you do not have any other point of references. How exciting that was and how much emphasis that was putting on your dresses.
Some how we thought that since we invented and popularized blue jeans and sneakers, we might as well make the most out of it. Try to wear that from offices to worships to travels, even to the funerals. Stop short at federal courts, but definitely at the big house.

Out of respect for the performances, I think we all should consider a show and a Jacket, if that means dressing up. It is not about me. May be in some ways. For the most part, it is compliment to the arts. In any other foreign countries audiences do dress for the occasions.

I remember my aunt told me that she and my uncle went to the opening night performances at the opera house in Vienna; they were the only couple in the Grand Tier in business attire, while everyone else is in bejeweled evening gowns and black ties. Everyone knew they were Americans.

To answer my friends question on how she should dress for the evening. I have no advice but comfort and respectful. I remember opening nights are mandatory black ties. These days I saw young adults wore their signature blue jeans. Perhaps without their jean wore below their hip is the new dress up.
In that case, May be their parent should take a lesson or tow on “What not to wear”?

It is not about how much you pay for your seat. If you enjoy the performances, you should respect the arts. You do not have to agree with me. As far as I am concern, you can wear your baseball hat and your bathrobe to the opera, may be accessorize with a Studded black leather belt will not bother me at all.

I may be on the conservative side that has nothing to do with my opinion on dressing up, have you seen my collection of pocket squares and bowties?

Do you dress up for an evening of high arts?