Silhouettes To Wear To The Ballet, Opera, and Theatre

Image Credit: Azazie

Ball gown /Bouffant

The bouffant dress typically has a full skirt. It first gained popularity in the mid 1800’s. And experienced a resurgence in popularity once again in the 1930s, 1940s, and later in the 980’s. If the style looks familiar, it’s because Christian Dior’s first collection featured bouffant styles: the designer’s iconic “bar” suit consisting of curvy and dramatic bouffant skirts with matching jacket/blazer tops. Usually worn to formal or semi-formal occasions, a bouffant dress could be a great option to attend a special or fancy occasion. A a bouffant-style skirt is typical of a ball gown along with a low décolletage.

Trumpet

What says opera more than a dress that shares the same name as an operatic instrument? Also, perfect for a drama production, the trumpet dress has dramatic flair at the bottom. Quite similar to the mermaid dress, it differs from the mermaid dress because of where the dress actually flairs our. A mermaid dress flairs below the knee while a trumpet dress flairs mid-thigh. Pair with long opal white opera gloves for the full effect.

Bubble/Balloon

The fabric at the bottom of these types of dresses gather for a bubble or balloon effect. Bubble/balloon dresses often reach one’s mid-thigh. The bubble/balloon dress is a great dress to experiment with. Bubble/ balloon dresses can convey high-fashion, yet still be a playful option. The dress is an archival Christian Dior silhouette.

Empire

Pronounced EM-PEE-AIR, the empire silhouette is characterized by a high waist-line. The name evokes royal themes which is quite relevant given the number of royal characters that show up as subjects in many opera, theatre and ballet performances. Maria Stuarda, Atys, and Roberto Devereux, just to name a few, are all operas that come to mind.

Bell

The belle-shaped dress has long been a staple in ballet. It’s been spotted in beloved ballets like Coppélia, Don Quixote and the Nutcracker. Romantic tutus are belle shaped. For a more modern spin on this classic style, you might want to ditch the tulle petticoat, unless that’s your vibe of course! The belle-shaped dress has appeared in numerous and instantly conveys high-fashion.

Charleston

The Charleston is also known as a flapper dress. It’s most associated with the 1920’s and the Jazz Age. A number of the most beloved theatre productions like the Great Gatsby or Chicago the Musical have had their characters shimmering in Charleston dresses. The dress is an immediately sultry option.