Over Dressed or Under Dressed? Update: Picture

loveislouder

A girlfriend of mine and I are going to a musical this week, and we have zero idea what to wear.  So my question is, would you rather be over dressed or under dressed for a function?

Thanks ladies (and gents)!

http://www.laura.ca/15537-Mesh-Striped-Fit-And-Flare-Dress.aspx  <-- This is what I'm thinking of wearing. Yay or nay?  She looks better in it than I do but meh, FI said I look "frikken awesome!"

holyguacamole79

Which musical?  If you're going to "Phantom of the Opera", I'd err on the side of overdressed.  I wouldn't be as concerned if you were going to "Rent".

Personally, I love getting dressed up for the theater, regardless of the performance!

sarawifenow

I would always be overdressed. It is easier to remove aspects to "dress down" than it is to "dress up". For example, if I am wearing a cocktail dress with a shawl and an updo and am overdressed, I can remove the shawl and let my hair down for a more casual look.

mschristie123

I usually over-dress to go to theatre/musicals! It's so nice to have a classy event to get dolled up for!

theartistformerlyknownas

I'd always rather be overdressed. 

erinlin25

what time is the show? I typically "dress up" for a show, but nothing too formal. I usually wear "business casual." For Saturday matinee shows I will wear a skirt or slacks with a nice top and either sandals or cute flats. For a dinner show I would wear a skirt or a casual dress. But I like "dressing up" so take advantage of any time I can get away with wearing something nicer. You will see a lot of variety either way. I personally would rather be slightly overdressed. I never wear jeans to a show, but I have seen it. what show are you going to see? I love musicals

novella1186

My sister taught me this trick years ago: when you don't know what to wear or how fancy to get, just go with dark jeans, a cute pair of high heels, a plain t-shirt, and a fancy necklace. If other people are super casual then you'll still fit in. If people are dressed up you'll be ok with the heels and necklace. It's a good happy medium. That one never fails me. 

In answer to your question, a little bit under dressed is better IMO but not to the extent that it would offend people (like wearing jeans to a black tie event). 

PineapplePopsicles

loveislouder said:

A girlfriend of mine and I are going to a musical this week, and we have zero idea what to wear.  So my question is, would you rather be over dressed or under dressed for a function?

Thanks ladies (and gents)!

OHH< I can help with this!  What musical?  Where?

daria24

Where is the theater? Are you going at night (especially Friday or Saturday) or to a matinee? In NYC, anything seems to go these days, but if you have prime orchestra seats on a Friday or Saturday you see people dressed nicer. Up on the second floor it's a mix of people dressed up (not quite as fancy as cocktail attire, but nice dresses and suits) and tourists who are wearing khakis or jeans. Personally I always dress up a little bit, in the summer a nice sundress. In the winter a sweater dress & tights.

buttercup1958

I always like being more dressed up than dress down. I think what you should do is pick out a dress that could be either formal or casual. That way you can bring formal accessories or casual ones without having to worry about it too much!

clarke10

I always prefer to be over-dressed than under-dressed. I would go with a nice cocktail dress that isn't TOO dressy.

loveislouder

We're going to Wicked, and it starts at 8 PM.

buttercup1958

Ohhh!! I love Wicked! You can wear a cocktail dress with some casual funky pieces and you would be good. First time I saw it, I cried.

holyguacamole79

buttercup1958 said:

Ohhh!! I love Wicked! You can wear a cocktail dress with some casual funky pieces and you would be good. First time I saw it, I cried.

I've cried the last 3 times I saw it! 

And I agree with buttercup - last time I saw it was an evening performance.  I wore my LBD, my blue wedding shoes, and some sparkly blue jewelry.  Bonus points if you wear anything that's green or powder pink. 

slothiegal

loveislouder said:

We're going to Wicked, and it starts at 8 PM.

 SIB

LUCKY.  I've been wanting to go for years.

Anyways, I always err on the side of overdressed.  If I'm going to make a fashion faux pas, I'd rather have people thinking that I look too nice.

PineapplePopsicles

I LOVE WiCKED!  

wandajune6

I love the show! Enjoy!

A cute cocktail dress is always appropriate for these things.

climbingsingle

I'd always rather be overdressed. 

theartistformerlyknownas

I think that dress would be perfect. You can "fun it up" with some colored heels and chunky jewelry, if you like.

alpacalunch

loveislouder said:

We're going to Wicked, and it starts at 8 PM.

I'm so jealous! It's coming near us in a few weeks, and I am more than willing to pawn the tv for tickets!

I'd always rather be over-dressed, than under-dressed. Plus, if you go somewhere nice for post-show drinks, you fit right in!

RebeccaFlower

You'll be shocked at what people wear. Ratty jeans and hoodies to like prom dresses, so you'll be fine in a cute dress.

daria24

You won't be over dressed in that dress. Just right

holyguacamole79

I can't get the link to work to see the dress

loveislouder

@sarahbear31 Try this one: http://www.laura.ca/15537-Mesh-Striped-Fit-And-Flare-Dress.aspx

holyguacamole79

Very cute! Go defy gravity!

loveislouder

Apparently it was tonight! And it was Oz-mazing! (See what I did there? A little lame humor). We looked great, and despite our tickets saying 4th row, we were actually front row centre and I can't sleep because I'm so excited!

lovesclimbing

Over-dressed, definitely.

sarahufl

Wicked is an all-time fave!

And yes, that dress was totally appropriate.

smalfrie19

buttercup1958 said:

Ohhh!! I love Wicked! You can wear a cocktail dress with some casual funky pieces and you would be good. First time I saw it, I cried.

I am just glad I am not the only person who cried seeing Wicked. I am SOOO excited FI and I will be Beauty and  the Beast when we get back from our Hmoon and then Phantom in May! I also have tickets for Mamma Mia, but I am taking a friend.