Dress code at Teatro La Fenice in Venice.

My "casual" would not do, but from what I have seen, a jacket for men and a dress with a wrap or scarf would work for women. I dress up slacks and a top with a wrap and some dressier sandals, and that seems fine. All are pieces I wear at other times, too.

We always bring a lightweight sportcoat for my husband and I always bring at least one dress of the comfortable dress up / dress down type. We get a fair amount of wear out of these "dressy" garments in Europe just going to dinner in the evenings. I feel safer with hubby in a sportcoat because it's more similar to what the locals wear in the evenings, thus not standing out as an American from a mile away. A tie takes up zero space in suitcase so you might as well include it.

(We dressed this way to visit the White House some years ago and it was really fun because other tourists thought we worked there.)

Yeah, I packed a sport coat and tie for the visit to La Fenice, but not absolutely necessary. Smart casual, (no jeans) works.

We were at La Fenice last year at about this time, when it was very hot. My husband wore a sport jacket and nice pants and shirt, but no tie. I wore a dress with a wrap and sandals, and that seemed fine. We've been to many opera houses in Europe, and he wears something similar. I often bring black pants and a black top, with a more colorful light jacket and scarf. The biggest problem for me is that the shoes I'd probably wear to the opera aren't ones I'd use much on a trip, and I don't want to bring a pair that will be used only once. The sandals last year were fine, but we will be at La Scala toward the end of September, and it might be too cool or rainy. I'll probably bring black flats which would do, even with a dress, and can be worn with the pants and chinos I'm bringing, although I'd never wear them if I were going to the Met! While we've seen people at performances in Italy who are very dressed up, most of the audience isn't in formal wear--but we've never been to an opening, and I know that's quite different at both La Fenice and La Scala. For a normal performance, I'd think something a little more than casual would do--perhaps what would be appropriate for business, but not necessarily a tie. Although as someone pointed out, it doesn't take up much room. Don't pass up the chance to go because of packing issues! Basic black and a scarf take you anywhere. And the renovated house is a little jewel box--just gorgeous. I hope to have the chance to return at some point.