La Scala Dress Code

We have thought of shipping a jacket home after we go to the opera. Milan is the first place we visit in Italy, so not taking a jacket and buying one there just doesn't make any sense. And I don't want to waste my time going shopping for a jacket once I'm there. Too many other things to see.

La Scala has a recommended dress code on their website. Tuxes (or at least black suits and ties) for premiers, jacket and tie for regular events.
http://www.teatroallascala.org/en/you-and-lascala/audience/house-rules.html
They don't say anything about Hugo Boss. I tucked a (relatively) wrinkle-free sport jacket and tie in the roller board and felt comfortable at the opera and ready for any occasion if we wanted to "dress up" for dinner. We weren't fooling anybody, Locals will be in the latest cool styles (fashion is BIG business in Milan). But at least we didn't feel like bums when ordering our drinks for the intermission.

Suggest you look at TravelSmith. I've bought very nice, wrinkle-free business clothes from them that survive trips to Europe and still look good at the end of the trip. When I've combined business and pleasure travel, I simply ship the business clothes home when I'm done with that part of the trip.

Shoes can be the biggest challenge, since they're bulky and heavy. I've gone to the opera in Paris and other cities wearing my black walking shoes, with dressy pants and top, and no one has seemed too offended.

If you are traveling in July, major clothing sales in Italy.

My dad has been happy with his packable blazer from Travel Smith, which he uses for just such occasions and does travel fine in a carry-on roller bag. Since you have it along, you can wear it to a couple of other dinners during your trip, perhaps without tie. Ladies have lots of tricks available to them, such as comfortable shoes or sandals that have some sparkle.

Thank you Laura. That sounds like a great idea!!

Maybe even wear your sport coat on the plane, depending on what else you're wearing?

That's a good idea too.

We ordered a black microfiber sports jacket from Travel Smith. Hope it all works out okay.

Just a question for future reference -- is there formal wear rental available in Milan? I've been told it's done in Germany and Austria. Might be an answer.

At La Scala the dress code is the same as the one debated below about the dress code in the Italian public toilets:

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/question-re-proper-clothing-shoes-for-italy-s-public-toilets

For rental of formal attire for Italian public toilets in Milan, try here (near the Central Station):

http://www.centronoleggioabiti.it/

I should know better, but i'm a sucker for being drawn into the same argument time and time again.

1. I believe in absolutes 2...mother always told me you can't overdress, but you can underdress
2. I see my self as a guest when traveling
3. I at least attempt to show my hosts respect and make extra effort to prevent the opposite
4. If all else fails thanks to the internet you can see high quality photos of most venues and you can determine the norm on your own: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6c/La_Scala_interior.jpg or this from the opera house in Toronto: http://torontosavvy.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/opera1.jpg (hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm)

We go to a opera house or the equivalent in Europe two or three times a year. I carry an Orvis Blue Travel Blazer which with dark grey slacks and a tie seems to be at the low end of the median attire except for special events and openings. I am going to New Year's Eve gala this year and for that I need to bring a dinner jacket, black tie, etc.

@Roberto, thanks so much for resurrecting James' tirade on toilet and camping attire from the summer.

It helps me remember to chill out from time to time...

We went to La Scala and loved it! We had good seats, the performance was wonderful! We also did the backstage tour the morning of the performance. Outstanding! Now about the dress code. My husband got a jacket from Travel Smith and wore it, with a tie of course, to La Scala. However, several men were at the performance without a jacket or tie. It was stated on the website as a requirement. However, I think when performances are not sold out, then last minute ticket buyers are allowed in without jacket and tie, however, it's recommended. We saw the ballet of Don Quixote, not one of the more popular ballets. My guess is that if we had been at La Scala one month later for Romeo and Juliet, or if it had been Swan Lake, I bet the performances would be sold out and men would all be in ties and jackets. I will say that being in Italy for a month, riding the trains, never having occasion to wear the jacket again, it was kind of a pain to bring it along.